Often designers/clients call the sample a prototype. Or what I noticed – designers invert the terms – sample is called PROTOTYPE and prototype is called SAMPLE. It seems to be not a big deal but it is for a manufacturer.
What’s the difference? The prototype is a tester. It's a part of the sampling process. Based on a sketch is made the pattern, then is made the prototype - a shoe made from a random piece of leather/fabric used to check that the pattern is done well, if proportions are respected, to test the fit and make modifications if it's needed. It’s important to use the same materials as will be done the final sample, same thickness, same finishes. Color doesn't matter. In this phase is chosen the heel. When the prototype is approved by the designer, it's made the final sample – a pair of shoes made from leathers that the designer initially has chosen. These shoes are ready to be exposed at fairs, presented to retailers and final customers.
dd paragraph text here.