Sneaker culture has grown dramatically in recent years. The sneaker resale business in the United States is currently worth $2 billion, with forecasts that it could grow to $30 billion by 2030. This has led some to regard sneakers as an alternative asset class, similar to art, real estate, and hedge funds.
If you think $500 for a pair of sneakers is excessive, wait till you see our list of most expensive sneakers in the world. In this post, we will look at the top ten most expensive sneakers ever sold, which range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Let’s plunge in!
- 10. Nike MAG “Back to the Future 2”: $63,973
- 9. Drake’s Air Jordan 12 OVO: $100,000
- 8. Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $104,765
- 7. 100mm Buscemi Diamond: $132,000
- 6. Converse Fast Breaks Worn by Michael Jordan in 1984: $190,000
- 5. Air Jordan 1 Retro Charlotte Hornets Foundation: $250,000
- 4. Air Jordan Retro Kobe Pack (Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 8): $800,000
- 3. Nike Airship Worn by Michael Jordan: $1.47 Million
- 2. Kanye West Prototype of Nike Air Yeezy 1: $1.8 Million
- 1. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans: $2 Million
Top 10 Most Expensive Sneakers in the World 2024
10. Nike MAG “Back to the Future 2”: $63,973
- Price: $63,973
- Net Worth: High value due to iconic status
- Created By: Nike
- Material: Leather, rubber, self-lacing technology
- Notable Feature: Worn by Marty McFly in “Back to the Future 2”
At number ten is the Nike MAG, which Marty McFly initially wore in “Back to the Future 2.”. The futuristic self-lacing technology attracted the attention of the 1980s audience. These sneakers, first released in 2011 and then again in 2016, went for $63,973 because of their cult following and iconic reputation.
We kick off our list with the iconic Nike Air Mags, made famous by Michael J. Fox’s character Marty McFly in the 1985 classic, Back to the Future Part II. This exact replica features an electroluminescent sole, a 30,000-hour rechargeable battery, and self-tying laces. The first pair of the batch was auctioned off for Parkinson’s disease charity and sold for a whopping $63,973 to British rapper Tinie Tempah.
9. Drake’s Air Jordan 12 OVO: $100,000
- Price: $100,000
- Net Worth: High due to celebrity association
- Created By: Air Jordan (Nike) and Drake
- Material: Leather, white and gold colorway
- Notable Feature: Used during Drake’s Summer Sixteen tour
The Air Jordan 12 OVO, which comes in white and gold, is next on our list. Drake wore these sneakers on his Summer Sixteen tour, which also featured Future, Young Thug, and Kanye West. Originally priced at $225, a pair sold for $100,000. The shoes, given away during a 2014 Toronto Raptors game, were not signed by Drake or Jordan, but their rarity made them worth six figures.
Sometimes, it’s the story behind a shoe combined with the quality that escalates the value. This is certainly the case with the number 6 pair on our list. Canadian rapper Drake is one of the most fashion-forward figures in today’s hip-hop industry, and when he signed on with the Air Jordan brand, he was presented with a special pair of Air Jordan 12s. He ended up gifting them to a woman at a Toronto Raptors game, who then sold them for an amazing $100,000!
8. Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $104,765
- Price: $104,765
- Net Worth: High due to historical significance
- Created By: Nike
- Material: Leather, black and red colorway
- Notable Feature: Worn by Michael Jordan during the 1997 NBA Finals’ “Flu Game”
The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” comes next. Michael Jordan famously wore these size 13 sneakers for Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, while suffering from a severe flu. Jordan signed the sneakers, which sold for $104,765. Preston Truman, a former Jazz ball boy, obtained these sneakers directly from Jordan, increasing their historical significance. Do you know what is most expensive chain in the world?
7. 100mm Buscemi Diamond: $132,000
- Price: $132,000
- Net Worth: High due to luxury materials
- Created By: John Buscemi
- Material: Leather, 11.5 carats of diamonds, 175 grams of 18-carat gold
- Notable Feature: Designed as part of an art project
The 100mm Buscemi Diamond sneakers are a true premium item. These white sneakers, adorned with 11.5 carats of diamonds and crafted from 175 grams of 18-carat gold, are the result of John Buscemi’s art project. These sneakers, inspired by premium purses and made in 20 hours, cost $132,000.
6. Converse Fast Breaks Worn by Michael Jordan in 1984: $190,000
- Price: $190,000
- Net Worth: High due to historical value
- Created By: Converse
- Material: Leather
- Notable Feature: Worn and signed by Michael Jordan during the 1984 Olympics
Before joining Nike, Michael Jordan competed in the 1984 Olympics wearing Converse Fast Break sneakers. Jordan’s autographed sneakers were auctioned for $190,000. They are the last pair Jordan wore as an amateur, making them an important part of shoe history.
5. Air Jordan 1 Retro Charlotte Hornets Foundation: $250,000
- Price: $250,000
- Net Worth: High due to exclusivity and charity
- Created By: Nike (Air Jordan)
- Material: Leather, black and white colorways
- Notable Feature: Released to celebrate Michael Jordan’s birthday and the 2019 NBA All-Star events
Michael Jordan designed the Air Jordan 1 Retro Charlotte Hornets Foundation sneakers, which were introduced to mark his 56th birthday and the 2019 NBA All-Star festivities. With only 300 pairs produced and 65 auctioned, these sneakers sold for $250,000. The revenues went to the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, increasing their worth.
4. Air Jordan Retro Kobe Pack (Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 8): $800,000
- Price: $800,000
- Net Worth: High due to commemorative significance
- Created By: Nike (Air Jordan)
- Material: Leather, gold and purple accents
- Notable Feature: Designed to honor Kobe Bryant’s 20 years in the NBA
The Air Jordan Retro Kobe Pack features both the Air Jordan 3 and the Air Jordan 8, both of which are designed in Los Angeles Lakers colors. These sneakers, released to commemorate Kobe Bryant’s 20-year NBA career, sold for $800,000. The pack represents Jordan’s tremendous admiration for Bryant, making it highly collectible.
3. Nike Airship Worn by Michael Jordan: $1.47 Million
- Price: $1.47 Million
- Net Worth: Extremely high due to historical significance
- Created By: Nike
- Material: Leather
- Notable Feature: Worn by Michael Jordan during his NBA debut in 1984
The Nike Airship, worn by Michael Jordan for his 1984 NBA debut, is the most expensive Jordan sneaker ever sold. A collector paid $1.47 million for these at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. The Airship was Jordan’s debut Nike shoe, making it a historical artifact.
2. Kanye West Prototype of Nike Air Yeezy 1: $1.8 Million
- Price: $1.8 Million
- Net Worth: Extremely high due to celebrity endorsement and rarity
- Created By: Nike and Kanye West
- Material: Leather, suede
- Notable Feature: Worn by Kanye West at the 2008 Grammy Awards; considered an unofficial launch
The Nike Air Yeezy 1 prototype, which Kanye West designed and wore to the 2008 Grammy Awards, is the second most expensive shoe ever sold. This prototype, which sold for $1.8 million at a Sotheby’s auction, signifies an unofficial launch and is an important piece of sneaker history.
1. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans: $2 Million
- Price: $2 Million
- Net Worth: Highest value due to the luxury material
- Created By: Matthew Senna for OVO x Air Jordan
- Material: 24 carat solid gold
- Notable Feature: Each shoe weighs over 50 pounds; more of a display piece than a wearable item
The Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans take the top spot. These $2 million sneakers are composed of solid gold and designed by Matthew Senna. Each shoe weighs more than fifty pounds and contains 24 carats of gold. They are more of a collectible than a wearable item, showcasing Drake’s extravagant style. These sneakers is most expensive sneakers Jorden?
Have you enjoyed our list? Would you spend thousands of dollars on sneakers if money did not matter? Share your opinion on the comments.
Most Expensive Sneakers Brands in 2024
Here’s a detailed table of some of the most expensive sneaker brands and their notable models in 2024:
| Rank | Brand | Model | Resale Price (USD) | Retail Price (USD) | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nike | Moon Shoe | $437,500 | N/A | N/A |
| 2 | Nike | Air Jordan 1 (Signed) | $560,000 | N/A | N/A |
| 3 | Nike | Air Jordan 17 ‘Lightning’ | $490 | $300 | 5/30/2024 |
| 4 | Nike | Air Max 1 PE ‘University of Oregon’ | $484 | $220 | 3/26/2024 |
| 5 | New Balance | Salehe Bembury x New Balance 1906R ‘Heat Be Hot Lava’ | $536 | $170 | 1/11/2024 |
| 6 | Nike | CPFM x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘Fuchsia’ | $474 | $150 | 5/1/2024 |
| 7 | Reebok | Pumps (Signed by Shaquille O’Neal) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | Adidas | FC Bayern Munich Collaboration | N/A | N/A | N/A |
These sneakers are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, making them some of the most valuable on the market.
Is there a specific brand or model you’re particularly interested in?
FAQ’s
What’s the most expensive sneakers ever sold?
The most expensive sneaker ever sold is the Nike Air Jordan 13 worn by Michael Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals, also known as “The Last Dance.” These sneakers sold for a record $2.2 million
What’s the number 1 most expensive sneakers?
The most expensive shoes in the world are the Moon Star Shoes by Antonio Vietri, valued at $19.9 million. These shoes are made from solid gold and decorated with 30 carats of diamonds.
What are most expensive Nikes?
The most expensive Nikes include the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes worn by Kanye West, which sold for $1.8 million3. Other notable mentions are the Nike Air Ship ($1.47 million) and the Nike “Moon Shoe” ($437,500).
What is the most expensive Yeezy?
The most expensive Yeezy is the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype worn by Kanye West at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, which sold for $1.8 million.
What’s the most expensive sneakers?
The most expensive sneakers overall are the Nike Air Jordan 13 from “The Last Dance,” sold for $2.2 million1. Other high-value sneakers include the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes and the Moon Star Shoes.