Gold, diamond-studded sneakers that made history on the basketball court are some of the most expensive models in the world. For these exclusive shoes to accumulate exorbitant values, they must have a fantastic history, be super limited edition or have unique customizations.
Find out what are the 25 Most Expensive, Rare and Exclusive Sneakers Found Around the World! From historic Air Jordans to limited partnerships between renowned brands and influential music rappers.
1. Nike Moon Shoe
Value: for US$437.500
O most expensive sneakers in the world it's called the Nike Moon Shoe. It was designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman for the 1972 Olympics. Interestingly, the sole of this shoe was made using a waffle maker to give the famous model of holes. This sneaker was auctioned off to a collector named Miles Nadal in July 2019.
2. Converse worn by Michael Jordan
Value: US$ 190.373
Michael Jordan built an empire through his collaboration with Nike to create the Air Jordans. However, the most expensive shoe associated with the legendary basketball player is actually from the Converse brand. This sneaker was worn by Jordan himself at the 1984 Olympic Games, when the United States won the gold medal for basketball. Their uniqueness lies in their history and the fact that they were signed by the player himself, having been auctioned for over $190 a few decades later.
3. Buscemi 100 MM Diamond
Value: US$ 132.000
Designer Jon Buscemi may not be well known to a wide audience, but he managed to make his name stand out in the media after creating the shoe that became known as the 100 MM Diamond. The model features 18-carat gold accents and is set with 11.5 carats of diamonds in extravagant details that overlap the length of the white shoe. It really is a beautiful shoe for anyone with $132 left in the bank.
4. Air Jordan 12 (Flu Shoes)
Value: US$ 104.000
In fifth position, we find a sneaker that has a lot of history to tell. In 1997, in a basketball game between Chicago and Utah, Michael Jordan had the flu. The player is said to be in pain, dehydrated and exhausted. Despite all this, he participated in the match and scored 37 points for his team. The sneakers used by him were the Air Jordan 12 that were auctioned for an impressive 104 thousand dollars. For a long time, this was the most expensive sneaker in the world!
5. Air Jordan 12 OVO (Drake Edition)
Value: US$ 100.000
OVO Sound is a Canadian record label founded by rapper Drake. Its apparel line, OVO Clothing, has collaborated with several brands since it launched, including Nike's Air Jordan. At a basketball game, Drake gave a pair of the Air Jordan 12 OVO model to a very lucky fan who managed to sell it on eBay for a staggering $100.000.
6. Air Jordan Silver Shoes
Value: US$ 60.000
There are only 10 pairs of this model in the world and one of them is Michael Jordan himself, which he received as a birthday present from his wife. What was auctioned for $60.000 was also signed by the player himself, which justifies the astronomical price.
7. Diamond Encrusted Air Force 1
Value: US$ 50.000
Who remembers OutKast and their hit âHey Ya!â? Rapper Big Boy, member of the legendary pop band, is responsible for giving life to the eighth most expensive sneaker in the world on this list. He took a sneaker that wasn't very rare and set them with champagne diamonds (a type of diamond with a yellowish brown color). The sneakers were auctioned for $50.000 to raise funds for their charity.
8. Air Jordan 11 âJeterâ
Value: US$ 40.000
There are only 5 pairs of this sneaker in the world! It was created in honor of baseball player Derek Jeter's retirement in 2017. The sneakers featured the number 2, present on the Yankees player's jersey, and is now one of the rarest models in the world.
9. Air Jordan 4 Eminem
Value: US$ 32.000
Officially, only 23 pairs of this model were made in 2017. It is a partnership between Air Jordan and the famous American rapper Eminem and its value is approximately 32.000 dollars.
10. Air Jordan 2
Value: US$ 31.000
This was not a very popular model for tennis lovers around the world when it was released. However, a pair of Air Jordan 2s sold on Ebay for an astronomical $31.000.
11. Eminem x Carhartt Air Jordan 4
Value: US$ 30.000
Three legendary collaborations make this pair of sneakers one of the most expensive in the world: the iconic Air Jordan, apparel company Carhartt and American rapper Eminem. This model was created in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Eminem's label, Shady Records, and only 10 models were created for the occasion.
12. DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 3 âGratefulâ
Value: US$ 25.000
One of the greatest DJs and music producers in the pop genre today is undoubtedly DJ Khaled. He created the shoe known as the 'Grateful' Air Jordan 3 as part of a contest when he released his album, Grateful. Only a few participants managed to win the pair of sneakers that were sold for $25.000 on the internet shortly afterwards.
13. Macklemore x Air Jordan 6
Value: US$ 25.000
There are only 23 pairs of these sneakers in the world, which justifies their exorbitant $25.000 price tag. The Macklemore x Air Jordan 6 is a Nike collaboration with American rapper Macklemore, who ironically rose to fame with his music celebrating thrift stores.
14. Air Jordan 10 THIS
Value: US$ 20.000
Yet another collaboration between Air Jordan and Drake's âOctober's Very Ownâ brand known as OVO. This limited edition model was created in 2015 between the rapper and the iconic sneaker brand and is now found at prices close to $20.000.
15. Air Jordan 4 Undefeated
Value: US$ 15.000
A pair of Air Jordan 4 Undefeated sold on eBay for a staggering $15.000. This happened because the owner claimed that the shoe was made using war material, that is, the same materials used to create firearms and other items used by armies around the world.
16. Nike Air Mag Back to the Future
Value: US$ 14.500
The classic movie âBack to the Future 2â (1989) featured a Nike sneaker that had self-lacing technology. Since then, fans of the franchise have imagined the day this sneaker would be created. Nike developed it in 2011 with a run of just 1.500 pairs. In 2016, they released 89 more pairs of the same model. Today, this iconic, futuristic sneaker is found online for prices close to $14.500!
17. Chanel x Pharrell x adidas NMD Hu
Value: US$ 10.000
The collaboration between legendary fashion house Chanel, music producer Pharrell William and Adidas was one of the most celebrated in recent years. Customers who wanted to purchase one of the 500 pairs made of this model of sneakers had to win a raffle and pay the amount of 1.000 dollars. Some lucky customers were able to sell these pairs for up to $10.000 shortly after!
18. Adidas NMD_R1 Friends and Family
Value: US$ 10.000
One of the most exclusive and expensive collections by Adidas is the so-called NMD. The NMD_R1 Friends and Family sneaker model has already been purchased by some collectors for an exorbitant $10.000.
19. Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 High
Value: US$ 8.000
The Hip Hop collective known as ASAP Mob also owns a clothing company called Vlone. They released a sneaker model in collaboration with Nike in 2017 titled the Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 High at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week. Only 500 pairs were made and today one of these models is priced at US$8.000.
20. Nike Yeezy 2 Red October
Value: US$ 7.500
Anyone who knows a little more about the life of singer Kanye West knows that he owns one of the best-known brands today, Yeezy. Today, they have an exclusive contract with Adidas, but some time ago, the rapper collaborated with Nike. The sneaker model called Nike Yeezy 2 Red October is a symbol of the end of this collaboration. Today, a pair of these sneakers can be found for as little as $7.500 (if you can find them for sale).
21. Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Pigeon
Value: US$ 6.250
It's not the prettiest model on this list, but when released in 2005, the Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Pigeon had a print run of just 150 pairs. This sent collectors racing to obtain one of the most exclusive models of the year. Today, you can find it in other colors, but the original can cost up to $6.250.
22. Nike Foamposite One âSole Collectorâ
Value: US$ 6.000
This distinctive sneaker model released by Nike in 1997 has attracted the attention of collectors around the world. Other versions have since been released, but older, original ones can cost up to $6.000 on the internet.
23. Air Jordan III
Value: US$ 4.500
A legendary basketball slam dunk contest took place in 1988 between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkin. Jordan won the tournament wearing pairs of Air Jordan IIIs, which has made the shoe extremely popular ever since. Despite having been re-released over the years, older models can fetch close to $4.500.
24. Nike x MSCHF Air Max 97 Jesus Shoes â âWalk on Waterâ
Value: US$ 4.000
One of the most controversial tennis models of recent years was launched by Nike in 2019. Its name was âJesus shoesâ and it had 60 ml of âholyâ water from the Jordan River in its sole. All pairs made up sold quickly for $1.425. Today, these models are worth around 4.000 dollars when found on the internet.
25. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans (Honorable Mention)
Value: US$ 2.000.000
A shoe that is a true sculpture made of solid 24-carat gold. The owner of this work of art created by the American artist Matthew Senna is the rapper Drake. The value of the sneakers was estimated at 2 million dollars considering the price of gold in 2016, when the article was presented by the singer himself on his Instagram page.
The pair of sneakers weighs around 22 kg and we can imagine that walking with them must be a difficult task. This way, this sneaker is normally not considered the most expensive in the world, but the most expensive tennis sculpture in the world!
