The 23 Most Expensive Sneakers Ever Sold: Rare Kicks That Define Sneaker Culture

What was initially designed to provide protection and comfort for our feet has now become a symbol of social status.

Just a few years back, women and men alike spent thousands on luxury handbags that used to signify status among the wealthy. But today, status symbols have changed.

Shoes have now replaced handbags as the new “it” accessory. According to data released by market research company The NPD Group in 2019, consumers are spending more on shoes than on expensive handbags.

StockX, one of the leading resale platforms for rare and limited-edition sneakers, showcases popular models like the Nike Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 4 on its app interface (Credit: T. Schneider / Shutterstock)

For the sneakerheads, there’s nothing more exciting than shopping for new pairs of kicks, not to mention scoring the hottest and rarest shoes on the market.

While sneakers typically cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, others are priced way more than a car at Goat and StockX. Keep in mind that resale prices on these platforms fluctuate constantly, influenced by demand, rarity, and cultural moments. We recommend checking Goat and StockX directly to see the most up-to-date market values and historic sale figures.

With sneaker companies releasing updated classics and limited editions in collaboration with high-profile artists, celebrities, and other popular brands, prices for exclusive pairs can skyrocket, especially on the secondary market.

If you’re curious—or ready to add another pair to your sneaker collection—explore the 23 most expensive sneakers in the world below.

23. Nike Air Foamposite One “Sole Collector” — $6,000

Everyone thought the Nike Air Foamposite would ruin the footwear industry when it first dropped in 1997. Using plastic-based materials instead of leather and rubber, the technology was unique compared to traditional footwear designs of that time.

Released in only one colorway, the Air Foamposite One was inspired by a beetle—not the Volkswagen, but the actual bug. The logo-less shoe features a synthetic, seamless upper crafted from a liquidized foam material that’s then poured into molds.

The Nike Air Foamposite One, first released in 1997, struggled with sales due to its futuristic design and $180 price tag, but later became one of the most iconic and valuable sneakers on the resale market

While many thought the sneaker was designed for Penny Hardaway, the shoe’s designer, Eric Avar, revealed that the Air Foamposite One was designed with Scottie Pippen in mind.

While meeting with Penny to discuss the Nike Air Penny III, Eric brought an early sample of the Foamposite.

He wasn’t sure about showing it to him, but Penny saw it in his bag. Eric said: “He leaned over, looked into the bag, and said, ‘What is that?’ He reached in, grabbed it, and he says, ‘This is my next shoe.’”

The Air Foamposite didn’t sell as many units when it was first released due to its futuristic design and hefty price tag. It retailed for $180, which was steep for the mass market in the 1990s.

Its popularity among basketball players, however, increased its sales. Today, the Air Foamposite One is being sold for $6,000, which is actually cheap compared to the rest of the shoes on this list.

22. Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October” — $8,000

Before partnering with Adidas, Kanye West debuted his Air Yeezy line with Nike in 2009. But even before the Nike Yeezy 2 was made available to the public, the rapper was no longer on good terms with the footwear giant.

The Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October,” Kanye West’s final collaboration with Nike before moving to Adidas, became an instant legend after its surprise 2014 release and remains one of the most sought-after sneakers on the resale market

The Nike Yeezy 2 “Red October” was a surprise release when Nike exclusively dropped it on their website in 2014. Although there was no advance notice, the Red October sold out on the very same day it was released.

Only 200 pairs were produced, and each originally retailed for $245. Nike and Kanye never rereleased them, and they are now being sold for about $8,000 on the secondary market.

21. Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 High — $8,000

The Vlone Air Force 1 is a collaboration between Nike and Vlone, A$AP Rocky, and A$AP Bari’s streetwear label. It debuted during Paris Fashion Week and only 20 pairs were made, which were reportedly raffled off at Nike Paris in June 2017.

The Vlone x Nike Air Force 1 High, featuring bold orange Swooshes and “Every Living Creature Dies Alone” detailing, was released in an ultra-limited run of just 20 pairs, making it one of the rarest AF1 collaborations ever produced

While many wanted a wider release, Nike immediately severed its ties with the brand a month later, following sexual assault allegations against A$AP Bari.

If you happen to come across a pair of the Vlone AF1s, they can hover around $8,000.

20. Chanel x Pharrell x Adidas NMD Hu — $10,000–$12,500

Chanel and Pharrell’s partnership with Adidas is one of the most expensive collaborations in the market.

Only 500 pairs of the Chanel x Pharrell x Adidas NMD Hu were released to the public in 2017, and they were made available via a random draw.

The Chanel x Pharrell x Adidas NMD Hu, released in 2017 with just 500 pairs, combines minimalist black-and-white design with bold branding, making it one of the rarest NMD collaborations and valued at over $10,000 on the resale market

The resale value went up to $32,000 after 120,000 people pre-registered on chanelatcolette.fr for the chance to purchase one of the 500 pairs. It’s almost 30 times the original retail price of about $1,160.

If you’re lucky enough to find a pair of these shoes, they could set you back over $10,000.

19. Nike SB Dunk Low “London” — $14,000

Exclusively released during the White Dunk: Evolution of an Icon event in London in the early 2000s, the SB Dunk Low London features an embroidery of the 200-mile-long River Thames on the side heels and a contrasting gray suede upper that represents the city’s dark weather.

The Nike SB Dunk Low London pays tribute to the city’s moody skies and urban grit, with gray suede panels and a River Thames embroidery detail symbolizing London’s darker weather and rich street culture

Only 202 pairs were made and offered for $65. Today, the London SB Dunk can go for as much as $14,000.

18. Nike SB Dunk Low “NYC Pigeon” — $16,000

The NYC Pigeon caused quite a stir when it was released in 2005. Due to its limited numbers, an eager crowd of sneakerheads immediately gathered outside Jeff Staple’s Reed Space shop in the Lower East Side.

They caused a scene, and the situation escalated to the point where police had to intervene to maintain order.

The Nike SB Dunk Low “NYC Pigeon,” designed by Jeff Staple in 2005, features a gray colorway with a stitched pigeon logo on the heel—an iconic design that sparked sneaker riots in New York and cemented its place as one of the rarest SB Dunks ever released

With only 150 pairs released worldwide, they are considered one of the rarest models of the Dunk SB line. And although Jeff released other pigeon-themed SBs, sneakerheads still prefer to get their hands on the original.

Inspired by pigeons in New York, these sneakers feature a stitched pigeon logo on the side heel and a gray pigeon-like colorway with a hint of orange on the outsole and insole.

The Pigeon was originally sold for $200, but 15 years later, they are now worth $16,000 on the secondhand market. A signed version of these sneakers was auctioned off at Sotheby’s for $25,200.

17. Undefeated x Air Jordan 4 — $15,000–$20,000

Undefeated was the first sneaker boutique to collaborate exclusively with Jordan Brand. This resulted in the Air Jordan 4, which debuted in 2005.

Designed after the MA-1 fighter pilot flight jacket, the military-looking shoe features an olive nubuck upper with black and orange accents.

The Air Jordan 4 “Undefeated,” inspired by the MA-1 fighter pilot jacket, features an olive nubuck upper with black and orange accents—an ultra-rare 2005 collaboration limited to just 72 pairs

This collaboration was limited to 72 pairs and released via an online auction and in-store raffle. The remaining pairs were later distributed to friends and family. Given its rarity, the Air Jordan 4 Retro Undefeated has sold for $15,000 to $20,000 on the resale market.

16. Air Jordan 12 Retro OVO “White” — $20,000

First released in 2014, the Air Jordan 12 OVO is a collaboration between the Jordan Brand and rapper Drake’s clothing label, October’s Very Own, hence the name.

The Air Jordan 12 Retro OVO White, a collaboration between Drake’s October’s Very Own label and Jordan Brand, features a premium white leather upper with stingray overlays and gold detailing, making it one of the most coveted OVO releases

Two years later, in 2016, Drake and the Jordan Brand once again teamed up to release a white/gold retro colorway of the Air Jordan 12 OVO, which retailed for $225.

It has a clean white leather upper with stingray leather on the mudguard, gold accents, and the OVO logo on the translucent sole.

It isn’t easy to find this limited-edition release, as they were produced as gifts for Drake and his group. One lucky fan, however, received a pair from Drake himself at a Toronto Raptors game. Later, the said fan managed to sell his kicks for $20,000

15. Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low “Yellow Lobster” — $25,000

Due to a rare genetic mutation, finding a yellow lobster is estimated to be one in 40 million. This was the concept of the Nike SB Dunk Low Yellow Lobster.

The Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low “Yellow Lobster,” one of the rarest sneaker collaborations ever, was limited to just 34 pairs—making it as rare as the crustacean that inspired its speckled yellow design

Only 34 pairs of these yellow sneakers were produced, and they never reached retail. Instead, they were given to friends and family.

Considered a collector’s item, this rare sneaker can fetch up to $25,000 or more on the secondary market.

14. Macklemore x Air Jordan 6 “Cactus” — $25,000

The year 2014 was undoubtedly one of the best years for rapper Macklemore. Aside from winning the Grammy for Best Rap Album for The Heist, he also scored a collaboration with Air Jordan.

The partnership resulted in one of the most expensive Air Jordans—the Macklemore x Air Jordan 6.

The Air Jordan 6 “Cactus,” created exclusively for rapper Macklemore in 2014, features a striking green suede upper and remains one of the rarest Jordan collaborations, with only 23 pairs ever produced

Only a total of 23 pairs were created, which consisted of 11 pairs of Cactus or green suede and 12 pairs of Clay or red suede colorways. These very limited pairs were given exclusively to friends and family.

The Macklemore x Air Jordan 6 Cactus is so rare that if you ever find it on the resale market, it could cost you $25,000.

13. DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 3 “Grateful” — $25,000

The Air Jordan 3 Grateful was released as part of a promotional campaign for DJ Khaled’s album of the same name in 2017.

A limited number of pairs were given away to random people who pre-ordered his album. The rest? They were given to DJ Khaled’s friends and family.

The Air Jordan 3 “Grateful,” designed in collaboration with DJ Khaled, was released in 2017 as part of a promo for his album

The Air Jordan 3 Grateful comes in a university red, black, and cement gray colorway with classic elephant print detailing. DJ Khaled’s trademark catchphrase, We the Best, is placed in black lettering on the heels just behind the white Jumpman logo.

A few months after its release, the Grateful 3s were already selling on the secondary market for $25,000.

12. Nike SB Dunk Low “Paris” — $25,000

Like the SB Dunk Low London, the Dunk Low Pro SB Paris was made for the White Dunk traveling art exhibition.

Paying homage to its host city, Paris, the shoe features a canvas overlay of art by French painter Bernard Buffet. It also has a tan suede base and a cardinal red logo swoosh.

The Nike SB Dunk Low “Paris,” released in 2002 for the White Dunk art exhibition, features panels decorated with artwork by French painter Bernard Buffet

Only 202 pairs of these kicks were produced. They were supposed to be raffled off at the Paris stop of the tour, but due to the high volume of people who wanted to get their hands on a pair, the raffle was canceled.

The Dunk SB Low Paris was instead sold at select stores in the city, including Opium and Colette. While London is fetching $14,000 on the secondhand market, Paris goes for over $25,000.

11. Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4 — $30,000

Since partnering with the footwear giant in 2003, Eminem has already assembled his own collection of Nike collaborations, which include a variety of silhouettes—from Air Max to Air Jordan to Air Force 1.

The Eminem x Carhartt x Air Jordan 4, created in 2015 to celebrate Shady Records’ 15th anniversary, features a black twill upper, chrome lace tabs, and exclusive branding

But of all his collaborations with Nike, the most coveted is the Air Jordan 4, which was released in 1989 and created in partnership with the US-based apparel company Carhartt.

Designed to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Detroit rapper’s Shady Records, the Jordan 4s feature a black twill upper with chrome lace tabs, Eminem’s backward E logo, and a Jason Voorhees mask on the heel panels.

This silhouette was produced exclusively for Eminem’s select friends and family, while another 10 pairs were auctioned off for charity on eBay.

10. Kanye West x Louis Vuitton “Jasper” — $30,900

Expect things to be costly when they’re from Louis Vuitton and Kanye West. Take, for example, the Jasper sneakers.

Aside from being part of the expensive collaboration between the hip-hop mogul and the French luxury fashion house, the Jasper features a premium suede and leather upper, along with a 24K gold shoelace ring.

The Kanye West x Louis Vuitton “Jasper,” released in 2009, features premium suede construction with padded straps and a bold pink sole

This luxurious take on high-top sneakers is believed to be named after Kanye’s personal barber, Ibn Jasper.

Originally priced at $1,140, the Jasper was released as a limited edition in 2009. A decade later, the Jasper still sells for thousands of dollars. You can get them for $30,900 at Farfetch.

9. Nike Air Mag “Back to the Future” (2016) — $35,000

In 1988, Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield was tasked with designing a shoe for the Back to the Future II movie, set in the then-futuristic year of 2015.

The Nike Air Mag, originally designed for the 1989 film “Back to the Future Part II,” became reality with limited releases in 2011 and 2016

Two decades later, Nike brought the movie prop to life with the release of the Nike Air Mag, a limited-edition replica of the shoe featured in the sci-fi film.

Only 1,500 pairs were produced and auctioned off on eBay in 2011, with the proceeds donated to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Online sales ranged between $2,300 and $9,959. Ten additional pairs were sold exclusively by Nike at live auctions worldwide.

On October 21, 2015, the exact date Marty McFly visited the future in the 1989 movie, Nike unveiled a new version of the Nike Mag, this time featuring auto-lacing technology, as first seen in the film.

Only 89 pairs were released a year later via a paid raffle on October 4, 2016. This rare shoe has sold for a price of at least $35,000.

8. Air Jordan 11 “Derek Jeter” — $40,000–$51,500

To commemorate his retirement in 2017, New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter teamed up with the Jordan Brand to release a navy velvet Air Jordan 11, featuring his jersey number “2” on each heel.

The Air Jordan 11 “Derek Jeter,” released in 2017 to honor the New York Yankees legend’s retirement, features a navy suede upper with his jersey number “2” stitched on the heel

The Air Jordan 11 Derek Jeter is limited to only five pairs, which were auctioned off at a pop-up shop near Yankee Stadium.

As one of the rarest, if not the rarest, sneakers ever produced, it’s nearly impossible to get them. However, if you do find them on the secondary market, they could cost you between $40,000 and $51,500.

7. Futura x Nike Dunk High Pro SB “FLOM” — $63,000

An acronym for “For the Love of Money,” this Nike Dunk High Pro SB collaboration features different currencies from around the world, designed by graffiti artist Futura.

The Nike Dunk High Pro SB “FLOM” (For Love of Money), designed by graffiti artist Futura in 2005, features global currency prints across its panels

Released in 2005, they’re one of the rarest and most sought-after sneakers ever, with only 24 pairs produced. Each was given to a friend or family member, except for three pairs that were raffled off.

Considered one of the rarest SB Dunks, the FLOM fetched $63,000 via Sotheby’s Cult Canvas auction in September 2020.

6. Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” (Game-Worn) — $104,000

Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals was one of Michael Jordan’s greatest games. Before the match between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, MJ wasn’t feeling well and was diagnosed with a stomach virus or food poisoning.

Despite feeling weak and having flu-like symptoms, Jordan stepped on the court, played 44 minutes, and led the Chicago Bulls to a 3-2 series lead over the Utah Jazz. He finished the game with 38 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block.

The Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game,” worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals despite battling illness, has become one of the most legendary sneakers in basketball history

During the epic game, he wore a pair of black and red Air Jordan 12s, which are now known as the Flu Game shoes.

Preston Truman, a former ball boy for the Utah Jazz, reportedly asked for Michael Jordan’s sneakers before the game started. MJ agreed and signed the kicks for him.

Sixteen years later, in 2013, Preston put up the shoes worn by Michael Jordan for auction, fetching $104,000.

5. Buscemi 100MM “Diamond” — $132,000

Buscemi is an American-based fashion brand known for its luxury, expensive footwear designs. Combining top-quality craftsmanship with premium materials, Buscemi’s shoes are worth every penny.

The Buscemi 100MM Diamond, released in 2016, is crafted from white tumbled leather and elevated with 11.50 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold hardware—retailing at $132,000 as one of the most luxurious sneakers ever made

The brand’s most expensive shoe silhouette yet is perhaps the Buscemi 100MM Diamond sneaker. Released in 2016, this white tumbled leather shoe features 11.50-carat diamonds set in 18-karat gold hardware.

This luxurious high-top sneaker was sold for a whopping $132,000.

4. Converse Fastbreak (Michael Jordan, 1984 Olympics) — $190,373

Another pair of Michael Jordan sneakers made history after fetching $190,000 at an auction in 2017, breaking the previous record set by the game-worn Air Jordan 12 Flu Game, which sold for $104,000 in 2013.

The Converse Fastbreak, worn by Michael Jordan during the 1984 Olympics when he won gold with Team USA, became a historic piece of basketball and sneaker culture

Who would have thought that a pair of Converse could fetch as much? It’s neither rare nor made from quality expensive materials.

Michael Jordan wore the Converse Fastbreak sneakers during his victory at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. They’re believed to be the last shoes that MJ wore when he was still an amateur.

3. 1972 Nike Waffle Racing Flat “Moon Shoe” — $437,500

The Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoes set a world record for the most expensive sneakers sold at an auction at that time. Only 12 pairs were made for runners at the 1972 US Olympic Trials, and fewer than that are believed to exist today.

The 1972 Nike Waffle Racing Flat, also known as the “Moon Shoe,” was handcrafted by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman using a waffle iron for its revolutionary sole, making it one of the rarest sneakers ever. An unworn pair sold at Sotheby’s in 2019 for $437,500

One pair, which was never worn, was sold to Canadian businessman and shoe collector Miles Nadal for a staggering $437,500 at Sotheby’s New York in 2019.

Considered a historical artifact in the history of sports, the Moon Shoe is a handmade running shoe designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman using a waffle iron. It was created by pouring rubber into a mold, resulting in the prototype of the waffle sole traction pattern—Nike’s first innovation as a brand.

2. Air Jordan 1 High OG “Chicago” (1985, Game-Worn) — $560,000

It all started with the Air Jordan 1 High Chicago—the shoe that paved the way for the success of many basketball player shoe collaborations that we see today.

In 1984, Nike introduced Michael Jordan’s signature line of shoes, the Air Jordan, as part of their partnership.

The 1985 Air Jordan 1 High OG “Chicago,” worn and signed by Michael Jordan, is the sneaker that started it all

His agent, David Falk, told the ESPN-Netflix documentary: “When I negotiated the Nike deal, I said to them, ‘you’re a small company, if you want Michael Jordan, he’s got to have his own shoe line.’”

He added that Nike expected to sell $3 million worth of Air Jordans in four years, but they were able to make $126 million in just a year.

The deal that gave rise to the sneaker culture produced the Air Jordan I, considered the most iconic design in both streetwear and basketball history.

Designed by Peter Moore, the Air Jordan I features the Chicago Bulls’ team colors done in full-grain leather material. Aside from the Swoosh logo, it also boasts the original Air Jordan Wings logo on the ankle collar.

Michael Jordan’s game-worn Air Jordan 1s from 1985 fetched $560,000 at an auction by Sotheby’s in May 2020. The shoes are mismatched in size because MJ wore a size 13 on his left foot and 13.5 on his right during his career. They also have Michael Jordan’s signature on the right shoe.

1. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan 10 — $2,000,000

The most expensive sneaker on this list is the $2 million Solid Gold x OVO Air Jordan 10. Drake, a prominent figure in the music industry, tapped mixed-media artist Matthew Senna to design the shoe in 2016.

The Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan 10, created in 2016 by artist Matthew Senna for Drake, is crafted from 24k solid gold and weighs 100 pounds

Literally dipped in 24k solid gold, the shoes are said to weigh a total of 100 pounds (each shoe weighs 50 pounds).

And although covered in gold, they still feature every detail of the original Air Jordan 10—from the sole to the structure to the Jumpman logo on the heels.

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