If you’re fascinated by the collision of high fashion and streetwear, then you may know that the sneaker is having a moment. Or perhaps we should say an era. Encrusted with expensive diamonds, made of solid gold, or selling for record-breaking figures at Sotheby’s, the designer sneaker has become a genuine collector’s item, and not only for sneakerheads but for all those interested in the cultural marriage of high art and street style.
A luxury sneaker can be a wise investment, many of those on this list have seen their value soar since their first release. Whether or not they are in mint condition, it is often the story that surrounds the sneaker that lends it its cachet, adding a sense of rarity and nostalgia to the shoe, which pushes prices sky-high.
So, while the price tag on some of these sneaker brands may leave you in need of a stiff drink, rest assured that their value can and does fluctuate according to the whims of the somewhat fickle world of fashion, and you can always find designer sneakers for a rather more digestible price from MR PORTER or FARFETCH.
The 18 most expensive sneakers
18. Buscemi 100mm Diamond – $132,000
Is it the most expensive tennis shoe ever made? Jewelry or footwear? Good questions, when a shoe is loaded up with 11.5 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold, you could be forgiven for wondering. No doubts surrounding the price tag though, at a cool $132,000, this bright white sneaker is not actually made for the tennis court, but if you’re likely to be hanging out with the fashionistas on the front row, then this is the one for you.
| Brand: | Buscemi |
| Year first released: | 2016 |
| Last sold: | N/A – a few pairs still for sale |
| Price: | $132,000 |
17. Michael Jordan Signed ‘Player Sample’ Deadstock Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’ – $176,400
First released in 1996, the Michael Jordan Signed ‘Player Sample’ Deadstock Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’ sneakers were famously worn by Jordan during the 1995 NBA Playoffs and in the movie “Space Jam.”
The iconic Jumpman logo is prominently displayed on the side, along with Jordan’s signature on the outer side, making these sneakers highly collectible. Last sold at auction in 2020 for $176,400, these sneakers blend sports history with pop culture.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1996 |
| Last sold: | 2020 |
| Price: | $176,400 |
16. Michael Jordan Game Worn Converse Fastbreak – $190,373
In 1984 Michael Jordan and Team USA won gold at the Olympics in Los Angeles. 30 years later, a pair of Converse Fastbreaks signed by Jordan and said to have been worn on the court at the Olympics, came up for auction and sold for over $190,000, far surpassing the expected price of around $100,000, and making them among the most valuable sneakers in the world. Historical footnote: these trainers are considered to be the last pair Michael Jordan wore in a game as an amateur.
| Brand: | Converse |
| Year first released: | 1983 |
| Last sold: | 2017, Infinite Auctions |
| Price: | $190,373 |
15. Nike Air Mag – $200,000
The Nike Air Mag, famously inspired by the movie “Back to the Future Part II,” made its debut in 2011. Named after the film’s futuristic setting, these sneakers feature a sleek gray design with white accents, an illuminated Nike logo, and self-lacing technology. While built-in LED lights and electro-luminescent branding further set them apart from your everyday Nike Airs.
Released in limited quantities, they have become cult favorites amongst sneakerheads and film fans alike, last sold at auction in 2022 for $200,000.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 2011 |
| Last sold: | 2022 |
| Price: | $200,000 |
14. Jordan 1 Retro High Charlotte Hornets Foundation Black/White – $250,000
In February 2019, Michael Jordan was spotted in a pair of never-before-seen Air Jordan 1s at the NBA All-Star weekend in Charlotte. Designed by the man himself, and released on his 56th birthday, only 300 pairs were ever made. With a quilted leather upper, each pair comes in clean black or white colorways, with a star-shaped silver hang tag that’s covered in a honeycomb motif.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 2019 |
| Last sold: | 2019, Qtego Auction Technology |
| Price: | $250,000 |
13. Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force One – $352,800
The calf-leather Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original design, feature the Louis Vuitton Monogram and Damier prints in rich brown hues. The pair includes a vibrant orange Louis Vuitton pilot case with a white S lock closure and a Nike Swoosh-shaped luggage tag.
This collaboration, released in 2021, under the creative direction of Virgil Abloh, highlights the seamless integration of luxury and sport. Fetching $352,800 at auction in 2022, these sneakers are highly prized for their exclusivity and prestige.
| Brand: | Nike x Louis Vuitton |
| Year first released: | 2021 |
| Last sold: | 2022 |
| Price: | $352,800 |
12. Game-Worn & Signed Air Jordan Low XIII – $378,000
First released in 1998, these low-top sneakers showcase a striking black and white design with red accents, capturing the classic Air Jordan look. Worn by Michael Jordan during a pivotal 1998 game, the iconic sneakers carry significant historical weight.
Fetching $378,000 at a 2021 Sotheby’s auction, their rarity and direct connection to Jordan’s career make the low-top Air Jordans a prized possession for any sneakerhead.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1998 |
| Last sold: | 2021, Sotheby’s |
| Price: | $378,000 |
11. “Broken Foot” Air Jordan 1 – $422,130
A piece of basketball history, The “Broken Foot” Air Jordan 1s represents Michael Jordan’s legendary determination and resilience. The unstoppable player wore them during the 1985 game against the Golden State Warriors, where he famously played despite a broken foot.
First released in 1985, these high-top sneakers feature the classic Chicago Bulls colorway of red, white, and black. The iconic design and connection to a pivotal moment in Jordan’s career make them some of the most sought-after sneakers in the world, last sold for $422,130 at a Christie’s auction in 2020.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1985 |
| Last sold: | 2020, Christie’s |
| Price: | $422,130 |
10. Nike “Moon Shoe” – $437,500
First released in 1972, these rare sneakers were handcrafted by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman. The Moon Shoe is notable for its innovative waffle sole, which Bowerman created using a waffle iron, revolutionizing running shoe design. Renowned as one of the most exclusive sneaker models, only 12 pairs were ever produced.
In July 2019, a pair of these iconic sneakers sold at auction for $437,500, making them one of the most valuable sneakers ever sold.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1972 |
| Last sold: | 2019 |
| Price: | $437,500 |
9. Game-Worn Air Jordan 1 “Chicagos”- $560,000
The Game-Worn Air Jordan 1 “Chicagos” are among the most iconic sneakers in history. These high-top sneakers feature the classic Chicago Bulls colorway of red, white, and black, embodying the essence of Michael Jordan’s early career. What makes this pair particularly special is that Jordan wore them during a 1985 game, adding significant historical and sentimental value.
Signed by Michael Jordan himself, these sneakers capture a piece of basketball history. Last sold at auction in 2020 for $560,000, the “Chicagos” remains a coveted item for collectors and basketball fans alike.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1985 |
| Last sold: | 2020 |
| Price: | $560,000 |
8. “Glass Shard” Air Jordan 1 – $615,000
First released in 1985, the “Glass Shard” Air Jordan 1s are a remarkable piece of sports history. These sneakers worn by Michael Jordan during an exhibition game in Italy, feature a shard of broken glass embedded in the shoe, resulting from Jordan’s board-shattering slam dunk.
The classic high-top style and iconic black and red colorway contribute to their allure. These Air Jordans were estimated to fetch around $850,000 at a Christie’s auction in 2020. And while they may have slightly missed the mark, they’re still some of the most expensive sneakers ever sold, fetching $615,000.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1985 |
| Last sold: | 2020, Christie’s |
| Price: | $615,000 |
7. Air Jordan Retro ‘Kobe Pack’ – $800,000
Distributed only to friends and family in 2016, the Air Jordan ⅜ Retro ‘Kobe Pack’ was designed as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, one of the most beloved basketball figures in the history of the sport. These trainers are replicas of the classic Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 8, and were made to celebrate Bryant’s 20 glorious years in the NBA. They are dressed in the LA Lakers colors and feature a white leather upper with purple and gold accents.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 2016 |
| Last sold: | 2016 N/A (distributed to family) |
| Price: | $800 000 |
6. Michael Jordan Game-Worn Nike Air Ship – $1.47 million
The all-time most expensive worn shoes ever sold at auction. Collector Nick Fiorella paid $1,472,000 for these Air Ships at Sotheby’s Las Vegas on 24 October 2021. Brahm Wachter, Head of Sotheby’s Streetwear and Modern Collectables, said that this record-breaking result ‘solidifies the strength and broad reach of the sneaker collecting community.’
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1984 |
| Last sold: | 2021, Sotheby, 2023, Goldin |
| Price: | $1.47 million |
5. Game-Worn “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 – $1,38 million
Worn by Jordan during the iconic 1997 NBA Finals game when he battled through a severe flu to lead the Chicago Bulls to victory, these Air Jordans combine cult-favorite fashion with historical value.
The classic black and red high-top design, coupled with the unmistakable Jumpman logo make them instantly recognizable by all in the know.
Initially sold for $104,765 in 2013, these sneakers fetched a staggering $1.38 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023, reflecting their legendary status and the enduring appeal of Air Jordans.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1997 |
| Last sold: | 2023, Sotheby’s |
| Price: | $1,38 million |
4. Kayne West Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ – $1.8 million
One of the most lucrative results of the collaboration between rapper and designer Kayne West and the Nike brand, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ was worn by West while performing his hit single ‘Stronger’ on the Grammy stage in 2008, and announced the Yeezy project to the entire sneaker world. The Yeezy brand has in fact produced many sought-after designs, check our list of the best Yeezy shoes of all time to see them all.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 2008 |
| Last sold: | 2021, Sotheby’s |
| Price: | 1.8 milion$ |
3. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans – $2 Million
When Drake stepped into Kayne West’s sneakers to collaborate with the famed Jordan brand, he decided to make them solid gold. 24k to be precise. The most expensive new Nike shoes in the world, they weigh more than 50lb each, meaning you probably won’t be doing much jumping, but with these on your feet, you’ll most certainly have all the attention you need.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 2016 |
| Last sold: | 2016, N/A |
| Price: | $2.2 million |
2. ‘Bred’ Air Jordan 13 – $2.2 Million
What can possibly be more valuable than a pair of solid gold Jordans? The pair Michael Jordan wore during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals. The same final that the Chicago Bulls won, marking Jordan’s sixth NBA championship victory and his final season with the Bulls.
The game was featured in The Last Dance, an ESPN/Netflix documentary about Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls. Auction house Sotheby’s leveraged the documentary’s success to put this pair on auction in April 2023. While setting a record for the most expensive Jordans ever sold, it still comes shy of the $4 Million Sotheby’s hoped to fetch from the auction.
Interesting fact about this pair: Sotheby’s says that Jordan autographed the shoes and gave them to a ball-boy after the game. The auction house didn’t specify, however, if that boy was the seller in 2023. We don’t know who the buyer is either.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1998 |
| Last sold: | 2024, Sotheby’s |
| Price: | $2.2 million |
1. The Dynasty Collection – $8 million
Michael Jordan’s legacy transcends off the court, as his Air Jordan collection becomes one of the most expensive sneaker collections sold at auction.
The Dynasty Collection comprises a set of six Air Jordan sneakers, each worn by Jordan during the clinching games of his six NBA championships. This iconic collection includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), VII (1992), VIII (1993), XI (1996), XII (1997), and XIV (1998).
Each sneaker symbolizes a pivotal moment in Jordan’s career, adding a layer of historical significance and exclusivity.
| Brand: | Nike |
| Year first released: | 1991-1998 |
| Last sold: | 2024, Sotheby’s |
| Price: | $8 million |
Most expensive sneakers of all time summary
So, whether you are now dusting off your real or imaginary pocketbook, we hope you have enjoyed this list. Here is a quick recap of the 23 most expensive sneakers in the world:
- The Dynasty Collection – $8 million
- Bred’ Air Jordan 13 – $2.2 Million
- Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans – $2 Million
- Kayne West Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ – $1.8 million
- Game-Worn “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 – $1,38 million
- Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Nike Airship – $1.47 million
- Air Jordan Retro “Kobe Pack” – $800,000
- “Glass Shard” Air Jordan 1 – $615,000
- Game-Worn Air Jordan 1 “Chicagos”- $560,000
- Nike “Moon Shoe” – $437,500
- “Broken Foot” Air Jordan 1 – $422,130
- Game-Worn & Signed Air Jordan Low XIII – $378,000
- Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force One – $352,800
- Jordan 1 Retro High Charlotte Hornets Foundation Black/White – $250,000
- Nike Air Mag – $200,000
- Michael Jordan Game Worn Converse Fastbreak – $190,373
- Michael Jordan Signed ‘Player Sample’ Deadstock Air Jordan 11 ‘Space Jam’ – $176,400
- Buscemi 100 MM Diamond – $132,000
