In this post we’ll explore some of the world’s most expensive sneakers, beyond these record breakers. We’ll also tell you how you can tell if you have any potentially valuable shoes in your collection.
If you collect high-value items – whether it’s sneakers or stamps – it’s important to get the right insurance cover for your collection. At Anthony Jones we specialise in High Net Worth Insurance, so you can get the best protection for your most priceless possessions. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9086 or email Personal@AnthonyJones.com.
The World’s Most Expensive Sneakers
Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Final Air Jordan 13s
In April 2023, a pair of sneakers once worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $2.2 million. This makes them the most expensive shoes ever purchased.
Kanye West’s 2008 Grammys Nike Yeezys
Before the $2.2 million Michael Jordan sneakers came along, the previous record holder for world’s most expensive sneakers were a pair of Nike Yeezys worn by rapper Kanye West at the 2008 Grammy Awards. These sold for $1.8 million at an auction in 2021.
Michael Jordan’s 1984 Nike Air Ships
Also in 2021, another pair of shoes once worn by Michael Jordan – this time in a 1984 game – sold for a cool $1.5 million at auction.
Kobe Bryant Special Edition Air Jordans
In 2016, Nike honoured another basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, with a special edition pair of Air Jordans. These were strictly limited edition, so much so that they were never released to the public. They were exclusively gifted to friends and family of the basketball great, and as such, have been known to fetch up to $800,000 at auction.
Michael Jordan’s White Air Jordan 1s
Finally, in 2019, Michael Jordan – him again! – was seen wearing a new pair of his signature white Air Jordan 1s. These shoes were based on a design of his own, and only 300 pairs were ever made to mark his 56th birthday. These were originally sold for around $80,000, but they tend to sell for much, much more at auction.
What About Nike’s 24k Solid Gold Sneakers?
In 2016, Canadian rapper Drake collaborated with Nike to create a pair 24k solid gold shoes. These have been valued at $2 million. As each shoe weighs more than 50 pounds, it doesn’t seem like they were designed to be worn. They’re designed to make a statement. But if you can’t wear them, do they really count as the world’s most expensive sneakers?
How Much Are My Sneakers Worth?
So far, we’ve looked at the top 6 most expensive sneakers in the world. Have you noticed what they all have in common? They’re all made by Nike, they’re mainly from their Air Jordan range, and they all have some kind of tie to an iconic figure from the world of sport or music.
It’s unlikely that you have any shoes that once belonged to sporting or rap legends in your closet. But what sort of shoes are considered rare or valuable in 2023?
Business Insider claim that “it’s a terrible time to be a sneaker reseller”, as the second hand market for high value shoes has suffered a number of blows. Yet just because professional shoe dealers are now struggling to make a living, it doesn’t mean that vintage or classic shoes have suddenly stopped being valuable.
The most valuable sneakers tend to be limited edition lines – times when the big trainer companies only release a small number of sneakers, usually with some kind of celebrity endorsement. And as with any commodity, the better the sneaker’s condition, the more you can sell it for.
Following The Latest Sneaker Trends
Want to know what’s currently selling? Head to specialist online sneaker sellers StockX and use their market watch feature. This will give you the most up-to-date information on what’s currently hot in the sneaker world. Or, you can follow specialist fashion sites to keep tabs on the latest sneaker trends.
These features are designed for people who want to make a living buying and selling sneakers. But you never know! Keep track of the trends and you might one day find that an old pair of shoes in your collection could be worth something.
Get The Right Protection For Your Sneaker Collection
Even if you don’t plan on selling your treasured old sneakers, there could still be some value in using a site like StockX to value the sneakers in your collection.
If you have a reliable figure for your sneakers’ value, then you’ll know how much you should be insuring them for. That way, if your collection’s ever lost, damaged or stolen, you’ll be adequately covered for your loss.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in High Net Worth Insurance, so you can get the right level of cover for your sneaker collection. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9086 or email Personal@AnthonyJones.com.
