Known to be one of the most coveted sneakers of all time, Nike Air Jordans have carved out a niche for themselves. First launched for the public in 1985, the shoes were created for and worn by NBA legend Michael Jordan for a year before their release.
Their influence has been seen in pop culture, including various television shows and films such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Do the Right Thing, and perhaps most famously, Space Jam, which started as a commercial during the Super Bowl in 1992.
Due to their considerable popularity, it is hardly a surprise that limited editions and partnerships have yielded some Air Jordans that are very extravagantly priced. Whether one is looking to build a collection of Nike sneakers or simply an admirer, this article puts together the seven most expensive Nike Air Jordans of all time.
Drake's OVO Solid Gold Air Jordan, Air Jordan 1s, and 5 others on the list of the most expensive Nike Air Jordans of all time
1) Air Jordan 13, worn by Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA finals before he retired ($2,200,000)
As the list proves, game-worn sneakers hold a special place among connoisseurs. In 1998, Michael Jordan wore a pair of Air Jordan 13 'Bred' sneakers. The basketball legend retired from the Chicago Bulls soon afterward, but not before scoring 37 points for his team.
The shoes were in immaculate condition and were then picked up at an auction in 2023 for $2.2 million, which was even higher than shoes made entirely of gold.
2) Air Jordan 10 x OVO designed for Drake in 24 K gold ($2,100,000)
In the world of sneakers, there are limited edition pieces, and then comes hyper-customization. Drake commissioned a unique pair of sneakers (24k Air Jordan 10 x OVO) for himself made out of solid gold.
While these are technically not available for sale, as only one pair was ever made, the high price tag is justified. Matthew Senna, a mixed-media artist known for his sneaker creations, crafted the exclusive pair that weighed about 100 pounds in 2016 for the measly sum of $2.1 million.
3) Air Jordan 12 worn during the well-known 'Flu Game' ($1,380,000)
Nike shoes are so beloved because of their tenacity and resilience, which embody their inspiration, Michael Jordan. In 1997, the celebrated basketball player was fighting symptoms of food poisoning during a Game 5 match he was playing against the Utah Jazz team. Despite his apparent weakness, he went on to help the Bulls win the game (90-88), wherein he scored 38 points- including the winning 3-pointer.
Signed and given to a ball boy for the Utah Jazz called Preston Truman by Michael, the Air Jordan 12 sneakers were first sold in 2013 for the extravagant sum of $1.04 million. The shoes were sold in 2023 for $1.38 million and are now on this list.
4) Air Jordan 1 Chicago Broken Sole ($1,012,500)
Nike has been experimenting with the design of Air Jordans since they were first launched, especially after Michael's foot injury, to ensure sturdier and safer gameplay for their ambassador. As a result, many of these in-between designs have become exclusive simply because of how few were created. In 2022, one of these pairs was sold for over $1.02 million, making them a true collector's delight.
5) Air Jordan 1 Nike Dunk Sole game-worn in the intermediate design ($675,000)
Yet another pair of game-worn sneakers that makes its way on this list was one of the first pairs worn by the basketball maestro himself during a game in 1986. With additional cushioning and a modified sole design to help support his foot after he broke it earlier, these Air Jordans were sold in 2022 for $675K.
6) Air Jordan 1, game-worn during the 'shattered backboard' incident ($615,000)
The last few years have seen a flurry of sneakerheads buying game-worn shoes, and this pair of Air Jordans was no different. Worn in a Nike-sponsored game in Italy circa 1985, the red and black Air Jordans were launched as a separate style later.
Michael's powerful dunk broke the board behind the basket, leaving one of the glass pieces permanently embedded in the left shoe sole, justifying the $615K price tag for these shoes. In 2020, they were the most expensive sneakers ever sold at an auction.
7) Air Jordan 1, game-worn and signed twice ($615,000)
Customarily, game-worn or signed sneakers tend to sell for a high price. These Air Jordans are signed twice by the basketball legend. First signed in 1985, when Michael gave the pair to his teammate, Gene Banks, they were signed again on camera for sportscaster Rick Lozano.
Sold at the princely sum of $615,000, the shoes have ended up on the list of the most expensive Air Jordan sneakers ever sold.
The 2020 documentary series, The Last Dance, featuring Michael Jordan's last ever game season in 1997-98 with the Chicago Bulls, created a lot of interest in Air Jordans and, of course, the man who wore them. Unsurprisingly, these expensive sneakers on this list have been purchased in the four years since 2020, and have led to a resurgence of sneakerhead culture.
