The most expensive Nike sneakers ever were worn by the all-time great basketball player, Michael Jordan. Over the years, Nike has garnered worldwide fame in terms of footwear. They have transformed the sneaker world, not only through their innovative designs, but also through their collaborations with high-profile figures and limited releases.
It is no surprise that certain Nike sneakers have gained legendary status, fetching thousands and even millions of dollars in auctions and resales. The most expensive Nike sneakers are backed by history-defining moments and stories, earning them a spotlight in the sneaker world.
These sneakers often appear in exclusive auctions or resale platforms, allowing collectors and sneakerheads to collect a piece of history. These most expensive Nike sneakers are not only a symbol of status, but they are also works of art.
What makes the most expensive Nike sneakers worth the $$$?
A true sneakerhead would know the real value of any of these sneakers on the list. It is not just about the price tag. It is an investment, a piece of history, and even a symbol of status.
Each sneaker has its own story to tell. From court-worn sneakers to celebrity collaborations, each pair carries its own legacy. The reasons behind the sky-high prices of these sneakers lie in the story associated with these sneakers and their exclusivity.
Get ready to dive into a world of luxurious sneakers like never before. Below are some of the most expensive Nike sneakers of all time in descending order.
1) "The Last Dance" Air Jordan XIII
The most expensive Nike sneaker on this list is the Air Jordan XIII. They got their name "The Last Dance" from the last season of the last game Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls. These special kicks drove him to win his last championship in the NBA Finals in 1998. The jaw-dropping price of this pair is not only because of their historical significance in the world of basketball, but also because of the flawless condition they were in.
They were put up for auction in 2023 by Sotheby’s in New York and this is what the auction house had to say:
"They looked as if they had only been laced up and worn for the first time days before the sale." the auction house remarked.
Price: $2.2 million
2) 24K Gold OVO x Air Jordan 10
The second most expensive Nike sneakers on this list were not made for walking. Canadian rapper, Drake commissioned one of the most expensive sneakers in the world. Completely covered in 24k gold, the sneakers were custom-made by designer and artist, Matthew Sena. It is reported that the shoes weigh about 100 pounds.
Price: $2.1 million
3) "Grammy Worn" Nike Yeezy Air Samples
These are the pair of sneakers that stole the spotlight, literally. Kanye West wore one of the most expensive Nike sneakers at the time to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008. They are known as the Nike Yeezy Air Samples. After his performance, the entire world could not stop talking about his shoes.
The Nike Yeezy Air I and II are special because they were created and designed for an artist and not an athlete. They were originally sold during a charity for the Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
Price: $1.8 million
4) Nike Air Ship
Nike is iconic for turning a banned shoe into one of the most popular and expensive sneakers out there. The original black, white, and red Nike Air Ship was banned by the NBA for not following the dress code in 1984. It should be noted that the Nike Air Ship is one of the first shoes that Michael Jordan wore since he collaborated with Nike.
The sneakers were designed by Bruce Kilgore in the same year and were equipped with the Air sole. The Nike Air Ship paved the way for the Air Jordans.
Price: $1.4 million
5) "Flu Game" Air Jordan XII
Another pair of Nike sneakers with an incredible back story. The Air Jordan XII was termed the "Flu Game" sneakers because Michael Jordan was down with food poisoning when he wore them. However, that did not stop him from playing in the NBA Finals in 1997 and leading his team to victory.
A fun fact about these shoes is that Michael Jordan gifted them to a ball-boy after the game, who later sold them for over $200,000. Later on, they were auctioned to become one of the most expensive Nike sneakers in the world.
Price: $1.3 million
6) "Glass Shard" Air Jordan I
If you are wondering what makes this pair of Air Jordans so special? Firstly, they were worn by legendary basketball player, Michael Jordan in 1985 at an exhibition game in Trieste, Italy. Secondly, the glass shard of the backboard that broke when Jordan dunked the ball remains stuck to the sole of the shoe till today.
This pair of sneakers is written down in the history books as one of the most expensive pair of Air Jordan to be sold in an auction.
Price: $615,000
7) Game-Worn Air Jordan 1 "Chicago"
Do not mistake these "Chicago" Air Jordan 1s for any normal Air Jordan. They may look similar given the red, black, and white colorway. However, the reason why they are in the most expensive Nike sneakers list is because of the material used. The leather that was used in creating the sneakers was different. It is slightly softer compared to the normal AJ 1 Chicagos.
The "Chicago" Air Jordan 1s were worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season in 1985 for one game. The sneakers were put up for auction in 2022 and the bidding lasted for 10 days.
Price: $560,000
8) Nike “Moon Shoe”
The Nike Moon Shoes are recognized as "artifacts" in the Nike kingdom. They were designed and created by Nike co-founder and renowned Oregon University track coach, Bill Bowerman, in 1972. The sneakers got their name from the waffle pattern that resembled the tracks left on the moon in 1969.
Only 12 prototypes were made and later distributed to contestants competing at the US Track & Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. The one pair that was not worn was auctioned by Sotheby's at three times the expected price.
Price: $437,500
Trending
From luxurious collaborations like the Air Yeezy Samples to championship-winning sportswear like the Air Jordan XII, Nike has been continuously breaking ground with their sneakers.
Time and again, Nike has proven why they remain a dominating force in the footwear industry. The sneakers on this list have rightfully earned their place as the top 8 most expensive Nike sneakers of all time.
Reply
