These Are The Most Expensive Sneakers In The World

When it comes to shoe collections, sneakers are some of the most popular footwear that people like to accumulate. Those not in the know might not realize just how much variety there is with these shoes. Of course, as with anything, some sneakers are more expensive to buy than others.

If you want to have the most extravagant footwear collection, you have to be prepared to pay big bucks. The most expensive sneakers in the world certainly come in all shapes and sizes - but they all come with one feature: a hefty price tag.

The Gazelle is a collaboration with Gucci that turns comfortability into fashion

• Price: $1,085
• Manufacturer: Adidas
• Year: 2022

Some of the world's most expensive sneakers haven't been around that long. Take the Gazelle, which is a collaboration between Gucci and Adidas. The two brands might not seem like the likeliest partnership, given what they're both known for. However, it appears that they brought out the best in one another when it comes to this footwear.

Offering a comfortable sneaker that's also stylish and tasteful, it's something that many Gucci fans shouldn't be without. Of course, the attachment of the high-end fashion brand drives the price into four figures. Complex reports that its resale price is $1,085, several hundred dollars more than its retail value, as sellers try to take advantage of Gucci's name.

The Triple S sneakers are a Balenciaga collaboration with quite the price tag

• Price: $1,100
• Manufacturer: Adidas
• Year: 2022

One pair of expensive sneakers pretty new to the market is the Triple S from Adidas, which sees the sportswear manufacturer team up with another fashion brand. This time, it's Balenciaga, with the pairing resulting in the Triple S. The footwear reportedly has a retail price of $1,100, meaning it's far from a cheap purchase.

Apparently, the value of these sneakers is tied to the number of soles that the shoe has. Of course, having Balenciaga written on the side of the footwear is enough for many people to start throwing their cash around. When a respected high-end brand puts its name on something, it's almost always guaranteed to be good.

The Blazer Mid "All Hallows Eve" sneakers are the perfect thing to wear in fall

• Price: $1,200
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2018

When you're looking for the world's most expensive sneakers, Sotheby's is generally an excellent place to check out. They have a ton of pricey footwear on offer, like Nike's Blazer Mid "All Hallows Eve" sneakers. Reportedly available in size 12 for $1,200, these shoes are the perfect choice to wear in the fall, particularly around Halloween.

The pale vanilla sneakers with a bright orange Nike swoosh definitely boast the right color palette for this season. The model available at Sotheby's is apparently an updated version of a model from 2017, which reportedly took ten months to put together. It was from "The Ten" collection, one of Nike's most ambitious collections with the luxury label Off-White.

The LV Trainer shows how Louis Vuitton can excel when it branches out

• Price: $1,220
• Manufacturer: Louis Vuitton
• Year: 2022

In recent years, Louis Vuitton seems to have really shown an interest in sneakers. That's been largely influenced by the late Virgil Abloh, the luxury fashion house's former artistic director. One of Louis Vuitton's most notable forays into the sneaker world is the LV Trainer, which Complex states has a retail price of $1,220.

Of course, this can vary, thanks to the shoe releasing in different colors, materials, and variations. Regardless, though, if this is how much the sneakers can sell for at retail, they're definitely some of the most expensive footwear in the world. They also have something of a retro feel, given that the design was apparently heavily influenced by '80s styles.

The Speed Trainer is perhaps one of the world's most divisive sneakers

• Price: $1,372
• Manufacturer: Adidas
• Year: 2022

Not all sneakers are going to appeal to everyone. Adidas' Speed Trainer is an excellent example of this. Easily one of the most divisive shoes on the market, some people love the shoe and sock combination, while others hate it. Unfortunately, those who are fans of the design have to shell out if they want a pair of their own.

The Speed Trainer is another collaboration between Adidas and Balenciaga, with the latter's involvement hitching the price up. At retail, the sneakers reportedly go for just under four figures, while resale prices reportedly bump the value up to $1,372. While the average sneaker fan might not care for this footwear, it definitely has its share of supporters.

The Air Footscape Woven ACU is arguably one of Nike's boldest and most original sneakers

• Price: $2,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2007

Woven sneakers like the Air Footscape ACU aren't something you typically see much of on the market. So, when footwear like this comes along, it naturally generates a ton of interest. That probably explains the price, with Sotheby's asking for $2,000 for a pair of size 10s. Saying that, this shoe isn't anything new, having debuted in 2007.

A partnership with CLOT, these expensive sneakers were apparently one of the first collaborations that Nike had with a Hong Kong brand. Aside from their unique design, the shoes are also pretty eye-catching, thanks to the bold yellow, red, and green used in some of the weaving. An excellent choice for anyone that likes to stand out with their fashion.

Air Jordan III OGs sell high because of when Michael Jordan wore them

• Price: $4,500
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1988

Starting to really climb up in price is the Air Jordan III OG. Air Jordan products have always been some of Nike's biggest hitters, so it's perhaps no surprise these sneakers can sometimes sell for a lot of money. Although the sleek design of this footwear makes it pretty popular, that's not why it goes for such a high price.

These are apparently expensive sneakers because Michael Jordan wore them on the basketball court. Not only that, but he had them on when he competed in a slam dunk competition against Dominique Wilkins. Those hoping that the shoes might bring them the success they brought Jordan on that day will apparently have to spend around $4,500 for the privilege.

The Air Jordan 1 High saw Travis Scott create some unique footwear

• Price: $5,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2021

It's evidently not uncommon for sneakers to be the result of collaborations. However, it's not just fashion brands that companies like Nike team up with to create their expensive footwear. They work alongside celebrities, too, such as Travis Scott. Along with Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara of Fragment, he apparently helped to design this Air Jordan 1 High.

The sneakers boast some unique features, like the reverse Swoosh and color blocking. It's made these shoes some of the most notable in the world today. Unfortunately, if you're a size 6.5 and want to buy a pair from Sotheby's, you better have $5,000 ready. These are some of the most expensive sneakers in the world, after all.

The Foamposite One "Sole Collector" has achieved longevity for a reason

• Price: $6,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1997

It's been quite a while since Nike's Foamposite One "Sole Collector" was released. Now 25 years old, its age alone is enough to make it more valuable to a modern sneaker collector. That's not the only reason that these shoes can supposedly sell for $6,000, though. There's also its history of popularity with NBA stars to consider, too.

When these sneakers were first released, there were apparently quite a few ballplayers who wore them. That helped generate sales back in the day and created the legacy that lives on to this day. It's the reason why the Foamposite continues to release in new colors and styles, although the older models will supposedly always reign supreme.

Limited numbers of the Dunk Low Pro SB Pigeon made them expensive sneakers

• Price: $6,250
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2005

It's not unheard of for companies to utilize the scarcity principle when it comes to selling their products. After all, the harder it is for the public to obtain something, the more valuable it usually becomes. That seems like something that Nike might have been aiming for with their Dunk Low Pro SB Pigeon sneakers, released in 2005.

Only 150 pairs of these shoes were manufactured and then sold in a single New York store. So, it perhaps makes sense that these expensive sneakers are reportedly worth $6,250 today. If they were hard to get hold of back then, they're inevitably even more difficult to find now. Who knows how much they'll eventually be worth.

Kanye West's Yeezy 2 "Red October" sneakers have proven a hit with his fans

• Price: $7,500
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2013

Kanye West is a man who loves his shoes. If he wasn't, he probably wouldn't have done so many sneaker collaborations over the years. One of the most expensive sneakers that he helped bring to life was the Yeezy 2 "Red October," which Kanye worked on with Nike. These actually spelled the end of his partnership with the company. 

A bold design - given that they're bright red - the lack of color variation won't be to everyone's tastes. However, there are plenty of people out there who love the style and don't mind the single color choice on these sneakers. If there weren't, the shoes wouldn't be capable of allegedly selling for the high price of $7,500.

The SB Dunk Low Pro Zoo York brings an urban flair to Nike's sneakers

• Price: $7,500
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2002

Many of the most expensive sneakers in the world seem to come from Nike, with the SB Dunk Low Pro Zoo York footwear being another addition to the list. These also reportedly go for the high price of $7,500, with Sotheby's selling a size 8.5 pair at such a cost. What makes these sneakers stand out?

Featuring stencil graphics inspired by Zoo York graffiti, these shoes are thought of as one of Nike SB's first skate brand collaborations. They were designed by Eli Morgan Gesner and Danny "Supa" Supasiriat to bring more urban flair to some of Nike's sneakers. The pair available at Sotheby's are also apparently unworn, despite being twenty years old.

Only 20 pairs of the Air Force 1 High were made by Nike

• Price: $8,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2016

Sneakers come in different varieties, with high tops being a popular style for plenty of people. Those who class themselves in this category can probably appreciate the Air Force 1 High, which was a collaboration between Nike and Vlone in 2016. It was released before the low-cut version, with only 20 pairs reportedly being produced.

That exclusivity also explains why these are some of the world's most expensive sneakers. They're reportedly worth $8,000, which means if you were lucky enough to get your hands on a pair, you probably wouldn't ever want to wear them. Some of the shoe's features include a red swoosh and Vlone written in gold on the toe box.

The Montreal Track Spikes designed for 'Pre' were never used for their intended purpose

• Price: $8,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1970s

As expensive sneakers go, these 'Pre' Montreal Track Spike shoes definitely rank up there as some of the oldest. You can tell that by looking at the pair that Sotheby's has for sale. Charging a price of $8,000, the sneakers definitely show signs of wear and tear. However, they're still in good condition for something so old.

The expensive footwear was reportedly developed for Steve Prefornatine to use in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The man, often known as 'Pre,' was apparently the first runner to sign with the company in 1973. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1975, so he never got to wear these expensive sneakers at the Olympic Games the following year.

The NMD R1 "Friends and Family Pitch Black" edition is a collector's item worth five figures

• Price: $10,000
• Manufacturer: Adidas
• Year: 2016

In 2016, Adidas's NMD silhouette received a modification in the form of the NMD R1 model. Boasting an elastic sock collar to help increase comfort, the footwear proved a popular addition to the brand's lineup. Shortly after, an updated silhouette - the "Friends and Family Pitch Black" edition - emerged, which soon became one of the most expensive sneakers in the world.

This is partly down to the fact that only 500 pairs were released, making them something of a collector's item. Bagging one for yourself probably won't be that easy, given how quickly they sell out. What's more, they can supposedly cost around $10,000, meaning you may well lose your life savings in the process of buying them.

The Air Jordan 1 Retro High reimagines a classic shoe with Virgil Abloh's unique trademarks

• Price: $11,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2018

The late Virgil Abloh's brand, Off-White, has had several notable collaborations now. The expensive sneakers they created with Nike's Air Jordans are an excellent example of this. The shoes are actually a reinterpretation of the high-top silhouette from the classic Jordan 1. However, it features some different design elements to ensure that it stands out on its own.

This includes things like the exposed foam, zip-ties, and sans-serif branding that were all trademarks of Abloh. Something else that stands out is the floating Swoosh, which gives the expensive footwear more of a handmade quality. The downside? The collaboration between these design geniuses means that Sotheby's puts their price at around $11,000, which is far from cheap.

The 2020 Air Jordan 1 High was apparently Nike's first collaboration with Dior

• Price: $11,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2020

Every year, there are certain clothing releases that become highly anticipated. The Air Jordan 1 High, which was a collaboration between Nike and Dior, was one of them in 2020. At the Dior Men's Pre-Fall runway show, it apparently got many people talking, and with good reason. The expensive sneakers manage to turn streetwear into high fashion.

The shoe - apparently worth $11,000 at Sotheby's - was released around the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan. It was Nike's first collaboration with Dior and featured Dior Gray calfskin leather for a shoe that received limited production. 8,500 pairs of these were made, along with 4,700 pairs of Low versions, making them pretty in demand.

The LV Trainer Upcycling takes elements from past sneakers to make new ones

• Price: $12,000
• Manufacturer: Louis Vuitton
• Year: 2021

Upcycling is something that's only going to grow more popular as the years progress. There's a great need to reuse materials rather than throw them in the trash, and Louis Vuitton has proven you can achieve this without compromising on style. After all, their LV Trainer Upcycling sneakers are some of the most expensive footwear in the world.

Valued at $12,000 at Sotheby's, these shoes take elements from past LV trainer models and give them a new lease of life. Once again, Virgil Abloh was the brains behind these expensive sneakers, which feature a great mixture of colors and materials. If you love pops of color and doing good by the planet, this is the perfect footwear.

The Jasper Patchwork is a high-quality collaboration between Kanye West and Louis Vuitton

• Price: $12,000
• Manufacturer: Louis Vuitton
• Year: 2009

Kanye West is someone who apparently likes to shop around when it comes to sneaker collaborations. One brand that he's teamed up with in the past is Louis Vuitton, with the rapper helping to create the Jasper Patchwork sneakers that debuted in 2009. Sotheby's prices these at $12,000, making them some of his more expensive sneakers of all time.

At a glance, the footwear immediately stands out for the bright pink rubber that makes up the midsoles. However, that's not the only notable element of these shoes. There's also the heel's ribbed suede paneling, the patchwork of gray leather on the uppers, and the tasseled laces atop the quilted velcro straps. These expensive sneakers are undeniably top quality.

The Air Jordan 4 Undefeated sold high on eBay thanks to some creative advertising

• Price: $15,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2005

It's amazing just how much some expensive sneakers can sell for at auction. Sometimes, it's not their retail price that makes them so hard to afford, but rather what people sell them at later. One person reportedly put the Air Jordan 4 Undefeated on eBay and made $15,000 from the purchase, thanks to some creative advertisement.

Typically, a pair of these sneakers might not sell for quite as much, but as Air Jordans that have been around for a long time, they're still incredibly valuable. You should never underestimate what some sneaker collectors might be willing to pay for a pair of shoes, especially if the ad claims that they're made from ballistic material.

The SB Dunk Low Pro Tokyo sneakers take minimalism to a new level

• Price: $15,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2003

Given how boldly some expensive sneakers stand out, the SB Dunk Low Pro Tokyo might not seem to offer that much. However, the point of these shoes is that they're a blank canvas. They were released with the "White Dunk City Series" and feature no branding outside of the Swoosh to maintain a minimalist design.

Despite being somewhat simple, 10,000 tickets were reportedly purchased for the opportunity to receive these shoes when they were released. Only 202 pairs were available, and the raffle was the sole way people could get their hands on them. Nowadays, a person could buy a pair from Sotheby's for $15,000, albeit not in completely perfect condition.

The SB Dunk Low Gardener Wood Friends and Family sneakers are inspired by a comic strip

• Price: $16,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2008

Michael Lau knows a thing or two about collecting, given that he's considered the "godfather of designer toys." He's had such an impact on this scene that he's frequently been called on for collaborations with companies like Nike. One of these collaborations was the SB Dunk Low Gardener Woods Friends and Family sneakers, released in 2006.

The footwear had a limited production run and was apparently inspired by one of Michael's comic strips, 'Gardener.' The shoes are designed to look like they're made of wood as a nod to a skateboard. What sets this edition apart from the standard model is the wood grain midsole, which helps make the sneakers $16,000 on Sotheby's.

The SB Dunk Low Pro Denim sneakers are the ideal footwear for double denim lovers

• Price: $17,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2002

Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears were the king and queen of double denim in the early 2000s. However, they could have been triple denim royalty if they'd worn these expensive sneakers by Nike. The SB Dunk Low Pro Denim takes the popular Dunk SB Low model and covers it in two shades of Indigo denim.

Frayed details on top of the material really bring the denim quality to life and make this the perfect footwear for anyone who loves blue jeans. Skateboarders Reese Forbes and Natas Kaupas were apparently the ones behind these sneakers, which are still in demand today. Sotheby's put their price at $17,000, though, so you won't get them cheap.

The SB Dunk Low Pro London sneakers were to commemorate an event that never happened

• Price: $19,500
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2004

Nike has had some iconic events in the past, but their White Dunk exhibition is definitely one of the best. During this, several dozen Japanese artists had to reimagine the white Nike Dunk and turn the shoe into abstract works of art. Commemorative sneakers were released in conjunction with this to celebrate the cities hosting the exhibition.

London was one of those cities, but the event was suddenly canceled there. However, Nike still released 202 pairs of the SB Dunk Low Pro London, which featured tonal gray suede and a river Thames outline on the heel. The exclusivity of the shoe, combined with the story around it, means Sotheby's now prices the expensive sneakers at $19,500.

The Air Jordan 10 OVO sneakers have a lot of star power behind them

• Price: $20,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2016

As it stands, Air Jordans prove to be some of the most expensive sneakers in the world. This time, it's the Air Jordan 10 OVO sneakers, which were released in 2016. Typically, the Air Jordans generate a ton of publicity because of their association with Michael Jordan. However, these expensive sneakers have another big name attached to them: Drake.

The star power of these two alone is enough to have some people willing to pay more than most would for the chance to own them. That's how someone managed to get away with selling a pair of these shoes for $20,000 online. That’s some expensive footwear, but one that comes with some star-studded names attached.

The FS-029 Chompers from Nigo's Collection was designed in collaboration with KAWS

• Price: $20,000
• Manufacturer: BAPE
• Year: 2005

A Bathing Ape, or BAPE, might not feature heavily on the list of the world's most expensive sneakers. However, they're still responsible for one of the priciest pairs of footwear out there with their FS-029 Chompers from Nigo's Collection. Created in collaboration with KAWS, Sotheby's has a pair of size 9.5s available for $20,000.

With these expensive sneakers being limited edition, it's maybe no wonder that they're worth so much. KAWS being such an influential contemporary artist also plays a role in this, as does the design of the shoes themselves. Featuring a patent leather construction and eye-catching polka dot print, they wouldn't look out of place in a 2000s emo's closet.

The Air Yeezy 1 Zen Gray sample is highly valued because it's a prototype

• Price: $23,750
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2008

Kanye West and award shows aren't always a perfect pairing. Fortunately, one year before he made his infamous speech at the 2009 VMAs, he showed up to the Grammy Awards in these sneakers. Fans had the chance to glimpse the Air Yeezy 1 prototype while he performed several songs on the stage, generating huge demand for the sneakers.

This is the Zen Gray sample of the shoe, and it was never released. That explains the $23,750 price tag. Apparently, they still have their factory sample tags, with "sample" also written in the sock liner. Combine that with the glow-in-the-dark soles, and it's perhaps no wonder that people will pay big bucks to get their hands on them.

Macklemore's Air Jordan 6 sneakers definitely aren't thrift shop material

• Price: $25,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2014

When Macklemore first made a splash, it was with the song 'Thrift Shop.' Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that everything associated with the rapper you can get for 99 cents. That's certainly not the case with the cactus and clay Air Jordan 6s, which he collaborated on with Nike. These expensive sneakers can now command a $25,000 price tag.

Try as you might, you probably won't be finding these in a thrift shop anytime soon. However, if you've got the cash, they're not worth turning your nose up at. After all, they're Air Jordans, so they're one of the world's most beloved sneakers. Plus, the range of colors isn't something you see that often in the footwear world.

The Air Jordan 3 'Grateful' is a collaboration with DJ Khaled in honor of his child

• Price: $25,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2017

DJ Khaled is a music superstar who can't resist the appeal of having his own sneakers. Not only is the man exceptional at producing hit after hit, but he also knows how to make shoes that are worth five figures. Within months of release, his Air Jordan 3 'Grateful' sneakers were apparently sometimes retailing for as much as $25,000.

Reportedly released to celebrate the birth of Khaled's child, this expensive footwear is made with University Red leather and an encapsulated Air unit in the midsole. What's more, it wouldn't be a DJ Khaled creation if "We the best" wasn't featured somewhere. Nike made sure to include this on the hangtags, so everyone would know who was behind the design.

The Dunk SB Low Freddy Kruger sneakers aren't meant to be available

• Price: $30,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2007

When it comes to Halloween, people tend to put more focus on the clothes than the shoes. However, there are some incredibly spooky sneakers that could be the centerpiece of anyone's Halloween outfit. The Dunk SB Low Freddy Kruger sneakers by Nike are one of them, assuming you can get your hand on one of the 26 samples.

These shoes were never officially released after New Line Cinema filed a cease and desist against Nike. However, this happened so late that a batch was already produced, which is how people like Kendall Jenner and Travis Scott got their hands on some. This wasn't cheap, though. Kendall's pair cost $27,500, while another set sold for $30,000.

Air Force 1 Low Scarr's Pizza is a great advertisement for a New York pizza restaurant

• Price: $30,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2019

If you're a size nine, you could be lucky enough to get your hands on a pair of Air Force 1 Low Scarr's Pizza sneakers from Sotheby's. Just make sure you have $30,000 in your bank account before you add these to your bag, though. Only 48 pairs of these expensive sneakers were ever made, hence the price.

The shoes were the work of Scarr Pimental and Audie Villot of Scarr's Pizza on New York's Lower East Side. They wanted a pair of Air Force 1s that harkened back to the shoes they grew up with and which celebrated their city. One of the unique features of these sneakers is that their phone number is on the forefoot.

The Air Jordan 2 OG is an expensive but valuable piece of footwear history

• Price: $31,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1986

If there’s one thing Air Jordans can do, it’s make some of the best - and most expensive - sneakers. This next model is the Air Jordan 2 OG, released all the way back in 1986. When it launched, its original price was apparently just $100. Since then, inflation and the footwear's naturally rising value have bumped this up significantly.

Now, these expensive sneakers can sell for around $31,000. However, with these shoes, you do get a piece of history to add to your collection. After all, these are the same make of shoes that Michael Jordan wore for the 1986/87 season, during which he scored a league-record 23 points in a row.

The navy velvet Air Jordan 11s were released in 2017 to commemorate Derek Jeter's retirement

• Price: $40,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2017

It really says a lot about someone's sporting career when a company like Nike releases a new shoe to commemorate their retirement. That's what happened in 2017 when Derek Jetter decided it was time to say goodbye to his baseball career. Nike honored the iconic sports star by releasing five pairs of Air Jordan 11s in navy velvet.

With a limited selection of these expensive sneakers being available, it's perhaps no surprise they've been known to sell for around $40,000. There are only two pairs you can even technically buy because the other three are apparently locked up in US consignment stores. You could get lucky, though, and bag these sneakers with "2" on the heel.

Eminem's Air Jordan 4 collaboration was primarily made for his friends and family

• Price: $41,782
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2015

One rapper who's teamed up with Nike in the past is Eminem. Back in 2015, the sportswear company released the Air Jordan 4 in collaboration with the music star. Eminem had no intention of designing a shoe for the masses, though. His limited edition collection was apparently created almost exclusively for his friends and family members.

Luckily, there were ten additional pairs that were auctioned off online, which is why it's possible for people to still get their hands on them today. You can expect to spend somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000, though. Of all the sizes listed on GOAT, a size nine is the most expensive at $41,782.

The Dunk SB Low Yellow Lobsters were supposedly made to be scarce

• Price: $42,634
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2009

A shoe known as the Yellow Lobster was always bound to stand out. We'd say once you take a look at Nike's Dunk SB Low sneakers with this name, it lives up to that. The color certainly won't appeal to everyone, but if you love mustard tones and colors that remind you of fall, these shoes are pretty great.

There was quite a lot of excitement around these expensive sneakers when they were first teased. Unfortunately, the idea behind the shoes was apparently to create scarcity, with the footwear consequently being released in extremely limited quantities. It's maybe no wonder they've apparently had a price tag of $42,634 before. They're almost as rare as they come.

The Huarache '08 Glow In The Dark Tour Sample sneakers are some of Kanye's rarest shoes

• Price: $50,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2008

No one can ever accuse Kanye West of not trying to offer something a little outside of the box with his expensive sneakers. One of the rarest shoes that he's ever worked on is the Huarache '08 Glow In The Dark Tour Sample sneakers that Nike designed in 2008. These sneakers definitely aren't afraid to be bold.

The expensive footwear was created in honor of the rapper, with the color choice intentional to represent Kanye’s concerts from this era. Featuring black velvet covers, green leather Swooshes, and exposed stitching, they're quite something. However, with only five of these pairs of sneakers in existence, buying one could cost you $50,000, according to Sotheby's.

A pair of diamond-encrusted Air Force 1s were auctioned for a good cause

• Price: $50,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2007

Generally speaking, when you cover something in diamonds, it boosts the value significantly. While Big Boi's Air Force 1s might not have every inch dazzling with these gems, there are several 11-carat diamonds on them, along with gold accents. These make the expensive sneakers stand out from the many other Air Force 1s available in the world.

The sneakers were valued at $50,000 and auctioned off with all the money going toward Big Boi's Big Kidz Foundation. With the shoes being one-of-a-kind, the chance of ever getting to see the pair yourself will be pretty slim. Still, someone with the money can always order a custom pair of expensive diamond-covered sneakers themselves.

A 2017 model of the Air Jordan IV Retro Eminem 'Encore' sneakers exceeded auction estimates

• Price: $56,700
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2005/2017

Sotheby's has sold plenty of the world's most expensive sneakers, including a 2017 model of the Air Jordan IV Retro Eminem 'Encore' sneakers. The shoes were a re-released version of the ones that initially launched in 2005, following the release of the rapper's 'Encore' album. These were apparently so popular that Nike returned to them over a decade later.

As you might expect by now, these expensive sneakers sold for a lot of money at Sotheby's. They went for $56,700, more than the estimated $28,000 - $35,000 that was initially predicted for this auction. Thankfully, the shoes were in excellent condition when they were sold, albeit with minor cracking in the midsole.

Stephen Curry's game-worn "Moon Landing" sneakers helped to educate many kids

• Price: $58,100
• Manufacturer: Under Armour
• Year: 2019

Sometimes, a pair of expensive sneakers are only truly valuable when they've belonged to someone else. That proved to be the case with Stephen Curry's "Moon Landing" sneakers that he got from Under Armour. When the NBA star decided he wanted to raise some money for charity, Curry sold the kicks online and made nearly $60,000.

His NASA-inspired Curry 6 "Moon Landing" sneakers were sold on eBay to the tune of $58,100, with the money going to the Stephen and Ayesha Curry Family Foundation. This foundation exists to help support STEM education in the Bay Area, which meant Curry’s game-worn sneakers helped to make a significant difference to tons of children.

Futura 2000's Dunk High Pro SB "FLOM" sneakers set a new record at auction

• Price: $63,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2005

One pair of expensive sneakers that sold extremely well when they went to auction was Futura 2000's Dunk High Pro SB "FLOM" sneakers. These were reportedly sold by Sotheby's in 2020, ultimately going for $63,000. This meant that they set a new record for the highest price that a Nike Dunk sneaker has ever sold for.

Only three of the 24 pairs that Nike made were ever released to the public, while the remainder went to friends and family. So, it's perhaps no wonder people were so eager to get a pair themselves when the shoes went to auction all these years later. According to Hypebeast, most of the bidders were in their 20s and 30s.

The 'Fukijama Gold' Air Force 1 sneakers were inspired by the series 'Entourage'

• Price: $88,200
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2009

It's not often that you get sneakers influenced by a TV show. However, there is a pair of Air Force 1 shoes that were inspired by the dramedy 'Entourage.' The third season aired in 2006 and featured the Fukijama Gold, a pair of Air Force 1 shoes that were highly sought after. Nike eventually made these sneakers real in 2009.

A gold version of their popular Air Force 1 shoes, the sneakers were as in-demand in real life as they were in the show, so much so that when Sotheby's put a pair up for auction, they ended up going for a lot of money. The expensive sneakers eventually sold for $88,200 in March 2021.

A pair of 1989 Air Mags in poor condition can still sell for thousands of dollars

• Price: $92,100
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1989

The most expensive footwear doesn't always have to be in amazing condition. Sometimes, sneakers will sell for an incredible amount of money, even if they're damaged - all because they're so rare. That was the case with the 1989 Air Mags, a futuristic-looking shoe that Marty McFly famously wore in the sci-fi movie 'Back to the Future II.'

Given these sneakers were made in the late 1980s, it's probably no great shock that the pair that sold weren't in amazing condition. Its issues reportedly included a cracked midsole, a detached outsole, and a crumbling heel. Nevertheless, hundreds of people bid on the expensive sneakers on eBay, with the winner spending $92,100 on the footwear.

A pair of Air Jordan 12 OVOs from a Raptor's Game generated tons of online interest

• Price: $100,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2016

We've now reached the point where all of these expensive sneakers are supposedly worth at least six figures. The Air Jordan 12 OVO is one of them. At least, one pair of them is. Although these sneakers tend to sell for somewhere in the hundreds or low thousands, there was something special about this pair.

According to the LA Times, the person who sold the shoes received them at a Toronto Raptors game on what was apparently a Drake Extravaganza Night. It's unclear whether or not the rapper actually signed the shoes himself. However, people on eBay were apparently enticed enough by what was on offer to spend as much as $100,000.

Michael Jordan achieved greatness in his Air Jordan 12 sneakers at The Flu Game

• Price: $104,765
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1997

There are so many NBA games every year that only a handful ever stand out. One that's hard for many to forget, though, is the 1997 "Flu Game." This game was notable because of Michael Jordan's sickness, with the basketball star suffering from food poisoning that was initially mistaken for the flu. He played despite not being 100%.

Even though Jordan was not at the top of his game, he still played well enough to help his team achieve victory. That makes these Air Jordan 12 sneakers pretty valuable, which is why they ultimately sold for a high price 16 years later. When they sold for $104,765, they became one of the world's most expensive game-worn shoes.

A pair of Dunk SB Low Paris sneakers sold for over $100,000 at a reselling store

• Price: Approximately $110,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2003

Plenty of the most expensive sneakers in the world cost as much as they do because they're so rare. The Dunk SB Low Paris sneaker by Nike is one example of limited production, with rumors claiming that only 150 - 200 of these shoes exist. They were made in the early 2000s as part of the "White Dunk" traveling exhibition.

A pair of these was sold many years later through Proxyeed, a London-based reselling store. According to them, the pair shifted for "around £100,000," which translates to about $110,000. It's not clear who purchased the expensive sneakers, but the shoes were seemingly the most expensive item on their bill. At that price, it's probably no great surprise.

Michael Jordan's gold-winning Olympic Air Jordan 7 sneakers are incredibly expensive sneakers

• Price: $112,500
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1992

Getting a pair of a star's game-worn sneakers is like the ultimate dream for many sports fans and sneaker collectors. The bigger a star is, though, the costlier it can be to make this a reality. If that star is Michael Jordan, spending over $100,000 seems almost inevitable. After all, several of his shoes have sold for this price.

The Olympic Air Jordan 7s that he wore as part of the 1992 US Men's Olympic basketball team is another pair that went for six figures. They were reportedly sold in 2020 for $112,500, exceeding the sale of his "Flu Game" shoes several years earlier. Well, we suppose Jordan did win an Olympic gold medal in these shoes.

11.5 carats of diamonds and 18-karat gold make the 100 MM Diamond sneakers expensive

• Price: $132,000
• Manufacturer: BUSCEMI
• Year: 2016

This is one example of expensive sneakers getting part of their value from the presence of diamonds. There are apparently 11.5 carats of diamonds in BUSCEMI's 100 MM Diamond sneakers, with said diamonds also reportedly set in 18-karat gold. While the shoes aren't covered in this, their presence alone is enough to hike up the cost.

The expensive sneakers were unveiled at BUSCEMI's SoHo Flagship opening party, where it emerged that these shoes are only for those with plenty in their bank account. That's because the company revealed that they came with a $132,000 price tag, which isn't for the faint-hearted. That's a lot for shoes fresh out of the box.

Michael Jordan's Air Jordan 11 sneakers from 'Space Jam' were a huge hit with collectors

• Price: $176,400
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1996

Michael Jordan has made quite an impression on fans with his basketball skills over the years. However, it's not just in real life that he's impressed. Jordan was one of the stars to feature in the sports comedy film 'Space Jam,' which was a massive hit in the 1990s. In that movie, he reportedly wore these Air Jordan 11 sneakers.

Given this expensive footwear was associated with both Michael Jordan and 'Space Jam,' it's maybe no surprise people wanted to own the pair themselves. So, when Sotheby's put them up for auction, they quickly went for a large sum of money. Estimates were between $150,000 and $200,000, with the final amount falling in the middle at $176,400.

Michael Jordan's 1984 Converse sneakers were the final ones he wore in an official game

• Price: $190,373
• Manufacturer: Converse
• Year: 1984

The Olympic Games is one of the biggest events on the calendar. So, it makes sense that some of the shoes that athletes have competed in here in the past are now worth something. It's certainly no surprise that Michael Jordan's shoes are so in-demand, given that he's one of the greatest basketball players the world has ever seen.

One of his Olympic footwear that people were willing to pay big money for was the Converse sneakers that Jordan wore in the 1984 final against Spain. This was apparently the last time he wore Converse sneakers in an official game, as well as Jordan's final game as an amateur. That's probably why they sold for $190,373 in 2017.

An updated version of the Air Mag made millions for Michael J. Fox's charity

• Price: $200,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2016

It seems that there have been multiple iterations of the Nike Air Mag. The first proper public release was in 2011, with another batch following five years later. Both had limited quantities, with the second batch only producing 89 pairs. However, the latter also offered the self-lacing technology that many people had been asking for from the manufacturers.

Rather than going on sale, this second batch of expensive sneakers was mostly given away through a raffle where people could pay $10 for a ticket. It seems that Michael J. Fox also hosted a gala where one pair generated $200,000 in bids. All proceeds from the Air Mag shoes went to the actor's Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Michael Jordan designed a pair of Jordan 1 Retro High sneakers that sold for six figures

• Price: $250,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2019

Given Michael Jordan's close association with Nike, whenever fans see him sporting new sneakers, they immediately want to know what's on his feet. That's what happened in February 2019, when Jordan attended the NBA All-Star weekend in never-before-seen shoes. It turned out these expensive sneakers were Jordan 1 Retro High shoes that he'd helped to design himself.

The footwear was released on Jordan's 56th birthday, with only 300 being manufactured. 65 of those were put up for auction, with a further ten able to win through a raffle. Demand was so high for these expensive sneakers, which boast a quilted leather upper and a star-shaped silver hangtag, that one pair sold for $250,000.

Before Nike, Bill Bowerman created the "Prototype Logo" Track Spikes

• Price: $315,000
• Manufacturer: Bill Bowerman
• Year: 1960s

It's hard to imagine a time when Nike wasn't around manufacturing sportswear, including a bunch of the world's most expensive sneakers. However, when these shoes were made, Nike was more of a concept than a thriving company. They were created at some point in the 1960s by Bill Bowerman, one of the co-founders of Nike.

Bowerman handmade the "Prototype Logo" Track Spikes, which were later modified in the 1970s for Harry Jerome. The most prominent logo on the shoes is somewhat reminiscent of the Nike Swoosh, although Bowerman hadn't yet finalized that famous design. These expensive sneakers eventually sold for $315,000 at a Sotheby's auction in 2021, lower than the estimated $800,000.

A Louis Vuitton collaboration helped some exclusive Air Force 1 sneakers generate millions

• Price: $352,800
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2022

While most of Louis Vuitton's most expensive sneakers are on the lower end of the scale, their collaboration with Nike is undeniably pricey. Virgil Abloh helped to bring this limited-edition version of the company's Air Force 1 sneaker to life, with 200 pairs ultimately being manufactured. All of them were sold at Sotheby's across a two-week auction.

Overall, the entire batch of sneakers reportedly generated $25.3 million, far exceeding Sotheby's $3 million expectation. Out of these, the pair that sold the most went for $352,800. These expensive sneakers were apparently the only ones in a men's size five. The auction was evidently a success, with even the cheapest pair selling for $75,600.

The Waffle Racing Flat "Moon Shoe" broke records when they went to auction

• Price: $437,500
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1972

When Nike's Waffle Racing Flat "Moon Shoe" sneakers went to auction in July 2019, they broke a record. Guinness World Records claimed that they were the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction, an impressive feat given they weren't in perfect condition. Well, the shoes were released in 1972, so some aging was to be expected after nearly 50 years.

Only 12 were ever made back then, and not all of them have survived the test of time. Despite their aged appearance, the shoes apparently had never been worn, so they still had that going for them. Miles Spencer Nadal, who purchased the shoes for $437,500, supposedly bought them with the intention of displaying them in a museum.

An original pair of Michael Jordan's Air Jordan 1 sneakers were in incredibly high demand

• Price: $560,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1985

Of course, while some shoes broke records when they went to auction, they were often several years ago. There have been more auctions in the years since, resulting in several expensive sneakers ultimately going for more. The Nike Air Jordan 1 is one such example, with a pair of these selling at Sotheby's for $560,000 in 2020.

Here, their association with Michael Jordan likely drove the price up. Not only did the sporting icon reportedly wear these in the mid-1980s, but Jordan also signed them, too. That made them a hot commodity worth far more than the estimates had assumed. The final price was over three times more than what Sotheby's had anticipated.

Michael Jordan's Air Jordan 1 High sneakers are part of an iconic basketball moment

• Price: $615,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1985

Those weren't the only pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers to sell at auction in 2020. Another pair of sneakers - these being the High version - was also up for grabs in August of that year. They were sold online at a Christie's auction, where they were ultimately purchased for $615,000. Once again, these had been worn by Michael Jordan.

The shoes were referred to as the "Shattered Backboard Origin Story" sneakers. How come? Some might remember that Jordan played an exhibition game in Italy in 1985, where he made quite the dunk. His shot was so powerful that he ended up shattering the glass of the backboard in what is now one of basketball's most iconic moments.

The Air Jordan Retro 'Kobe Pack' celebrated Kobe Bryant several years before his tragic passing

• Price: $800,000
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2016

We know that no one can live forever, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt when we lose one of the world's greatest sporting stars. That's especially the case when they leave us too soon, just as Kobe Bryant did. Four years before his sudden and tragic passing, Bryant’s friends and family were gifted with some expensive sneakers.

The Air Jordan Retro 'Kobe Pack' may well serve as a reminder of the basketball legend now that he's gone. The shoes were designed with LA Lakers colors in mind to commemorate the man's illustrious sporting career. The likelihood of buying one of these is slim, especially with their value now allegedly being around $800,000.

Michael Jordan's Air Ships from 1984 are his most expensive sneakers ever

• Price: $1.472 million
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 1984

One pair of Michael Jordan's many game-worn shoes that have sold big at auction are the Air Ships that he wore in 1984. It seems that one collector was so eager to get their hands on these sneakers that they were willing to pay seven figures for them. $1.472 million is how much these ultimately went for in 2021.

These expensive sneakers were part of Nike's move to entice Jordan to their company back in the day. They offered him a signature line of clothes and sneakers to convince him to partner with them, something that's seemingly paid off. Plenty of the most expensive sneakers in the world are Nike products that Jordan has worn.

Kanye West's Air Yeezy prototype sold for $1.8 million in 2021

• Price: $1.8 million
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2008

Michael Jordan might be associated with many of the world's most expensive sneakers. However, there are several pieces of footwear that have sold for more than his, one of which is Kanye West's Air Yeezy. These are the actual shoes that he wore for those 2008 Grammy performances and - as with many others - were never officially released.

As a result, many collectors have been eager to find the samples and will spend whatever they have to in their quest. As the price tag of many expensive sneakers proves, they rarely come cheap. Sotheby's sold this prototype for $1.8 million in 2021, far exceeding the previous records set for the highest private sale of sneakers.

Drake's Solid Gold OVO Air Jordans are the most expensive sneakers in the world

• Price: $2 million
• Manufacturer: Nike
• Year: 2016

As it stands, there is supposedly no pair of sneakers in the world more expensive than the Solid Gold OVO Air Jordans that were made in 2016. The name of these sneakers doesn't lie either - they're apparently made of solid gold. That easily explains the price tag, with rapper Drake paying something in the region of $2 million.

These expensive sneakers were custom-made, so anyone hoping to find a pair drifting around reselling stores will have to think again. Unless Drake decides he doesn't want the shoes anymore and opts to get rid of them, they'll only ever belong to him. Of course, if Drake does sell them, you can almost guarantee the price tag will be eye-watering.