Most Expensive Sneakers: From jordan’s Last Dance to Solid Gold
Table of Contents
- Most Expensive Sneakers: From jordan’s Last Dance to Solid Gold
- Moast Expensive Sneakers: A Collector’s Guide
What price would you put on a piece of sports history? For collectors, certain sneakers transcend mere footwear, becoming coveted artifacts. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable sports shoes ever sold.
Air Jordan 13 ”The last Dance” Sets Auction Record
In april 2023, a pair of Air Jordan 13 ”The Last dance” sneakers shattered previous records at a Sotheby’s auction. the red and black shoes, autographed by Michael jordan, fetched a staggering $2.2 million.

These sneakers were worn by Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals,his final season with the Chicago Bulls. According to Sotheby’s, Jordan scored 37 points in 40 minutes while wearing the shoes, leading the Bulls to a 93-88 victory against the Utah Jazz.
Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1: A Grammy Milestone
Prior to the “Last Dance” sale,Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1 prototype held the record for the most expensive sneakers. These shoes, worn by West at the 2008 Grammy Awards, were auctioned for $1.8 million in 2021.
Sneakers as Art: Drake‘s Solid Gold Air Jordans
While some sneakers gain value thru their connection to sports legends, others are simply works of art. In 2016, rapper Drake acquired a pair of solid gold Air Jordan 10 ”OVO” sneakers for $1.9 million, according to Footwear News. These 24-carat gold shoes are not meant for wear but serve as a unique art piece.
Other Notable high-Priced Sneakers
The market for rare and historic sneakers continues to grow. Other notable sales include:
- Nike Air Ships worn by Michael Jordan in 1984: Sold for $1.4 million.
- Flu Game Air jordan 12: sold for $1.38 million.
- shattered Backboard Air Jordan 1: sold for $615,000 in 2021.
Moast Expensive Sneakers: A Collector’s Guide
What price would you put on a piece of sports history? For collectors, certain sneakers transcend mere footwear, becoming coveted artifacts. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable sports shoes ever sold.
What Makes a Sneaker Valuable?
The value of a sneaker is often tied to its connection with iconic moments in sports history, the celebrity who wore it, or its rarity and unique design. Some sneakers become valuable simply as works of art.
Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance” Sets Auction Record
In April 2023, a pair of Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance” sneakers shattered previous records at a Sotheby’s auction. The red and black shoes, autographed by Michael Jordan, fetched a staggering $2.2 million.

These sneakers were worn by Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals, his final season with the Chicago Bulls. According to Sotheby’s, Jordan scored 37 points in 40 minutes while wearing the shoes, leading the Bulls to a 93-88 victory against the Utah Jazz.
Why are “The Last Dance” Jordans so Valuable?
The high price of the “Last Dance” Air Jordans is due to several factors, including:
- Rarity: Game-worn sneakers are inherently rare.
- Provenance: The shoes’ association with Michael Jordan and a specific, memorable game adds significant value.
- Condition: The shoes are well-preserved, adding to their appeal.
- Signatures: The autograph further enhances their collectibility.
Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1: A Grammy Milestone
Prior to the “Last Dance” sale, Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1 prototype held the record for the most expensive sneakers. These shoes, worn by West at the 2008 Grammy awards, were auctioned for $1.8 million in 2021.
Sneakers as Art: Drake’s Solid Gold Air Jordans
While some sneakers gain value through their connection to sports legends, others are simply works of art. In 2016, rapper Drake acquired a pair of solid gold Air Jordan 10 “OVO” sneakers for $1.9 million, according to Footwear News. These 24-carat gold shoes are not meant for wear but serve as a unique art piece.
What are Some Other High-Priced Sneakers?
The market for rare and historic sneakers continues to grow.Other notable sales include:
Key High-Priced Sneakers
Here’s a brief overview of other top-selling sneakers:
- Nike Air Ships worn by Michael Jordan in 1984: Sold for $1.4 million.
- “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12: sold for $1.38 million.
- Shattered Backboard Air Jordan 1: Sold for $615,000 in 2021.
Summary of the Most valuable Sneakers
Here’s a table summarizing the most expensive sneakers mentioned:
| Sneaker | Athlete/Celebrity | sale Price | Year of Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance” | Michael Jordan | $2.2 million | 2023 |
| Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype | Kanye West | $1.8 million | 2021 |
| Solid gold air Jordan 10 “OVO” | Drake | $1.9 million | 2016 |
| Nike Air Ships | Michael Jordan | $1.4 million | N/A – 1984 |
| “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12 | Michael Jordan | $1.38 million | N/A |
| Shattered Backboard Air Jordan 1 | Michael Jordan | $615,000 | 2021 |
