21 Most Expensive Sneakers Of All Time (2023 Ranking) (2023)

If you’re fascinated by the collision of high fashion and streetwear, then you may know that the sneaker is having a moment. Or perhaps we should say an era. Encrusted with expensive diamonds, made of solid gold, or selling for record-breaking figures at Sotheby’s, the designer sneaker has become a genuine collector’s item, and not only for sneakerheads but for all those interested in the cultural marriage of high art and street style.

A luxury sneaker can be a wise investment, many of those on this list have seen their value soar since their first release. Whether or not they are in mint condition, it is often the story that surrounds the sneaker that lends it its cachet, adding a sense of rarity and nostalgia to the shoe, which pushes prices sky-high.

So, while the price tag on some of these sneaker brands may leave you in need of a stiff drink, rest assured that their value can and does fluctuate according to the whims of the somewhat fickle world of fashion, and you can always find designer sneakers for a rather more digestible price from MR PORTER or FARFETCH.

The 21 most expensive sneakers

21. DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 3 ‘Grateful’ – $25,000

First in our lineup of the most expensive shoes in the world, we have DJ Khaled’s Jordans, made to commemorate the release of Khaled’s ‘Grateful’ album. Released in a flamboyant shade of red that is not for the fainthearted, the trainers also feature a ‘WE THE BEST’ lettering on the hangtags, which, if you can stump up 25K for a pair of sneakers, is probably true.

20. Macklemore x Air Jordan 6 – $25,000

The results of another marriage between rapper and designer brand, this time the American rapper from Seattle, Washington, known as Macklemore. As many commentators have pointed out, the $25,000 price tag does seem somewhat difficult to swallow, given the rapper’s best-known song “Thrift Shop”, celebrates the virtues of frugality and of creating your own style!

19. Eminem X Carhartt Air Jordan 4 – $30,000

One of Eminem’s most sought-after sneaker collaborations, these were one of the first shoes ever to be sold directly through eBay. Only 10 pairs were ever made for the public, and all the proceeds from sales went to Michigan State University’s music school. Signature traits include Eminem’s backward ‘E’ logo and a hockey mask that adorns the heel.

18. Nike Dunk SB Low Freddy Kruger – $30,000

Your very own nightmare on sneaker street, and perhaps one of the most gruesome designs in sneaker history. These Nike Dunks pay tribute to the slasher who haunts the Nightmare on Elm Street films, through the green and red stripes which recall Freddy’s jumper to the silver metallic swoosh which imitates the razor-sharp blades that extend from Freddy’s gloves. Needless to say, every collector’s dream.

17. Air Jordan 2 OG – $31,000

Apparently, the mold used to create this particular sneaker somehow got lost or disappeared, making the Air Jordan OG 2 sneakers into a rare collector’s item, so much so that a 28-year-old pair of worn Jordan 2 originals were auctioned off on Ebay for an incredible $31,000, despite having clearly seen better days.

16. Nike Dunk SB Low Staple NYC Pigeon – $38,000

Although indeed inspired by the colors of the humble pigeon, there is nothing humble about these trainers, credited with having transformed sneaker obsession into a mainstream phenomenon. Released in 2005, the New York Post headlined “Sneaker Frenzy” on the front page, and the race that started then to get a hold of a pair of these trainers is still going strong today.

15. Air Jordan 11 “Jeter” – $40,000

If you are looking to invest in an elegant, sophisticated pair of sneakers that will resist the vagaries of fashion, then these velvety, midnight blue high-tops may be just the trainer for you. Only 5 of these pairs were released, to commemorate the retirement of Derek Jeter, one of the greatest New York Yankees of all time. And with Jeter’s memorable number 2 emblazoned on the heel, they’re considered to be among the best jordans of all time and have collectors from across the globe clamoring for ownership.

14. Nike Dunk SB Low Yellow Lobster – $42,634

Several teaser pics of the Nike Low Yellow Lobster created great excitement around the release of this new shoe, which is very similar in design to its red and blue predecessors. Though sadly, the Yellow Lobster was released in an extremely limited edition and never made it to retail. The shoe features a mustard yellow upper and the signature lobster inner plaid.

13. Diamond Encrusted Air Force 1 – $50,000

One of the best white sneakers, but make it dazzling. 11-carat champagne diamonds and gold accents make these the most expensive pair of Nike Air Force 1 sneakers in the world, and feature among the best sneakers for women. Gifted to Big Boi, an Atlanta rapper and half of American hip-hop duo OutKast, they were auctioned off by the sneakerhead to raise money for his Big Kidz Foundation.

12. Nike Dunk SB Low Paris – $62,000

Creative, cool, and colorful, the Nike Dunk SB Low Paris is an incredibly limited sneaker, with only a rumored 150-200 pairs in existence. Each pair is adorned with artwork by the late French expressionist artist Bernard Buffet, meaning that no two pairs are identical, thus making them one of the rarest shoes in the world, and greatly adding to their value and desirability.

11. Nike Dunk High Pro SB Flom – $63,000

One of the most difficult to find Nike SBs in the world, the FLOM (for love or money), was released in 2004, though of the 24 pairs created, just 3 were released to the public, making finding a pair the holy grail of sneaker hunting. The Dunk silhouette is one of the most easily recognized in sneaker history, and this FLOM pattern encompasses different denominations of printed money.

10. Nike MAG Back to the Future (2016) – $63,973

Perhaps the most sought-after sneaker of all time, the Nike Air Mag was first seen on our screens in ‘Back to the Future II’, though the light-up detailing and auto-lacing technology were achieved, at the time, by special cinematic effects. Now that technology has brought imagination to life, these futuristic sneakers are constantly growing in popularity among sneakerheads, cinephiles, and pop culture aficionados alike.

9. Air Jordan 12 OVO (Drake Edition) – $100,000

If you want to turn heads in your white sneakers, then wear the Air Jordan 12 OVO. Clean cut and classy, these sneakers are the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Jordan brand and rapper, designer, and basketball fan Drake. Highly elegant with an understated design, made with premium white leather, these incredibly comfortable shoes were made to make you stand out from the crowd.

8. Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game) – $104,765

One of the most expensive pieces of Michael Jordan memorabilia around, this signed pair was worn by Jordan while playing the 1997 NBA finals, and while apparently suffering from a stomach virus, hence the nickname ‘Flu Game’, an appendage which has undoubtedly added considerably to their value.

7. Buscemi 100mm Diamond – $132,000

Is it the most expensive tennis shoe ever made? Jewelry or footwear? Good questions, when a shoe is loaded up with 11.5 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold, you could be forgiven for wondering. No doubts surrounding the price tag though, at a cool $132,000, this bright white sneaker is not actually made for the tennis court, but if you’re likely to be hanging out with the fashionistas on the front row, then this is the one for you.

6. Michael Jordan Game Worn Converse Fastbreak – $190,373

In 1984 Michael Jordan and Team USA won gold at the Olympics in Los Angeles. 30 years later, a pair of Converse Fastbreaks signed by Jordan and said to have been worn on the court at the Olympics, came up for auction and sold for over $190,000, far surpassing the expected price of around $100,000, and making them among the most valuable sneakers in the world. Historical footnote: these trainers are considered to be the last pair Michael Jordan wore in a game as an amateur.

5. Jordan 1 Retro High Charlotte Hornets Foundation Black/White – $250,000

In February 2019, Michael Jordan was spotted in a pair of never-before-seen Air Jordan 1s at the NBA All-Star weekend in Charlotte. Designed by the man himself, and released on his 56th birthday, only 300 pairs were ever made. With a quilted leather upper, each pair comes in clean black or white colorways, with a star-shaped silver hang tag that’s covered in a honeycomb motif.

4. Air Jordan Retro ‘Kobe Pack’ – $800,000

Distributed only to friends and family in 2016, the Air Jordan ⅜ Retro ‘Kobe Pack’ was designed as a tribute to Kobe Bryant, one of the most beloved basketball figures in the history of the sport. These trainers are replicas of the classic Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 8, and were made to celebrate Bryant’s 20 glorious years in the NBA. Dressed in the LA Lakers colors, they feature a white leather upper with purple and gold accents.

3. Michael Jordan Game Worn Nike Air Ship – $1.47 million

The all-time most expensive worn shoes ever sold at auction. Collector Nick Fiorella paid $1,472,000 for these Air Ships at Sotheby’s Las Vegas on 24 October 2021. Brahm Wachter, Head of Sotheby’s Streetwear and Modern Collectables, said that this record-breaking result ‘solidifies the strength and broad reach of the sneaker collecting community.’

2. Kayne West Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ – $1.8 million

One of the most lucrative results of the collaboration between rapper and designer Kayne West and the Nike brand, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ was worn by West while performing his hit single ‘Stronger’ on the Grammy stage in 2008, and announced the Yeezy project to the entire sneaker world. The Yeezy brand has in fact produced many sought-after designs, check our list of the best Yeezy shoes of all time to see them all.

1. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans – $2 Million

When Drake stepped into Kayne West’s sneakers to collaborate with the famed Jordan brand, he decided to make them solid gold. 24k. The most expensive Nike shoes in the world, they weigh more than 50lb each, meaning you probably won’t be doing much jumping, but with these on your feet, you’ll most certainly have all the attention you need.

Most expensive sneakers of all time summary

So, whether you are now dusting off your real or imaginary pocketbook, we hope you have enjoyed this list. Here is a quick recap of the 21 most expensive sneakers in the world:

1. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans – $2 Million
2. Kayne West Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ – $1.8 million
3. Michael Jordan’s Game Worn Nike Airship – $1.47 million
4. Air Jordan Retro “Kobe Pack” – $800,000
5. Jordan 1 Retro High Charlotte Hornets Foundation Black/White – $250,000
6. Michael Jordan Game Worn Converse Fastbreak – $190,373
7. Buscemi 100 MM Diamond – $132,000
8. Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game) – $104,765
9. Air Jordan 12 OVO (Drake Edition) – $100,000
10. Nike MAG Back to the Future (2016) – $63,973
11. Nike Dunk High Pro SB FLOM – $63,000
12. NIke Dunk SB Low Paris – $62,000
13. Diamond Encrusted Air Force 1 – $50,000
14. Nike Dunk SB Low Yellow Lobster – $42,634
15. Air Jordan 11 ‘Jeter’ – $40,000
16. Nike Dunk SB Low Staple NYC Pigeon – $38,000
17. Air Jordan 2 OG – $31,000
18. Nike Dunk SB Low Freddy Kruger – $30,000
19. Eminem x Carhartt Air Jordan 4 – $30,000
20. Macklemore x Air Jordan 6 – $25,000
21. DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 3 ‘Grateful’ – $25,000

Frequently asked questions about the most expensive sneakers