8 most expensive sneakers ever sold in the world

Nike Dunk Low Pro SB (Image via Nike SB)
Nike Dunk Low Pro SB (Image via Nike SB)

Thousands of years of evolution have seen sneakers transcend their utilitarian purpose. In contemporary society, sneakers are now a statement piece, a display of wealth, and perhaps even an investment opportunity. The sneaker market now-a-days is booming as a multi-billion dollar industry.

As more and more players are entering this world, the prices of these kicks are soaring sky-high. A plethora of factors can contribute to its astronomical $$$ tag, such as limited edition drops, celebrity endorsements, as well as cultural significance. For example, the Air Jordans will go down in history as the brainchild of its namesake, Michael Jordan and Nike, back when their names were not as famous.

In this list, we are looking at the eight most expensive sneakers ever sold, from some gold-plated kicks to an Eminem, Carhartt, and Jordan collaboration. We've also provided some details about the pieces, that act as a justification for the astronomical price tags, starting with the most expensive snearker.


Here are some of the most expensive sneakers ever sold, in order

1) Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans

Price: Around $2 million

Weighing about 50 pounds per pair, these real, solid gold sneakers are owned by none other than Canadian rapper Drake. They were created in collaboration with an artist Matthew Senna, Nike's Air Jordan line, and Drake's OVO brand. Ironically, the rapper might find it a little hard to do any walking in these shoes.


2) Nike Air Mag Back to the Future

Nike Air Mag (Image via Nike)
Nike Air Mag (Image via Nike)

Price: Around $200,000

While the price tag accompanying these kicks may be a far cry from its predecessor on this list, that's not to say it's not hefty.

These limited edition sneakers are a replica of those made for the movie Back to the Future II. The real kicker? it can tie its own laces. Its futuristic feel only adds to the charm.


3) Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Converse Fastbreak

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Price: Around $190,373

Michael Jordan wore a pair of Converse Fastbreak, back in 1984, when he was competing in the Olympics. Little did he know his move would be propelling these kicks to fame. They represent his meteoric rise in the basketball arena, making it a significant and rare piece to come across.


4) Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game)

Price: Around $104,765

These sneakers are more commonly referred to as Flu Game, and are yet another, if not the most known sneaker B-ball legend Michael Jordan has ever worn.

He played in these kicks during the Chicago Bulls’ Game 5 of the NBA Finals in 1997. During the game, Jordan was battling the flu, but dominated the field court nonetheless, giving these kicks its name.


5) Air Jordan 12 OVO (Drake Edition)

Price: $100,000

Yet another collaboration between Nike and rapper Drake, these sneakers hit the shelves in 2016. It replicates the colors of the OVO Air Jordan 10 Retro, i.e. White and Gold, and only a few are in circulation today, as it was a limited edition drop.

The build is made of leather and suede, with a pop of gold to break the monotone. There's also a branding of an owl notoriously synonymous with Drake.


6) Air Jordan 4 Eminem x Carhartt

Price: $30,000

Eminem, Carhartt, and the Jordan Brand combined forces to create this coveted pair of kicks, which only came out in 10 pairs, making this quite a rare find.

They were auctioned off for philanthropy, and it featured Eminem's name on the sole, as well as some silver trims. The build was made of black denim, and it had an embossing on the tongue.


7) Nike Dunk Low Pro SB (Paris)

Nike DUNK LOW PRO SB PARIS (Image via Nike SB)
Nike DUNK LOW PRO SB PARIS (Image via Nike SB)

Price: $13,500

These sneakers hit the markets in 2002, and are one of the most eye-catching pieces of the White Dunk City Series.

It was inspired by the works of a French painter, Bernard Buffet, and every pair that came out showcased elements of his works. There are only about 202 pairs in the world, contributing to its exorbitant price tag.


8) Nike Dunk Low Pro SB (Freddy Krueger)

Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Freddy (Image via Nike SB)
Nike Dunk Low Pro SB Freddy (Image via Nike SB)

Price: $13,000

These pairs of kicks were designed by Todd Bratrud as a nod to the villain of the Nightmare on Elm Street film series, Freddy Krueger.

It featured suede, with blood splattered across it, along with some striped sweater material and a burnt-flesh resembling insole. According to the website, the art on the show was "too on-the-nose for Freddy to live."


All of these kicks have their own backstory to them, thereby contributing heavily to their price tags, as is evident from this list.

Whether they're made of solid gold, or they were once worn by a beloved basketball legend, all of the sneakers on this list will go down in history as some of the most expensive pairs to exist.

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Edited by Mudeet Arora