10 High-Price Sneakers Giving Jordans a Run for Their Money
Sneaker culture isn’t just about footwear anymore—it’s a thriving global industry that celebrates design, history, and craftsmanship. While Air Jordans often dominate the conversation around expensive sneakers, many other sneakers have gained fame for their exclusivity, artistry, and high price tags.
Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype – $1.8 Million
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Kanye West’s Air Yeezy 1 Prototype marked a major milestone in sneaker history. Debuted during his 2008 Grammy performance, it was the first Nike sneaker designed by a non-athlete. This prototype merged music, fashion, and footwear in a way never seen before.
Nike Waffle Racing Flat “Moon Shoe” – $437,500
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The Nike Waffle Racing Flat, known as the “Moon Shoe,” was a groundbreaking innovation by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman in the 1970s. It featured a waffle-patterned outsole made using a waffle iron, to improve grip for runners. Only 12 pairs were handmade, and one of these pairs remains unworn, which is reflected in its hefty auction price.
Nike Mag OG (1989) – $92,100
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Introduced in Back to the Future Part II, the Nike Mag OG was an instant icon of sci-fi design. Though it didn’t yet include the self-lacing feature of later iterations, its LED lights and futuristic silhouette captured imaginations. This original movie prop, auctioned for over $90,000, is a dream find for collectors.
Nike Dunk SB Low “Paris” – $51,950
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The “Paris” Dunk is a wearable work of art. Each pair features artwork by French painter Bernard Buffet, with no two shoes alike. They were initially intended for a Paris event that was canceled, and fewer than 150 pairs were released.
Diamond-Encrusted Air Force 1 – $50,000
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As a luxurious spin on a classic, the Diamond-Encrusted Air Force 1 was created in collaboration with Big Boi and features genuine diamonds on its upper. Each diamond was carefully set to complement the sneaker’s classic silhouette.
Dunk Low SB “Freddy Krueger” – $30,000
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Drawing inspiration from the infamous horror character, the “Freddy Krueger” Dunk has a blood-splatter design and sweater-like textures. Its release was halted due to copyright issues, which means the few existing samples are highly sought-after.
Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October” – $30,000
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The “Red October” represents the peak of Kanye West’s partnership with Nike. Released without prior announcement in 2014, the bold red colorway and futuristic design turned heads. Despite being Kanye’s last Nike collaboration, the sneaker is an important part of his creative legacy.
Kanye West x Louis Vuitton “Jaspers” – $30,900
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Before Yeezys, there were the “Jaspers.” Designed by Kanye West for Louis Vuitton, these sneakers combined premium materials with bold aesthetics, like a padded ankle and pink accents. They were released in 2009 and became part of West’s early foray into high-fashion footwear.
Tom Sachs x NikeCraft Mars Yard – $25,000
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Unlike most high-price sneakers, this pair is all about functional fashion. The NikeCraft Mars Yard, designed by artist Tom Sachs, is a sneaker engineered for durability and everyday wear. It uses NASA-grade materials like Vectran fabric, that can handle daily wear and tear.
Cactus Plant Flea Market x Dunk Low “Sage” – $18,999
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The “Sage” Dunk is a good representation of the growing trend of sneakers as high-fashion items. This pair of sneakers features Swarovski crystals covering its entire upper. It redefined the boundaries of what a skate-inspired silhouette could achieve.
Chanel x Pharrell Williams x Adidas NMD Hu – $12,355
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This 2017 collaboration between Chanel, Pharrell Williams, and Adidas brought us these minimalist yet bold sneakers. They were released in limited quantities at a single Paris location, thus the black-and-white design with “Chanel” lettering became an instant collector’s item.
Nike SB Dunk High “FLOM” – $9,000
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The “FLOM” Dunk, designed by street artist Futura, is short for “For Love or Money.” Its design features intricate currency graphics with themes of value and scarcity. There are only 24 pairs ever produced, which means it’s one of the rarest Nike SB releases.
Nike Air Force 1 “Entourage” – $8,000
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Inspired by the popular TV show Entourage, this limited-edition Air Force 1 features premium materials and intricate detailing. It was released during the show’s heyday and resonates with pop culture and luxury footwear fans.
Foamposite One Sole Collector – $6,000
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The Foamposite One Sole Collector shows Nike’s groundbreaking approach to performance footwear. Its lightweight, molded design revolutionized basketball sneakers in the late ’90s. Some limited editions also stand out for their bold colorways.
LeBron 10 “Peach Jam” – $5,100
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The LeBron 10 “Peach Jam” was created for Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League tournament. Its vibrant design features a speckled midsole and bold upper. The sneakers were exclusively distributed to the tournament players, which adds to their value.