11 Rare Sneakers That Have Hit Eye-Popping Auction Numbers

The sneaker industry has seen a massive shift from everyday wear to high-value collector’s items, and some pairs have even broken auction records. With their rarity, unique design, and cultural significance, certain sneakers have become more valuable than ever. You might be surprised by how much some of these rare kicks have sold for. Let’s take a closer look at the sneakers that have set records at auctions.

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1972 Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoe

In 1972, Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, created the Waffle Racing Flat as a prototype for Olympic runners, marking an important innovation in athletic footwear. The standout feature of the Moon Shoe is its waffle sole, which was designed to provide better traction for runners. Only around a dozen pairs were ever made, making it incredibly rare today. One of these pairs sold for approximately US $437,500 in 2019, highlighting its significance to sneaker culture. The shoe is not just a piece of sports history; it’s also a symbol of Nike’s early days.

Due to its prototype status and limited production, these shoes have become highly coveted by collectors. Their connection to the start of a global brand adds to their value. The surviving pairs are often in poor condition, which makes finding one in good shape all the more impressive. Condition, provenance, and documentation are crucial when assessing the value of these shoes. For sneaker enthusiasts, the Moon Shoe represents the origins of modern athletic footwear.

Air Jordan 1 (1985 game-worn)

The Air Jordan 1 was first released in 1985, and it quickly became a symbol of Michael Jordan’s entry into the NBA. This particular pair, worn by Jordan in a game, features the famous Chicago colorway and represents one of the earliest pieces of his career. In 2020, a pair of game-worn Jordan 1s sold for around US $560,000 at auction. Its value comes from its direct connection to Jordan and the cultural influence these shoes had on both sports and fashion. These shoes were iconic from the moment they debuted.

The Air Jordan 1’s lasting popularity has only increased as time has passed, making game-worn pairs highly valuable. The significance of Jordan’s rookie year and his success in the NBA further boosts the shoe’s demand. For collectors, owning a pair that Jordan wore during the 1985 season is as close as they can get to owning a piece of basketball history. Condition is a big factor in valuation, as well as whether the shoes come with a certificate of authenticity. It’s a must-have for any serious sneaker collector.

2019 Nike Air Fear of God 1 Triple Black

The Nike Air Fear of God 1 Triple Black was released in 2019 as part of a collaboration between Nike and designer Jerry Lorenzo. This sneaker features a sleek all-black colorway and futuristic design elements, including a high-top silhouette and premium materials. With only a limited number of pairs produced, these sneakers quickly became a collector’s item, with prices reaching US $8,000 to US $12,000 for unworn pairs. The Fear of God collaboration brought a fresh perspective to Nike’s design and pushed the boundaries of streetwear and performance sneakers. The Triple Black model stands out for its minimal yet sophisticated design.

As with other high-end collaborations, the rarity of this model and the unique vision behind its design contribute to its high market value. The use of premium materials, combined with Jerry Lorenzo’s creative influence, has made this model highly sought after. Despite not being associated with a specific sport, its influence on fashion and sneaker culture has made it an iconic piece. For sneakerheads, the Air Fear of God 1 represents a blend of high fashion and athletic wear, making it a valuable addition to any collection. The limited production ensures that this sneaker will remain a valuable item for years to come.

2008 Nike Air Yeezy 1 Grammy Prototype

In 2008, Kanye West wore the Nike Air Yeezy 1 during the Grammy Awards, a moment that helped propel the sneaker into the spotlight. These shoes were part of Kanye’s collaboration with Nike and were never released to the public. One pair, a prototype, sold for an astounding US $1.8 million in 2021, marking a record for sneakers at auction. The Yeezy line changed sneaker culture, combining high fashion with streetwear, and this prototype represents the birth of that cultural shift. Kanye’s influence on sneaker design made these shoes iconic.

The Air Yeezy 1 Grammy prototypes are sought after because of their extreme rarity and the cultural moment they represent. The limited number of pairs made, combined with Kanye’s influence, makes these shoes highly collectible. For sneakerheads, owning a pair of these is akin to owning a piece of music and fashion history. The design, which mixes luxury with sport, created a lasting impact on sneaker trends. As Kanye continues to influence fashion, these early models will likely continue to rise in value.

Air Jordan 13 Last Dance (1998 Finals worn)

In 1998, Michael Jordan wore the Air Jordan 13 during his final NBA Finals appearance, cementing the shoe’s place in basketball history. This particular pair is valuable because it was worn by Jordan in Game 2 of the Finals, a moment that helped secure the Chicago Bulls’ championship win. In 2023, these game-worn shoes sold for US $2.238 million, a staggering amount for a pair of basketball sneakers. The shoe’s connection to Jordan’s sixth and final title run adds an emotional and historical value. The Air Jordan 13 Last Dance is more than just footwear; it’s a symbol of Jordan’s legacy.

The price of this pair reflects its unique place in basketball history. The high auction price also highlights the cultural significance of Jordan’s career, as he is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. For fans and collectors, the opportunity to own a pair of shoes worn by Jordan in such a pivotal moment is unmatched. Condition, provenance, and the inclusion of original box and documentation all impact the final price. This pair of sneakers will continue to be a sought-after item for years to come.

2006 Nike Air Force 1 PlayStation

In 2006, Nike collaborated with Sony to create the Nike Air Force 1 PlayStation to celebrate the launch of the PlayStation 3. Only 150 pairs were made, making these a rare collector’s item. In recent years, a pair sold for around US $50,000, showing just how highly they are valued. The shoes feature a unique design, with a PlayStation logo on the heel and a high-tech look that matches the gaming console’s futuristic design. The collaboration between Nike and Sony sparked interest among sneakerheads and gaming fans alike.

This limited-edition sneaker is sought after due to its cross-cultural appeal, connecting the worlds of gaming and fashion. The combination of rarity, high-quality materials, and the PlayStation connection ensures that these sneakers will continue to climb in value. The small number of pairs released and their immediate link to gaming history make them highly desirable. When evaluating these shoes, the condition and any original packaging will affect the price. For collectors, the Air Force 1 PlayStation is a perfect example of how collaboration and scarcity can drive sneaker prices to new heights.

2005 Nike SB Dunk Low Pigeon

The Nike SB Dunk Low Pigeon was released in 2005, and its story begins with its exclusive release at a New York boutique. Designed by artist Jeff Staple, the shoe features a grey and white colorway with a pigeon logo on the tongue. Because only 150 pairs were made, these sneakers quickly became one of the most coveted models in sneaker culture. In 2019, one pair sold for around US $500,000. The rarity, along with its connection to sneaker culture and streetwear, makes the Pigeon one of the most iconic and valuable sneakers.

What makes this pair so special is the frenzy it caused upon release. People stood in long lines, and some even camped out overnight, leading to a massive demand for the limited pairs. As a result, this sneaker’s value skyrocketed, and it has continued to increase in price over time. The combination of design, scarcity, and the cultural impact of streetwear makes the Pigeon Dunk a prized item in the world of rare sneakers. Its market value reflects how the sneaker world can turn a limited release into a multi-million-dollar commodity.

2018 Nike Air Max 1-97 Sean Wotherspoon

This sneaker, a collaboration between Nike and designer Sean Wotherspoon, was released in 2018 and combines the iconic Air Max 1 and Air Max 97 silhouettes. The design features a multi-colored corduroy upper, drawing inspiration from Wotherspoon’s vintage aesthetic. Due to its limited production, the sneaker quickly gained cult status, with resale prices reaching around US $50,000 for unworn pairs. Its value is driven by the unique design and its collaboration with a popular designer, as well as the scarcity of available pairs.

Wotherspoon’s personal touch and the unique materials used in this sneaker make it stand out in a crowded market. Nike’s collaboration with Wotherspoon brought streetwear culture and sneakerhead communities together, further adding to the sneaker’s appeal. Because of its rarity and striking design, the sneaker continues to be highly sought after. Collectors and fans alike appreciate the story behind the sneaker, with its vibrant colorway and distinctive design. As one of the standout collaborations in recent years, the Air Max 1-97 Sean Wotherspoon is expected to remain a valuable piece for sneaker enthusiasts.

2014 Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October

The Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October was released in 2014, marking the end of Kanye West’s collaboration with Nike before moving to Adidas. The shoes feature a bold red colorway with premium materials, making them a standout in the sneaker world. When they were released, they sold out almost immediately, and today, an unworn pair can fetch over US $10,000 at auction. Kanye’s status as a cultural icon and his influence on sneaker culture continues to drive the value of these shoes. The Red October Yeezys have become a symbol of both luxury and streetwear, a true collector’s item.

The sneaker’s exclusivity and Kanye’s public profile make this a highly sought-after item. Since their release, these shoes have been associated with Kanye’s creative vision, making them even more valuable to fans and collectors alike. For sneakerheads, the Red October represents one of the most iconic releases in recent memory. Condition plays a big role in how much these shoes can sell for, with unworn pairs commanding premium prices. The high resale prices reflect the immense demand for any item tied to Kanye West’s vision and influence.

2016 Nike Air Mag Back to the Future

This is inspired by the self-lacing shoes worn by Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future Part II. Only 89 pairs were produced, and the auction for these futuristic shoes raised millions of dollars for Parkinson’s disease research. The price for a pair today is estimated to be around US $40,000 to US $50,000, with some pairs going for even more at auction. The self-lacing technology, combined with the cultural connection to the movie, makes these shoes a highly coveted item among collectors.

The Air Mag’s value is tied not only to its unique technology but also to its association with one of the most beloved movies of all time. Fans and collectors see it as a piece of film history and innovation in footwear technology. The scarcity of these shoes, coupled with the futuristic design, makes them a rare find on the market. For those who appreciate both sneakers and film, the Air Mag represents the perfect blend of pop culture and high-tech design. With only a small number made, these shoes remain one of the most valuable and iconic sneakers ever created.

2007 Nike SB Dunk Low Freddy Krueger

The Nike SB Dunk Low Freddy Krueger was released in 2007 as part of a highly limited collaboration between Nike and the horror film franchise A Nightmare on Elm Street. The sneaker features a design inspired by Freddy Krueger’s signature sweater, with a red and green colorway and distressed materials that mimic the character’s iconic look. Only about 36 pairs were made, and today, a pair can fetch up to US $100,000 at auction. The sneaker’s rarity, paired with its pop culture references, has made it one of the most valuable sneakers in the Nike SB Dunk line.

Due to its extremely limited production and the high demand for horror-related memorabilia, this sneaker has become a holy grail for collectors. The Freddy Krueger Dunk was never released to the public, making the pairs that did manage to make it into the hands of collectors even more valuable. For fans of both sneakers and horror films, this collaboration represents the intersection of two major cultural forces. With its limited availability and undeniable cultural appeal, the price of these sneakers continues to climb. It’s a prime example of how niche designs and limited drops can lead to incredible auction numbers.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.