The 10 Most Expensive Basketball Shoes in the World

Air Jordans

Who would have thought that the humble basketball shoe could have so many technological and design advancements that people are willing to pay extortionate amounts of money for them? Yet, this is exactly what has happened. Converse were once the basketball shoe of choice until Michael Jordan endorsed the Nike brand. These shoes were developed to increase support to various parts of the feet. Advancements such as this combined with people’s desire to collect rare or unique basketball shoes sent prices rocketing. The ten most expensive pairs of basketball shoes are as follows:

1) Air Jordan I

Top of the list is a pair of Air Jordan I shoes that sold for a whopping $25,000. It is the rarity of these shoes that has created such a high price tag as there were only twelve pairs of this particular design ever created. Peter Moore is the designer of these shoes and they were originally red and black. However, they were banned by the NBA as their rules specify that all shoes must have some white on them. Jordan was fined $5,000 for every game he wore them. Eventually, Jordan and Nike agreed to the redesign of the shoes and a red, black and white version was created.

2) Air Mag

Michael J Fox wore Nike Air Mag’s in the 1989 film, Back to the Future. Nike created only twenty of these futuristic shoes for sale. Although Michael J. Fox is not a professional basketball player, the shoes he made famous are now worth $12,000.

3) Air Jordan V

The Air Jordan V was the first shoe to have lace locks. Other features of the shoe include a clear sole and a reflective tongue. The design of this shoe was unusually inspired by World War II fighter planes. In 1990, a pair of shoes with a black and silver ’23’ was created especially for Jordan. These are worth a staggering $10,000.

4) Air Jordan I

This version was released in 1985 and featured pearlized leather, metallic silver and metallic white. It is relatively rare as only 1,200 pairs were released for sale. To own a pair of these shoes, expect to pay $8,000.

5) Air Jordan VI

There was a choice of five different color combinations of this shoe available. These included white and sport blue, white and infrared, off-white and maroon, black and infrared or carmine black and white. It is the carmine black and white version that fetches the most money, up to $7,200. This is because they were the shoes that Jordan wore at the 1992 Olympics. He also wore these shoes when he played in the Bulls versus the Lakers championship game, which he and the bulls won. Another interesting fact about this shoe is that it was the last Air Jordan to sport the Nike Air logo.

6) Air Jordan III

The Air Jordan III is the first shoe designed by Tinker Hatfield for Nike. Hatfield replaced original designer Peter Moore who was let go by Nike. The Air Jordan III has a leather finish, an air unit in the heel and the Jumpman logo. It is valued at $4,500.

7) Adidas KB8 Selection

Kobe Bryant’s jersey number inspired the original name, KB8. In 2002 it became Crazy 8 because Bryant left Adidas. This shoe is especially rare because only two of the ‘Golden Shoe’ were ever created. The intention was for them to be worn by Bryant in the Slam Dunk contest of 1998. However, this wasn’t to be and the shoes remained unworn. The contest was canceled due to a lack of interest.

8) Air Jordan XI

Jordan wore these shoes at several key point in his career. The first time was 1995 when he returned to basketball. He continued to wear them the following season. Jordan also wore these shoes when he appeared in the movie, Space Jam. They are worth $2,700.

9) Air Force I Chamber of Fears

This sneaker is only available as a giveaway item or at auctions and is worth $2,500. This version of the Air Force I was released in 2005 and is red, gold and black.

10) Air Force I Four Horsemen

Worth $2,500, this shoe was designed specifically for LeBron James to wear to the ESPY Awards in 2004. It is very rare as only 12 pairs were made.

Written by ashwin