新澳门开奖结果

The 15 Most Expensive Air Jordans Ever Sold

As a sneakerhead, I was enthralled to learn about the history behind the Air Jordans. Growing up, I idolized Michael Jordan and longed to own his iconic shoes. But did you know Jordan never wanted to sign with Nike? He was into Adidas and they were not interested in him. At 20 years old at the time, Jordan declined Nike鈥檚 offer and went with Converse but they could not meet the NBA standards.

Thus, since Nike wanted Jordan to match Adidas and Converse who had endorsees like Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, and Dr. J, Jordan agreed and they made the Air Jordan 1 in 1984. These shoes brought boldness on the court until 1985 when the NBA issued a letter to Nike stating the shoes defied league uniform rules. Hence it attracted a 5000 dollar fine per game which Nike was willing to pay. Nike capitalized on the controversy and people went crazy in buying the Air Jordan 1鈥檚.

Subsequently, decades later, the Air Jordans have seen grails like the Flu Game XII sell at $1.38 million and the solid gold OVO X go for $2.1 million proving the brand’s staying power. From the banned Air Jordans 1鈥檚 to the coveted Last Dance XIII’s at $2.2 million, this article explores the stories and record sales of the 15 most expensive Air Jordans ever sold. Take a look.

Here are The 15 Most Expensive Air Jordans Ever Sold.

1. Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance”: $2.2 million

The legendary Air Jordan 13s from Michael Jordan’s final championship game as a Chicago Bull take the top spot, selling for an astonishing $2.2 million at auction. Nicknamed the “Last Dance” 13s, this autographed pair was worn by MJ himself in the 1997 NBA Finals against the Jazz.

Better still, when it went up for auction in 2020 coinciding with The Last Dance docuseries, its association with Jordan’s iconic final shot cemented its value. Considered the most significant Air Jordans in basketball history, these shoes express MJ’s competitive greatness and the Bulls dynasty.

Besides, its game-worn status and Jordan’s autograph made this an incredibly rare pair worthy of breaking sneaker auction records. For any sports memorabilia collector, these Last Dance 13s represent the pinnacle.

2. Air Jordan 10 x OVO 鈥淪olid Gold鈥�: $2.1 million

Coming in at number 2 are Drake‘s opulent solid gold Air Jordan 10s in collaboration with OVO, selling for a mind-blowing $2.1 million. Featuring true 24-karat gold accents, this was the ultimate display of luxury that had hype beasts and sneakerheads enthralled.

Additionally, with Drake’s popularity at its peak, the ultra-limited OVO 10s became symbols of wealth, status, and exclusivity. Paying homage to Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, the white, red, and gold color scheme evoked images of championship glory. For collectors seeking the most coveted and rare Jordans, these solid gold 10s represented the upper echelon of exclusivity. Only the biggest ballers could dream of owning this grail.

3. Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $1.38 million

The legendary Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” comes in at third place, selling for $1.38 million. This black and red colorway was worn by Michael Jordan during the 1997 NBA Finals against the Jazz, despite being sick with flu-like symptoms. The shoes represent Jordan’s toughness and competitive spirit in overcoming adversity on the biggest stage. Its association with the flu game lore solidified its legacy.

Thus, as one of the most beloved and recognizable Air Jordans, the Flu Game 12s perfectly captured Jordan’s gritty legend. For collectors and Jordan fans, no other shoe tells a story like these Flu Game 12s.

4. 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1 High Sneaker: $615,000

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The original 1985 Jordan 1 Highs hold an important place in sneaker history as the first Air Jordans ever made, fetching an impressive $615,000 at auction. Their timeless white, black, and red colorway started it all, pioneering basketball shoes as a fashion statement.

Furthermore, as the genesis of Jordan Brand’s legacy, these vintage 1s represent Michael Jordan’s meteoric rise. Their historical significance for sneaker culture combined with their flawless condition made this deadstock pair a grail for any collector.

5. Air Jordan 1 (1985 ASG): $560,000

The rare Air Jordan 1s specially made for the 1985 All-Star Game sold for a staggering $560,000, thanks to their exclusivity and importance in Jordan’s history. Released only to players in the mid-80s ASG, this metallic silver colorway was never made available to the public. As one of the first Jordans ever designed, its allure and story propelled its value. For collectors, these vintage 1s represent the birth of an icon.

6. Air Jordan 4 (Eminem Carhartt): $227,000

The Eminem Carhartt Jordan 4 collaboration shocked the world when it sold for $227,000. Merging Jordan Brand with Detroit hip-hop star Eminem and workwear brand Carhartt, this rugged 4 became instantly iconic.

Moreover, its unique tan, grey, and red colorway with Eminem‘s signature “E” logo made this limited release a coveted piece of hip-hop history. The combination of music and sneaker culture propelled its value for collectors.

7. Air Jordan 11 Space Jam Sample: $176,400

The rare Air Jordan 11 Space Jam black patent leather sample from the beloved 1996 movie (Space Jam) shocked the world when it sold for $176,400. Inspired by Michael Jordan’s role alongside the Looney Tunes, this prototype pair was never released to the public.

On top of that, its unique design features a translucent outsole with Jordan’s number 45, an ode to the Tune Squad jersey. With the Space Jam franchise back in the spotlight, this cinematic grail reached high prices thanks to its exclusivity and cultural importance. For collectors, no shoe captures nostalgia like the Space Jam 11 prototype.

8. Air Jordan 4 Eminem Encore: $44,000

Eminem’s collaboration with Jordan on the Air Jordan 4 “Encore” auctioned for an impressive $44,000. Released in 2004 to coincide with Eminem’s Encore album, only 50 pairs were made available to the public through a charity raffle.

Also, bearing Eminem’s signature backward “E” logo, this clean white and grey colorway fused hip-hop with sneaker culture. Its limited numbers coupled with Eminem’s star power made this one of the most coveted rapper collaborations. For hip-hop fans, the Encore 4s are the ultimate grail.

9. Air Jordan 2 OG: $31,000

The original Air Jordan 2 OG holds an important place in sneaker history as the first true luxury basketball shoe, commanding $31,000 at auction. Crafted in Italy with premium materials like faux lizard skin, this elegant yet bold design exuded sophistication and style. Its opulent details combined with its vintage nostalgia resonated with collectors. As the genesis of premium sneakers, the AJ2 OG paved the way.

10. Air Jordan 3 Kobe Bryant PE: $30,400

The Air Jordan 3 PE in Lakers colors made specially for Kobe Bryant fetched $30,400 at auction. With only a handful ever produced, this purple and gold colorway features Kobe’s jersey numbers as a tribute to the legend. Released during Kobe’s early days with Jordan Brand, its exclusivity and basketball pedigree contributed to its value. For Kobe fans, this pair commemorates an icon.

11. Air Jordan 4 Travis Scott Purple: $25,000

The Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 collaboration in purple sold for an impressive $25,000. With Travis Scott’s popularity at an all-time high, this unique colorway featuring his Cactus Jack branding was an instant grail. It’s satin purple upper with black and red accents popped against the white midsole.

To boot, with only limited pairs given to Travis’ inner circle, this exclusive 4 became a must-have for hype beasts and Travis fans. Its co-sign by a chart-topping artist combined with its short supply contributed to the high price tag. For collectors, this was the ultimate crossover of music and sneakers.

12. Air Jordan 3 Grateful: $25,000

DJ Khaled’s Air Jordan 3 collaboration known as the “Grateful” joined the category of the most expensive Air Jordans when a pair sold for $25,000. Released in 2017 in limited quantities, this vibrant red colorway featured Khaled‘s signature “We The Best” logo on the heel.

Furthermore, the pristine elephant print and premium materials made this one of the best AJ3s ever. With only a handful available to the public, its exclusivity and celebrity connection made it hugely desirable. For sneakerheads, the Grateful 3s represent the pinnacle of hip-hop kicks.

13. Air Jordan 11 Blackout: $21,780

The rare all-black Air Jordan 11 Retro “Blackout” sold for $21,780, thanks to its sleek murdered-out colorway. Unlike traditional Concord and Space Jam 11s, the Blackouts feature a stealthy dark aesthetic never replicated.

Further, with materials sourced from the original 1995 mold, its quality was unmatched. Only samples were produced, making this an incredibly elusive grail. For Jordan collectors, no silhouette pops like the Blackout 11s.

14. Air Jordan 1 Dave White Gold: $18,888

The Jordan 1 collaboration with artist Dave White sold for $18,888, merging sneaker culture and fine art. Doused in metallic gold, this striking pair was inspired by White’s Wings of the Future painting. With proceeds benefiting various charities, only 100 pairs were made as fundraising pieces. As wearable art, the Gilded Wings 1s demonstrated creativity and philanthropy.

15. Air Jordan 4 Undefeated: $18,500

The Air Jordan 4 collaboration with streetwear brand Undefeated commanded $18,500 for its limited quantities and premium details. Merging the Jordan Brand with military-inspired fashion, this olive green and orange colorway felt fresh. Its durable suede upper with netted ankle cutouts showcased Undefeated’s signature style. As a bridge between sneakers and streetwear, the Undefeated 4s were ahead of their time.

The Most Expensive Air Jordans Ever Sold represent more than footwear; they are symbols of style, culture, and history. From vintage classics to exclusive collaborations, each pair tells a unique story and commands astronomical prices in the sneaker market. Whether it is the nostalgia of a bygone era or the allure of luxury and exclusivity, these Air Jordans continue to captivate sneaker enthusiasts worldwide, proving that their appeal transcends time and trends.