Top 10 Most Expensive Air Jordans In The World

Introduction

Top 10 Most Expensive Air Jordans: Air Jordans are some of the most popular and valuable sneakers in the world. Since Michael Jordan’s first signature shoe was released in 1985, these sneakers have become a big part of sneaker culture. Some Air Jordans are sold for thousands or even millions of dollars because of their rarity, special designs, or connection to history.

Collectors and fans are willing to pay huge amounts to own these iconic shoes. In this article, we will look at the ten most expensive Air Jordans ever sold. From game-worn pairs to limited editions, these sneakers are not just shoes; they are pieces of history and fashion statements. Let’s explore what makes them so valuable.

History of Air Jordan

(Source: temple.edu)

• In 1984, Nike signed a five-year, USD 2.5 million deal with rookie Michael Jordan.
• Meanwhile, in 1985, the first Air Jordan shoe was released, generating over USD 100 million in sales within a year.
• The league banned the original black-and-red design because it did not comply with uniform regulations and fined it USD 5,000 per game.
• In 1997, Nike introduced the Jordan Brand, expanding into apparel and collaborations.
• In 2022, Jordan Brand’s annual revenue reached USD 5.1 billion, with Michael Jordan earning over USD 150 million from Nike that year.
• Air Jordans are termed status symbols that influence fashion, pop culture, and hip-hop.
• The sneakers spurred a robust resale market, with rare pairs selling for thousands of dollars.
• These brands are partnered with artists and designers like Travis Scott and Off-White, keeping the line relevant and sought after.
• The 1996 movie “Space Jam” featured Air Jordans, further cementing their place in pop culture.
• Decades after their debut, Air Jordans remain iconic, blending sports heritage with modern fashion trends.

All Models of Air Jordans

Factors Making Air Jordans More Expensive

• They use premium materials and advanced features, increasing production costs.
• Nike often releases Air Jordans in limited quantities, creating scarcity and driving up demand.
• As these are associated with basketball legend Michael Jordan, the brand’s strong reputation adds to its value.
• Air Jordans have a significant impact on fashion, pop culture, and hip-hop, enhancing their appeal.
• Partnerships with designers and celebrities result in exclusive editions that are highly sought after.
• Limited availability leads to a strong resale market, where prices can exceed retail by 59%.
• Original models, like the 1985 Air Jordan 1, have sold for as much as USD 560,000 at auctions.
• The original 1985 price of USD 65 would be about USD 165 today, aligning with current pricing.
• High-quality materials and technology increase manufacturing expenses.
• Higher demand and limited supply allow Nike to maintain premium pricing.

Market and Popularity Trends of Air Jordans

(Source: houseofheat.com)

• In 2024, Nike’s overall market share in sneakers and apparel decreased to 16.4% from 17.1% in 2022.
• The Air Jordan 4 model’s market share increased by 57% in 2024, making it one of the most popular silhouettes of that year.
• As of 2025, over 15 new Air Jordan 4 releases are planned, including collaborations with Nigel Sylvester, Undefeated, and A-Ma Maniére.
• The resale market for popular Nike and Jordan Brand releases is expected to recover in 2025, with anticipated increases in resale prices and premiums.
• In 2024, nearly 45% of Millennial sneaker owners in the U.S. favoured the Jordan brand, while less than 10% of older age groups did
• In late 2024, Nike reported a 10% decline in quarterly revenue, partly due to an oversupply of limited-edition Jordan sneakers.

Top 10 Most Expensive Air Jordans In The World

1. Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance”: USD 2.2 million
2. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans: USD 2 million
3. Air Jordan 10 OVO “Solid Gold”: USD 2.1 million
4. Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard Origin Story”: USD 615,000
5. Air Jordan 1 OG High “Chicago”: USD 32,000
6. Air Jordan 3 Retro x Nipsey Hussle “Victory Lap”: USD 25,000
7. Air Jordan 4 Retro Eminem Carhartt: USD 21,850
8. Air Jordan 1 Retro High Colette “Au Revoir”: USD 20,000
9. Air Jordan 1 Retro High Chrome Hearts Off-White NRG: USD 20,000
10. Air Jordan 1 High Dior Friends and Family: USD 15,000

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#1. Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance”

(Source: nike.com)

• Modelled after a panther, featuring a paw-like outsole and a holographic “eye” emblem.
• Combination of genuine and synthetic leathers.
• Equipped with responsive Zoom Air units in both the forefoot and heel for low-profile comfort.
• Features a herringbone-patterned outsole, providing optimal grip on various surfaces.
• Incorporates a carbon fibre shank plate, enhancing midfoot stability.
• Utilises a Phylon midsole, offering lightweight cushioning and comfort.
• Worn by Michael Jordan during the 1998 NBA Finals, notably in Game 2, where he scored 37 points.
• Predominantly black and red, aligning with the Chicago Bulls’ team colours.
• The specific pair from the 1998 Finals was a U.S. men’s size 13.
• In April 2023, a game-worn and signed pair sold for USD 2.238 million.

#2. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans

(Source: yahoo.com)

• Crafted entirely from 24-karat gold, emphasises opulence.
• Each shoe weighs approximately 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms), totalling 100 pounds for the pair.
• The price is estimated at USD 2 million.
• Designed by artist Matthew Senna in collaboration with Drake’s OVO brand.
• They are intended as art pieces, but they are not wearable due to their weight and material.
• Introduced to the public in 2016.
• Stand as a one-of-a-kind creation with no other pairs in existence.
• Highlight the intersection of sneaker culture and high art.
• Serve as a testament to luxury and exclusivity in modern footwear design.

#3. Air Jordan 10 OVO “Solid Gold”

(Source: supercarblondie.com)

• Created in partnership with artist Matthew Senna.
• Crafted entirely from 24-karat solid gold.
• Each shoe weighs approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
• The combined weight of the pair is around 200 pounds (90 kilograms).
• The value is estimated at USD 2.1 million.
  This is a one-of-a-kind creation, not intended for wear.
• Based on the Air Jordan 10 silhouette.
• Serves as a collectable art piece rather than functional footwear.
• Unveiled in 2016.
• Showcases the intersection of sneaker culture and high art.

#4. Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard Origin Story”

(Source: stockx.com)

• Release Date: June 27, 2015.
• Colorway: Black, Starfish (orange), and Sail (off-white).
• Upper Material: High-quality tumbled leather.
• Design Inspiration: Colors mirror the uniform Jordan wore during the game.
• Silhouette: Original high-top design of the Air Jordan 1.
• Branding: Features the classic Nike Swoosh and “Nike Air” tongue tags.
• Perforated Toe Box: Enhances breathability.
• Midsole: White midsole paired with an orange rubber outsole.
• Lacing: Comes with black laces; includes additional white laces.
• Retail Price: Originally priced at USD 160.

#5. Air Jordan 1 OG High “Chicago”

(Source: hypebeast.com)

• Constructed from premium leather, offering durability and a classic look.
• Features a distinctive red, white, and black palette, representing the Chicago Bulls.
• High-top silhouette providing ankle support and a retro aesthetic.
• Equipped with a polyurethane midsole and an encapsulated Air-Sole unit in the heel for comfort.
• Durable rubber with a circular tread pattern for traction.
• Displays the iconic Nike Swoosh and the “Air Jordan” wings logo on the collar.
• Traditional lace-up closure for a secure fit.
• Originally released in 1985, with several re-releases over the years.
• Approximately 1.2 pounds (0.54 kg) per shoe, varying by size.
• Available in men’s sizes, generally fitting true to size.

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#6. Air Jordan 3 Retro x Nipsey Hussle “Victory Lap”

(Source: timeless.com)

• Reminiscent of the “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3, featuring a predominantly black leather upper.
• Constructed with leather, synthetic materials, rubber, and cotton.
• Iconic elephant print overlays on the toe and heel areas.
  Nike Air branding on the heel tab.
• “VL” Logo: “Victory Lap” (VL) branding near the medial collar of each shoe.
  Translucent icy blue outsole with red “VL” branding.
• Produced in 2018.
• Extremely limited release, primarily given to friends and family of Nipsey Hussle.
• Celebrates the success of Nipsey Hussle’s Victory Lap album, nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards.
• Due to its rarity and significance, pairs have been valued at over USD 25,000.

#7. Air Jordan 4 Retro Eminem Carhartt

(Source: sneakerbardetroit.com)

• Release Date: November 23, 2015.
• Colorway: Black/Metallic Silver.
• Upper Material: Durable black Carhartt canvas.
• Lace Tabs: Metallic silver accents.
• Midsole: Contrasting white with a visible Air unit.
• Outsole: Grippy grey rubber for traction.
• Heel Detailing: Eminem’s reversed “E” logo and a Jason Voorhees mask.
• Insole Branding: Shady Records logo.
• Production Run: Limited to 10 pairs auctioned for charity, benefiting the Marshall Mathers Foundation.
• Retail Price: Originally priced at USD 210.

#8. Air Jordan 1 Retro High Colette “Au Revoir”

(Source: highsnobiety.com)

• Features Colette’s signature blue and white colour scheme.
  Displays Colette’s iconic double-dot logo on the upper.
• Embroidered with the years “1997” and “2017” to mark the store’s opening and closing dates.
  Translucent sole with “Au Revoir” text, meaning “goodbye” in French.
• Constructed from premium leather for durability and style.
  Equipped with Nike Air cushioning for comfort.
• Release Date: Unveiled on March 21, 2018.
  Extremely limited; not released to the public.
• Pays tribute to Colette’s influence in fashion and streetwear.
  A special partnership between Nike’s Jordan Brand and Colette.

#9. Air Jordan 1 Retro High Chrome Hearts Off-White NRG

(Source: sothebys.com)

• Design Year: 2017.
• Base Model: Air Jordan 1 Retro High Off-White NRG.
• Upper Material: Premium white leather and mesh.
• Customisation: Enhanced with Chrome Hearts’ signature metal hardware.
• Eyelets: Adorned with bespoke metal circles.
• Deubré: Features the Chrome Hearts logo engraving.
• Aglets: Accented with silver tones.
• Heel Decoration: Embellished with Chrome Hearts’ signature sword pendant.
• Colourway: Predominantly white with subtle blue accents.
• Notable Branding: Deconstructed Swoosh and “Off-White™ for NIKE” text on side panels.

#10. Air Jordan 1 High Dior Friends and Family

(Source: stockx.com)

• Only 8,500 pairs were produced, each individually numbered.
• Crafted in Italy using high-quality white and grey leather for a luxurious feel.
• Features the iconic Nike Swoosh adorned with Dior’s monogram print.
• Equipped with co-branded icy translucent soles, adding a unique touch to the design.
• Includes a Dior-branded tongue and the classic Wings logo.
  Comes with a silver “Air Dior” hang tag, enhancing its collectible value.
• Utilises Dior’s signature grey and white tones with a sleek and modern look.
• Made entirely in Italy, resulting in top-tier quality and attention to detail.
• Launched in April 2020, marking a significant moment in sneaker collaborations.
• Originally, it retailed for around USD 2,000.

Conclusion

Expensive Air Jordans are highly valued because of their unique designs, celebrity endorsements, and limited availability. In recent years, several sneaker fans and collectors have been willing to pay high prices for rare editions. Such a brand’s popularity and history also contribute to its high resale value. Some people see Air Jordans as an investment, while others simply love wearing them.

Despite the high cost, demand remains strong. In summary, Air Jordans are better than shoes and are termed as the symbol of fashion, status, and culture. Their high price is justified by their exclusivity and strong fan following.