Up and Clout: Top 8 Most Expensive Air Jordan Sneakers

When Michael Jordan teamed up with Nike to launch Air Jordan, nobody could have predicted its impact on the fashion world. Introduced in 1985, these sneakers quickly became a staple in basketball players' wardrobes and went on to dominate street fashion.

Some pairs of Air Jordans stand out as more unique and can fetch insanely high prices. Let's take a look at the priciest Air Jordans ever sold. One of these expensive pairs is related to the super popular movie Space Jam—the signed Air Jordan Silver shoe—sporting a cool and unusual color combo.

Air Jordan sneakers have set the bar for style, comfort, and status since their release in 1984. Over the years, they have become a symbol of achievement and distinction for those who can afford them.

The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and exceptional marketing has driven prices skyward. When you purchase a pair of Jordans, you're not just buying shoes - you're acquiring a piece of history.

Another factor contributing to the high value of the Air Jordan brand is their unique collaborations with celebrities and luxury brands, such as Travis Scott, Eminem, Dior, and Levi's. Owning a pair of Jordans isn't just about having fashionable footwear; it's an experience that connects you to a broader cultural context.

Further driving up their value is their remarkable resale potential. In short, buying Jordans is a win-win situation—you're investing in a highly sought-after, stylish piece of history, which can also appreciate in value over time.

As Michael Jordan himself once said, "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." Owning a pair of Air Jordans is undoubtedly a mark of distinction for those who can afford it.

Who is Michael Jordan?

With a staggering net worth of $1.7 billion, Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of history's most iconic and successful athletes. They don’t call him the GOAT for nothing.

Born in Brooklyn on February 17, 1963, Jordan began his illustrious basketball career after being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He played for the Bulls until 1998, briefly pursued a career in MLB, and eventually came out of retirement to play for the Washington Wizards.

Michael Jordan's influence on basketball and pop culture is unmatched. He played a huge part in making the NBA popular around the world and inspired fans with his amazing skills, competitive drive, and iconic sneakers.

The most expensive Jordans come with intriguing stories, making them super valuable for collectors and fans. Some of the rarest and most expensive ones are actually sneakers Michael Jordan wore during games, turning them into priceless sports keepsakes.

Popular collabs, like the one with Travis Scott—the Retro Travis Scott Purple—feature cool design elements, such as the handy TPU lacing system, see-through soles, and cozy leather lining. Reselling these limited-edition Jordans can bring in eye-popping amounts, like thousands of bucks.

The thriving sneaker market has sparked interest in investing in the iconic Air Jordans, especially the black and red editions that Michael Jordan wore during his career highlights. Fans adore these sneakers for their Chicago Bulls colors and MJ's incredible on-court achievements, fueling the demand for unique and rare Air Jordans. Boasting a mix of style, luxury, and history, no other footwear brand comes close.

Knowing what makes these shoes valuable empowers collectors and investors to successfully navigate the booming market and potentially find the most sought-after and expensive Jordans ever made.

From the classic Air Jordan 1 'Broken Foot Game' to the Air Jordan XVII, or even the collaboration between Nike and LA's Union skate store with the Air Jordan 4 Retro OG Raptors Drake OVO, there's something for every collector. To honor these legendary sneakers, we've curated a list of the most valuable Jordans worth investing in if you're searching for significant sneaker collectibles.

1. Air Jordans #1 'Broken Foot Game'

• Price Range: $120 to $16,565
• Highest Sale Price: $560,000

The Air Jordan 1 'Broken Foot Game' holds a significant place in basketball history, as it was worn by the six-time NBA champion in 1985 during a challenging period when he faced his first major injury—a fractured bone in his left foot that sidelined him for six months.

These iconic Chicago Bulls-inspired sneakers fetched $560,000 at a Sotheby’s auction in May 2020.

The release of ESPN's documentary The Last Dance in 2020 catapulted the popularity and demand for the Air Jordan 1 to new heights, underscoring their significance not only as a symbol of basketball history but also as a prized collector's item.

2. Air Jordan #12 'Flu Game'

• Price Range: $17 to $500
• Highest Sale Price: $104,765

Few sneakers are as iconic as the Air Jordan #12 'Flu Game.' Famously worn by Michael Jordan during his legendary performance in the 1997 NBA Finals, these shoes are synonymous with the basketball superstar's grit and determination. Despite battling flu-like symptoms, Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to victory over the Utah Jazz.

The coveted sneakers, consigned to former Utah Jazz ball boy Preston Truman, were sold at a Grey Flannel auction for an astonishing $5,000 starting price.

The selling price of the Air Jordan #12 'Flu Game' can be attributed to several factors: the unique autograph on the left side of the left shoe by the basketball legend, the legendary backstory behind the 'Flu Game,' and the one-of-a-kind nature of the shoes, all of which make them a must-have for serious collectors.

3. Air Jordan #1 'Shattered Backboard'

• Price Range: $31 to $1,300
• Highest Sale Price: $615,000

Through a powerful moment from a series of exhibition games, the 'Shattered Backboard' Air Jordan 1 came into existence. When first released in 2015, the iconic black-and-orange silhouette, based on the Chicago Air Jordan 1, amplified the story, bringing it to life for millions of sneakerheads worldwide. Instantly selling out, the 'Shattered Backboard' Air Jordan 1 became a highly sought-after design.

Since then, Jordan Brand has released other versions of the shoe, cementing the 'Shattered Backboard' series as one of their most iconic colorways. The 'Reverse Shattered Backboard' and the satin women's version expanded the collection, broadening its appeal to sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.

The explosion in popularity of the 'Shattered Backboard' Air Jordan 1 turned an unknown moment in Jordan's basketball career into one of the world's most recognizable sneaker designs in less than a decade. Today, this piece of sports memorabilia comes at a staggering price, with the actual Air Jordan 1's worn by Michael Jordan in the 1985 Italy game recently selling for an astonishing $615,000.

With its unique history, the 'Shattered Backboard' Air Jordan 1 now symbolizes the extraordinary impact of one of basketball's most famous athletes and a highly-regarded collectible sneaker that can cost over half a million dollars. The 'Shattered Backboard' legacy will continue to captivate sneakerheads and basketball fans alike, as it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Michael Jordan’s career.

4. Air Jordan #10 x OVO 'Solid Gold'

• Price Range: $70 to 
• Highest Sale Price: $2.1 million

The Air Jordan #10 X OVO 'Solid Gold' ranks among the world's most valuable sneakers and perfectly embodies the term "worth its weight in gold." Rapper Drake commissioned NYC-based artist Matthew Senna to create these unique sneakers made entirely of 24-karat gold, weighing an impressive 100 pounds.

Boasting an extravagant $2.1 million price tag, the Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans are the most expensive Air Jordans ever made.

When Drake revealed the Solid Gold Air Jordan 10s on Instagram, the lavish design instantly captivated sneaker fans and enthusiasts worldwide. No wonder these exquisite sneakers have become the most sought-after items in the market.

5. Jordan #4 Retro x Eminem 'Encore'

• Price Range: $700 to $45,000
• Highest Sale Price: $24,200

The Jordan 4 Retro is a beloved model in the Jordan Brand lineup since its debut in 1989. As the second Air Jordan designed by famous Nike designer Tinker Hatfield and featuring visible Air, the Jordan 4's influence on sneaker culture is unparalleled.

Initially released in four unique colorways - white/cement gray, white/black/red, off-white/military blue, and black/red, the Air Jordan IV has spawned numerous collaborations and color variations. One of the most sought-after editions is the ultra-rare OG 'Eminem' from 2005, created in partnership with Marshall Mathers to celebrate his ENCORE album. Only 50 pairs were ever made and given to friends and family.

In 2017, a re-release of the Jordan 4 Eminem Encore came about as a special collaboration between Jordan Brand and StockX. This updated version, limited to just 23 pairs, quickly sold out and fetched resale prices up to $45,000. The Air Jordan 4, with its timeless appeal and fascinating history, remains an iconic and treasured sneaker.

6. Air Jordan #1 'Dunk Sole'

• Price Range: $600,000 to $800,000
• Highest Sale Price: Up for auction

The Air Jordan 1 'Dunk Sole' is an incredibly rare and valuable sneaker, known for its integral role in Michael Jordan's celebrated 1985-1986 season. As one of Nike's first modifications to aid Jordan's recovery from an injury, the 'Dunk Sole' featured an ankle strap and utilized a sole from a Nike Dunk, making it taller, wider, and softer than the original Air Jordan.

Sporting the classic red, black, and white color scheme, this particular pair of Air Jordan 1s boasts the Nike Swoosh, Air Jordan Wings logo, and a sewn-in Nike Air Label. Other notable design elements include red-tinted soles with Nike logos and two Jordan Wings logos on the interior. Showing signs of their age, these sneakers have various scuffs, creases, cracked ankle padding, and loose threads throughout.

As one of only five pairs in existence, the Air Jordan 1 'Dunk Sole' at Heritage Auctions is estimated to fetch a staggering $800,000, further solidifying its status as a truly exceptional sneaker.

7. Air Jordan #11 'Space Jam'

• Price Range: $50 to $1,000
• Highest Sale Price: $176,000

The Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam,' first released in 1995 with a retail price of $125, has become one of the most talked-about sneakers globally. Michael Jordan, often called 'MJ,' sported these iconic shoes during the climactic basketball game in the 1996 film Space Jam.

Very few pairs of these sneakers are known to exist. One particular unworn auction edition was made specifically for MJ himself. The bidding range for this pair was estimated between $150,000 and $200,000. However, the final selling price reached an impressive $176,400.

The 'Space Jam' Air Jordan 11 rightfully holds its position as one of the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction and the third most expensive Jordan at auction. This iconic pair exemplifies the significant impact that Michael Jordan and the film Space Jam had on sneaker culture and the world in general.

8. Jordan Nike Air Ships

• Price Range: $95 to $1,350
• Highest Sale Price: $1.5 million

The Jordan Nike Air Ship trainers have recently made history by auctioning for $1.5 million. These white and red leather high-top sneakers, worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls in 1984, contributed to the NBA star's fame and captivated sneaker enthusiasts and luxury fashion aficionados alike.

Sotheby's held the record-breaking auction during their 'Icons of Excellence & Haute Luxury' sale in Las Vegas. Jordan wore the shoes during his fifth NBA game against the Denver Nuggets in November 1984 and later gifted them to a ballboy after the match. Since then, the shoes have remained in good condition and were purchased by renowned collector Nick Fiorella.

Air Jordan sneakers have consistently shown their potential as profitable long-term investments, with recent events further boosting demand. For instance, autographed Air Jordan sneakers worn by Michael Jordan in 1985 have fetched prices up to $1.5 million, demonstrating that collectors are willing to pay substantial amounts for limited-edition Jordans.

Additionally, sneaker resale websites like StockX and GOAT have reported a surge in sales since the airing of The Last Dance on ESPN, indicating that the brand's fan base remains strong. All signs suggest that investing in rare and game-worn Air Jordan sneakers is wise for those seeking valuable, appreciating assets.