Money You Can Walk In
Sneaker collecting has gone from a casual hobby to a full-on global obsession. What started with basketball fans wanting to emulate their heroes has exploded into a billion-dollar resale market where rare pairs fetch auction prices that rival fine art. From exclusive collaborations to one-of-one grails, these sneakers aren’t just footwear—they’re investments that make Wall Street traders sweat.
Nike Air Mag
Originally featured in Back to the Future Part II, the Nike Air Mag might be the most iconic movie sneaker ever. When Nike finally brought them to life in 2011 with only 1,500 pairs, the hype was astronomical. Today, these futuristic self-lacing kicks can sell for hundreds of thousands, proving that sci-fi dreams do pay off.
Phillip Pessar, Wikimedia Commons
Air Jordan 1 OG Chicago
The Air Jordan 1 Chicago isn’t just a sneaker—it’s basketball history. Released in 1985, it was banned by the NBA for violating uniform codes, which only boosted its legend. Original pairs in good condition are now worth big money, with some even surpassing six figures at auction.
Air Jordan 1 Low OG Chicago 2025 Review & On Feet, Seth Fowler
Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans
Rapper Drake teamed up with artist Matthew Senna to produce a pair of Solid Gold OVO Air Jordans that weigh about 100 pounds each. These aren’t wearable sneakers—they’re literal gold sculptures. Valued at over $2 million, they’re among the most expensive “shoes” ever created.
Matthew Senna | Jordan Resin Release, Highsnobiety
Air Jordan 4 Retro Eminem Encore
When Eminem collaborates with Jordan Brand, sneakerheads pay attention. The Air Jordan 4 Retro “Encore” was released in 2005 to celebrate the rapper’s album, with only 50 pairs in existence. They’re so scarce that even mega-collectors struggle to track them down.
Eminem Air Jordan 4 Encore Review On Foot (2024), ColoCulture
Nike Dunk SB Low Paris
The Nike Dunk SB Low “Paris” might look like a skate shoe, but its limited release in 2003 turned it into high art. Each pair features unique panels inspired by the work of French painter Bernard Buffet. Prices can soar past $100,000, depending on condition.
$100k Nike SB Paris Dunks Restoration, RESHOEVN8R
Air Jordan 11 “Jeter”
Released in 2017 to honor Derek Jeter’s retirement, only five pairs of the navy suede Air Jordan 11 “Jeter” exist. They were distributed via a scratch-off auction in New York. Unsurprisingly, their rarity makes them worth well into six figures.
AIR JORDAN 11 LOW DEREK JETER RE2PECT REVIEW, Seth Fowler
Nike Dunk SB Low Freddy Krueger
Inspired by the horror icon, the Nike Dunk SB Low “Freddy Krueger” was never officially released due to licensing issues. Still, a handful of pairs made it out, making them one of the most coveted Dunks of all time. Collectors happily pay tens of thousands to own this spooky grail.
NIKE SB DUNK LOW FREDDY KRUEGER 313170 202, Sneaker Lovers
Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”
The black-and-red Air Jordan 12s that Michael Jordan wore during his legendary 1997 “Flu Game” have transcended sports into pop culture mythology. Jordan scored 38 points while visibly sick, cementing the shoe’s place in history. Game-worn pairs are essentially priceless, with resale prices in the hundreds of thousands.
2025 Air Jordan 12 FLU GAME Review & On Feet, Seth Fowler
Nike Dunk SB Low What The Dunk
Released in 2007, the Nike Dunk SB Low “What The Dunk” mashed together elements from previous SB releases into one chaotic sneaker. Its wild patchwork design is instantly recognizable. Prices continue to rise because sneakerheads adore its over-the-top aesthetic.
NIKE DUNK LOW SB 'WHAT THE DUNK' 2007 318403-141, kickbulk jack
Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh’s collaboration with Nike and Louis Vuitton in 2022 turned the sneaker world upside down. The Air Force 1s, reimagined with luxury leather and LV’s monogram, were auctioned at Sotheby’s for jaw-dropping amounts. They’re proof that streetwear and high fashion can make an expensive love child.
Air Jordan 5 Retro Transformers
In 2017, Jordan Brand released a super limited “Transformers” edition of the Air Jordan 5. Featuring Decepticon-inspired colors, they were gifted to friends and family rather than sold publicly. Collectors who manage to find a pair have to fork over serious cash.
JORDAN 5 RETRO TRANSFORMERS HO15 MNJDLS204 752667, Sneaker Lovers
Nike Air Yeezy 2 Red October
Before Kanye’s split with Nike, the Air Yeezy 2 “Red October” shook sneaker culture. Dropped without warning in 2014, they sold out instantly and remain one of the most iconic sneakers of the decade. Resale prices can climb into the tens of thousands.
Nike Air Yeezy 2 SP Red October : Closer Look, Sean Go
Adidas NMD R1 Pharrell x Chanel
Only 500 pairs of this collaboration between Pharrell Williams, Chanel, and Adidas were ever released. The sleek black-and-white design oozes exclusivity. Prices regularly top $10,000 and keep climbing, especially for deadstock pairs.
HUMAN RACE CHANEL X PHARRELL X ADIDAS NMD, JAS JAS
Nike SB Dunk Low Staple NYC Pigeon
The 2005 release of the Nike SB Dunk Low “Pigeon” sparked literal riots in New York City. Designed by Jeff Staple, its grey-and-orange colorway became legendary overnight. Resale prices still hover in the five figures, and the story only adds to its mystique.
Nike SB Dunk Low NYC (PIGEON) 2005 | Back From the Vault?? Legit Checking Guide, Kicks on Kicks
Air Jordan 3 Retro DJ Khaled Father of Asahd
When DJ Khaled got his own Jordan 3 collaboration, it wasn’t widely released—it was mostly seeded to friends and family. Featuring premium leather and Khaled’s personal branding, they’re incredibly rare. Sneaker fans will have to spend five figures just to say, “We the best.”
Unboxing DJ Khaled x Air Jordan 3 Father of Asahd + Another One - Never Released!, Stadium Goods
Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang Clan
In 1999, Nike created only 36 pairs of the Dunk High “Wu-Tang Clan.” Featuring the group’s iconic yellow-and-black color scheme, these are nearly impossible to find. If one surfaces, expect a price tag north of $20,000.
1999 Nike Dunk Wu Tang Customs, dunksrnice
Reebok Question Kobe PE
Before Kobe signed with Nike, he briefly rocked Reebok. The Question PE (Player Exclusive) in Lakers colors is a rare relic from that time. Kobe fans and sneakerheads alike drive demand for this unique piece of history.
Reebok Question Mid Kobe PE Shoe Review & On Feet HD 1080p, Dave David Dao
Nike SB Dunk Low Heineken
Though not an official collaboration, the Nike SB Dunk Low “Heineken” was inspired by the beer brand. Released in 2003, the green-and-red design remains iconic. Resale prices have been frothy for years, often bubbling into the thousands.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Heineken: Closer Look, Sean Go
Dior x Air Jordan 1 High
When Dior and Jordan Brand joined forces in 2020, the hype was instant. The premium leather, icy sole, and subtle Dior branding created one of the most luxurious sneakers ever. They retailed for $2,000 but now command up to $20,000 on the secondary market.
Dior x Air Jordan 1 High OG Air Dior: Closer Look, Sean Go
Nike SB Dunk Low Yellow Lobster
The “Yellow Lobster” is one of the rarest entries in Concepts’ lobster-themed Dunk series. Friends-and-family pairs feature special packaging and quirky details like rubber bands around the toe. Collectors consider them holy grails, with prices well into five figures.
Nike Sb Dunk Low Yellow Lobster On Foot review Unboxing, ColoCulture
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