A Pair Of Nike Air Yeezy 1s By Kanye West Is On Sale For Over $1 Million

A Pair Of Nike Air Yeezy 1s By Kanye West Is On Sale For Over $1 Million


June 2, 2021 | Eul Basa

A Pair Of Nike Air Yeezy 1s By Kanye West Is On Sale For Over $1 Million


If you're a sneakerhead with an affinity for rare finds and limited editions, then this is for you—a pair of Kanye West's first Nike Air Yeezy 1s is now being sold on the market, and Sotheby's is predicting that they could be valued upwards of $1 million.

The sneakers, which West first debuted on the Grammys stage in 2008, will be part of a private sale, which means that the actual price of the shoes will not be revealed until the buyer comes forward with it. Beyond the fact that they are a part of pop culture history, the shoes also marked the first time that Nike ever worked with a non-athlete influencer. Such was a pivotal moment for the U.S. brand and it marked a new era of sponsorships.

The Air Yeezy 1 line first launched in 2009 as a limited series and was later followed with a second installment, the Air Yeezy 2, three years later. In 2014, West officially withdrew from his partnership with Nike, claiming that he was not receiving a fair share of the revenue from the line. In a retaliatory move, he signed with Adidas instead, and their partnership went on to become incredibly successful, generating almost $1.7 billion in 2020.

Technically speaking, West did not have a hand in designing the shoes; however, his endorsement of them helped make the pair one of the most iconic pieces ever. Currently, they are being held by sneaker collector Ryan Chang, who will sell them to the highest bidder. He has put them on display in Hong Kong starting on April 16.

Just for reference, a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1s were sold last summer for $615,000 by Christie's. According to Caitlin Donavan, the Vice-President of Handbags & Accessories at the company, the story behind the shoes justifies the high price tag: "The shoes span art, pop culture, and sports history. This sale is a reflection of what defines luxury in the modern marketplace." West's Nike Air Yeezy 1s have a similar appeal, and it's only a matter of time before a crazed fan picks them up.


READ MORE

Why Wealth Determines Access to Marriage in Modern America

Marriage in America is increasingly a privilege of the financially secure as trends continue to change.

Marriage still carries cultural weight, but fewer Americans feel able to reach it. Financial pressure and widening inequality are quietly redefining who marries and when.
January 1, 2026 Marlon Wright

Managed vs. Self-Directed Investment Portfolios: Which Is Right For You?

Investing can be complicated, particularly if you're building your investment portfolio for the first time. Are you a passive investor, or do you want to be involved in the process? Let's explore whether managed or self-directed investing would be best for you.
July 1, 2025 Jack Hawkins
Internal - Power Bill Hack

Our power company was hacked and they delayed billing by 3 months to fix it. Now, my bill is over $1,000. Are they just guessing how much I owe?

Power bill delayed after a utility hack? Learn whether your electric company is estimating what you owe, how to read a catch-up bill, and what to do if a surprise $1,000 charge lands in your mailbox.
April 1, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My dad says I should always pay cash for houses. But my financial advisor says I need to get a credit card to apply for a mortgage. Who's right?

My dad says to always pay cash for a house, but my advisor says I need a credit card to get a mortgage. Here’s who’s right, how credit really works, and what future homebuyers should do.
April 1, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Financially worried woman

Everyday life is quietly becoming financially fragile for Americans, in small ways that add up fast.

The standard American dream is undergoing a silent, radical transformation, and before markets react, household finances often reveal economic trouble. Somehow, everyday decisions now carry more weight, and small missteps feel riskier than before.
January 1, 2026 Miles Brucker
Woman worried gold recession

My cousin says buying gold is the only way to protect your money right now. The economy has me worried, does he have a point?

When markets feel shaky, gold suddenly starts sounding like the answer to everything. It has a long history, it feels tangible, and it tends to get attention whenever inflation, recessions, or geopolitical stress are in the news. That’s probably why your friend is so confident about it right now. But “the only way” to protect your money is a much bigger claim than the evidence supports.
April 1, 2026 Miles Brucker


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team