Since its founding in 1971, Nike has emerged as a pioneering brand in the sneaker industry. With its commitment to innovation and design, Nike has produced some of the most iconic sneakers in history. From the classic Air Jordans to the sleek Nike Air Max, the brand has set the standard for what a sneaker should look and feel like. Over the years, Nike has continued to push the boundaries of sneaker technology, developing new materials and manufacturing techniques to improve the performance and comfort of its footwear. Today, Nike remains at the forefront of the industry, constantly evolving and setting new trends.

Nike has established itself as the leading brand in the sneaker industry by paying meticulous attention to shapes, silhouettes, colors, and details. Its success is not limited to the primary market, as the resale value of Nike shoes has skyrocketed due to their reputation and exclusivity.

Sneakerheads are not only attracted to the mint condition and quality of Nike shoes but also to the story and prestige associated with them, creating a sense of nostalgia and rarity. These factors have contributed to the unprecedented demand for Nike shoes, with some selling for record-breaking figures at auctions such as Sotheby's.

As a result, Nike shoes have become highly sought-after collector's items, with their values increasing significantly since their original release. In this article, we have compiled a list of Nike sneakers whose value has soared over time.

Top 5 Nike shoes that have grossed an unbelievable amount

 

1) Drake OVO x Nike Air Jordan 12: $2 Milion

Nike's sub-brand Jordan collaborated with rapper Drake to create a unique pair of Air Jordan 10s, which were unlike any other Jordan collaboration. The shoes were not only made out of solid gold, but they were also crafted by renowned artist Matthew Senna.

Despite being a collaboration with Jordan, the shoes were still manufactured under the oversight of Nike. Weighing approximately 100 pounds, the shoes were custom-made for Drake and reportedly cost around $2 million. The sneakers were designed with details that were reminiscent of the original AJ10, including the "OVO" lettering on the bottom of the tread, leather construction on the upper, and the iconic embroidered jumpman logo on the heel. The lacing was also accurately replicated.

Drake unveiled the one-of-a-kind sneakers on July 18, 2006, showcasing the unique collaboration between Nike, Jordan, and the world-renowned artist.

2) Kanye West x Nike Air Yeezy 1: $1.8 Million

One of the most expensive Nike shoes of all time is the Kanye West x Nike Air Yeezy 1, which sold for a whopping $1.8 million at Sotheby's. These iconic sneakers were first introduced on February 10, 2008, when Kanye West wore them during a performance at the 50th annual Grammy Awards ceremony. The mysterious yet captivating design featuring only Nike's trademark instantly caught the attention of sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.

This marked the beginning of a successful collaboration between Nike and Yeezy, which became a crucial element of the modern sneaker culture. Although the Nike x Yeezy partnership was eventually terminated, the Air Yeezy 1 and Air Yeezy 2 remain some of the most sought-after shoes by collectors and enthusiasts.

The Air Yeezy 1 was crafted at Nike's Oregon-based lab, The Innovation Kitchen. The shoe's upper is made of soft black leather with perforated detailing, and the heel overlay features a tonal swoosh. The forefoot strap and signature "Y" medallion on the lace locks in a bright pink hue add further character to the shoe. These sneakers were initially sold to benefit Doernbecher Children's Hospital and were finally sold at Sotheby's on April 21, 2022.

3) The Nike Air Ship 1984

 

The Nike Air Ship sneakers played a crucial role in the design legacy of the OG Air Jordan 1. These sneakers became iconic both on and off the court after Michael Jordan wore them for his fifth game with the Chicago Bulls in the first season. The custom red and white colorway of the Air Ships caught the attention of sneaker enthusiasts worldwide. In fact, the term "Air Jordan" was coined after the Air Ship's debut in 1984 on MJ's feet.

In the process of creating the AJ1, Nike created an Air Ships silhouette, which had "Nike Air" printed on the heel and was produced in limited quantities. Bruce Kilgore designed the Air Ship in 1984, and it was the first swoosh shoe worn by MJ as an NBA professional. After the game on November 1, 1984, the sneakers were gifted to 'TJ,' also known as Denver Nuggets Ballboy Lewis. The Air Ship was eventually auctioned off at Sotheby's for an astounding $1.47 million on October 24, 2021.

4) Nike Air Jordan 1 Bred (1985): $560k

One of the most iconic shoes in sneaker history is the Nike Air Jordan 1, also known as Chicago, and is a crucial element of the Jordan legacy. Designed by Peter Moore in 1984, the AJ1 was first introduced in 1985 and remains the most recognizable Jordan of all time. The iconic Chicago colorway of the shoes has become a symbol of the Jordan brand.

After signing a deal with Nike, this shoe not only marked the beginning of Michael Jordan's signature line, but also the first time any brand had taken up a player's collaboration and signature line. The term "Air Jordan" was coined by David Falk, MJ's agent.

The shoe became a massive hit among sneakerheads and MJ fans alike, leading to the enormous success of the AJ line that we know today. Currently, the brand has reached the AJ 37, and its reputation is unmatched.

The shoe's inside had "850204 TYPS," indicating that the reproduction date of the shoes was between February and April 1985. The acronym TYPS means "Tong Yang Player Sample," indicating that the shoes were initially produced as sample footwear. The pair was sold for a whopping $560,000 at Sotheby's.

5) Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoe: $437k

One of Nike's most significant sneakers is the Moon Shoe, designed by founder Bill Bowerman himself. The shoe, featuring an iconic waffle sole traction pattern, has only a few pairs left. Bowerman was inspired to create the shoe when he used his wife's waffle iron to make the sole by pouring rubber onto it. The prototype proved to be successful, offering better cushioning and grip than other running shoes at the time.

The shoe got its name from the waffle pattern it left in the dirt, resembling the tracks left by astronauts on the moon in 1969. The Moon Shoe was cobbled by Geoff Hollister, one of Nike's first employees, and made with limited technology at the time, resulting in the two-piece waffle outsole marked with hand-cut patterns.

Only twelve pairs were created for the 1972 Olympic trials, making it an incredibly rare sneaker. In 2019, one of these pairs was sold at a Sotheby's auction for an astounding $437,500 to collector Miles Spencer Nadal. The uppers were made of white nylon, and the swooshes were sewn onto the upper in black. The Moon Shoe's history and limited number have made it an incredibly valuable collector's item.