The 20 Most Expensive Air Jordans of All Time

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Spoiler alert, some pairs are worth millions
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Jordans are some of the most popular and coveted sneakers in the game. Nike created the shoes for legendary NBA star Michael Jordan in 1985 and they've been a source of major hype ever since. Limited editions and special partnerships made some Jordans even more exclusive, and sneaker collectors are willing to drop a shocking amount of cash on them. So, which pairs are the most expensive and why? In this article, we'll go over the most expensive Jordans in history, from The Dynasty Collection to the iconic “Flu Game” 12s. Read on to learn more!

Most Expensive Jordans Ever Sold

  1. The Dynasty Collection: $8 million
  2. Game-Worn Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance”: $2.2 million
  3. Air Jordan 10 x OVO “Solid Gold”: $2.1 million
  4. Game-Worn Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $1.38 million
  5. Signed, Game-Worn Air Jordan 1 with Dunk Soles: $1.012 million
  6. Game Worn, Dual-Signed Original Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”: $615,000
  7. Game-Worn, Dual-Signed Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $615,000
Section 1 of 3:

Top 20 Most Expensive Jordans

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  1. 1
    The Dynasty Collection: $8,032,800 This singles collection features six different Jordans and each one is linked to one of Michael Jordan’s six championship rings. Each time Jordan walked away with a championship win, he gifted one of his sneakers to Bulls PR executive Tim Hallam. Although the sneakers are a bit worn and don’t come in pairs, this legendary collection still raked in $8 million during a Sotheby’s auction in 2024. [1]
    • The Dynasty Collection consists of an Air Jordan 6, Air Jordan 7, Air Jordan 8, Air Jordan 11, Air Jordan 12, and Air Jordan 14. [2]
  2. 2
    Game-worn Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance": $2,200,000 This is one of the most famous sneakers in history due to its place in the basketball legend’s career. This pair of Bred 13s was worn in game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, which was Jordan’s last season as a Chicago Bulls player. Due to their pristine condition and status, this “Last Dance” pair was auctioned at Sotheby’s for $2.2 million in 2023. [3]
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  3. 3
    Air Jordan 10 x OVO “Solid Gold”: $2,100,000 This shiny pair of Jordan 10s was commissioned by Canadian rapper Drake back in 2016. He reached out to conceptual artist Matt Senna for a pair of 10s grafted exclusively out of solid gold. With a weight of 100 pounds and a price tag of $2.1 million, it makes sense why Drake doesn’t lace up and take these onto a court. [4]
  4. 4
    Game-worn Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $1,380,000 This pair of 12 was worn during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals when Jordan had the flu. Despite Jordan battling a sickness, he still put up 38 points and dragged the Bulls to a win, with the final score sitting at a close 90-88. This game has been solidified in NBA history as a story of grit and determination, so it's no wonder that the sneakers sold for $1.38 million at a 2023 auction. [5]
  5. 5
    Signed, game-worn Air Jordan 1 with Dunk soles: $1,012,500 After Jordan broke his foot in a pair of 1s during his second season, the sneakers were modified with the addition of a Nike Dunk sole to better accommodate his injury. The Dunk Sole was wider and softer, so it made sense to replace the original sole with it. After being signed by Jordan, this game-worn pair sold at Heritage in February 2022 for $675,000. The owner currently has the bidding offer for this pair at $1,012,500. [6]
  6. 6
    Dual-signed original Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”: $615,000 This historic pair inspired a whole subset of Jordan sneakers after Jordan shattered the backboard in them during a 1985 exhibition game in Italy. After the game, he gave the pair to the opposing team captain, with a shard of glass still embedded in the outsole. This double-signed pair eventually sold at a Christie’s auction for $615,000 back in 2021, making them one of the most expensive Jordan 1s to date. [7]
    • This pair specifically inspired the line of Shattered Backboard 1s released in the 2010s and onward, which donned the same orange, black, and white as the uniform Jordan shattered the backboard in.
  7. 7
    Game-worn, dual-signed Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $615,000 These game-worn Chicago 1s were first signed after being gifted to Jordan’s teammate Gene Banks during the ‘85-‘86 season. Banks later gifted the pair to sportscaster and friend, Rick Lozano, who got them signed by Jordan again in an interview during the 1991 NBA Finals. He also added the notion, “1st pair,” which contributes to the pair’s $615,000 price tag. [8]
  8. 8
    Player sample, game-worn Air Jordan 1: $560,000 This pair of sample Jordans was worn by the star back in 1985. Following the release of The Last Dance documentary in 2020, this pair sold for $560,000, which was record-breaking at the time. The right shoe is signed by Jordan on the inner ankle, contributing to the high price. [9]
    • This game-worn Jordan 1 was estimated to sell for $100,000-$150,000 before it was auctioned off! That’s a crazy price jump.
  9. 9
    Game-worn Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” from Jordan’s rookie year: $486,000 This pair was gifted to then-Chicago Bulls trainer Mark Pfeil during Jordan’s ‘84-’85 rookie season. They were auctioned at a fundraiser in 1985 for $486,000, making this vintage pair of Jordans one of the most expensive at the time. [10]
  10. 10
    Game-worn Air Jordan 1 “Broken Foot Game”: $422,000 Remember that pair of Jordan 1s that required a Dunk Sole after Jordan broke his foot during a game? Well, this is the pair that Jordan broke his foot in! During the second quarter of a 1985 game against the Golden State Warriors, Jordan broke his foot after catching a court-length pass. [11] This odd factor drove up the price of these sneakers to $422,000, which they sold for at Leland’s auction back in 2022. [12]
  11. 11
    Air Jordan 1 High “What the Doernbecher”: $300,000 The Doernbecher Freestyle program has worked with Nike to create unique, eye-catching shoes that have benefited the Oregon Health and Science University for 21 years. This unique pair draws elements from the program’s 14 previous Jordan designs, giving it the fitting “What the Doernbecher” title. This pair can currently fetch you a hefty price, with one currently sitting at $300,000 on the popular sneaker-selling site, GOAT. [13]
    • Since the Air Jordan 1 is one of Nike’s most popular sneakers, it makes sense that it was the sneaker they chose to celebrate their 17th anniversary.
  12. 12
    Air Jordan 11 “Space Jam” player samples: $176,400 We couldn’t have made it this far in the list without mentioning the iconic Space Jam film, in which Michael Jordan teamed up with Bugs Bunny and Bill Murray on the court. This pair of 11s was made for the 1996 film, signed by Jordan, and sold for $176,400 during a 2021 Sotheby’s auction. [14]
    • This pair is deadstock, meaning they were never worn, contributing to their high price tag.
  13. 13
    Signed, game-worn Air Jordan 8 “Playoffs”: $126,000 Jordan signed and wore this pair of 8s during playoff games 4 and 5 in the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals. When it was first auctioned back in 2021, it was one of three sneakers that had been photo-matched to one of Jordan’s playoff games, contributing to its $126,000 price tag. [15]
  14. 14
    Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” Sample: $117,000 This pair of player samples was made for Jordan to wear, but they were never played in. He did sign them twice, though, once on each toe cap. Two decades after the season Jordan would have worn them in, this deadstock Chicago 1 player sample was auctioned by a Nike executive at the 2003 American Running Honors Gala for $117,000. [16]
  15. 15
    Game-worn, signed Air Jordan 7 “Olympic”: $114,000 Michael Jordan signed this pair of game-worn 7s and gifted them to NBA public relations executive Brian McIntyre after the 1992 USA “Dream Team” won the Olympics that year. This win propelled the NBA to new heights of popularity across the globe. So, it makes sense that McIntyre was able to snag $114,000 for them at a Sotheby's auction back in June 2024. [17]
  16. 16
    Signed Air Jordan 1 “Solid Silver”: $60,000 The Air Jordan 1 “Solid Silver” is a special pair of 1s, considering they were originally a gift to Jordan from his wife. There were only 10 pairs of these 10 lb (4.5 kg) sneakers produced, and due to their material being exclusively made up of solid silver, they fetched a heavy price. This price was further raised on one pair that was signed by Jordan himself, which sold for $60,000 back in 2012. [18]
  17. 17
    Signed, game-worn Air Jordan 11 “Concords”: $56,250 These Air Jordan 11 “Concords” were first worn in 1995, and Jordan immediately shocked the crowd with the shoe’s patent leather design, translucent sole, and flashy white upper. With its vintage status and the addition of Jordan’s signature on the toe-cap, these shoes are valued highly, fetching a price tag of $56,250 during a Christie’s auction back in 2020. [19]
  18. 18
    UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4: $50,000 In 2005, UNDEFEATED and Jordan brand collaborated to produce the UNDEFEATED x Air Jordan 4. Clad in military green and black, this iconic pair of Jordan 4s marked the first collaboration between a sneaker boutique and Jordan brand, contributing to its legendary status. If you manage to track down a pair of these rare 4s, they’ll run you about $50,000 or higher.
  19. 19
    Eminem x Air Jordan 4 “Encore” collab: $20,000 to $45,000 Released in 2005, this collaboration between legendary rapper Eminem and Jordan brand was created to celebrate the release of Em’s 4th studio album, Encore . Only 50 pairs were initially released, and when they were re-released in 2017, only 23 pairs were created, and they were for Em’s inner circle. If you’re looking to get a pair for yourself, it’ll range from $20,000 to $45,000, partially due to the rarity of Eminem’s branding.
    • One pair was auctioned on StockX, and the proceeds benefited the Marshall Mathers Foundation, a charity founded by Eminem.
  20. 20
    Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro x Nipsey Hussle “Victory Lap”: $25,000 Created in honor of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle’s album Victory Lap , this pair of Retro Jordan 3s was exclusively made for friends and family. The exclusivity of this sneaker makes it nearly impossible to find, and any pair that people do get their hands on is guaranteed to fetch $25,000 or more. [20]
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Section 2 of 3:

Tips for Buying Expensive Jordans

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  1. 1
    Check the authenticity before buying the shoes. Before getting your hands on a pair of expensive Jordans, do your due diligence and check that they’re real . To check if the Jordans you’re looking at are fake, Patrick Klima says to check the nine-digit style number in the UPC code on the box to see if it matches the one printed on the shoe's label, as counterfeiters tend to forget small details.
  2. 2
    Consider your budget and needs before making the plunge. While that pair of Off-White 1s may seem like it’ll completely transform your look, you may want to check that it fits into your budget before pulling the trigger and clicking that buy button. Also make sure the Jordans you’re looking at will suit your wardrobe so they won't be collecting dust in your closet. That way, you won’t spend money on something you never wear. [21]
  3. 3
    Buy one pair at a time. When you’re looking at Jordans online, you may feel enticed to add all of the ones you like to your cart and buy them all at once. While this may feel good at the moment, it can be a budget killer, especially as you get into the higher-cost Jordans. So, buy expensive pairs one at a time and enjoy them fully before picking up a new pair.
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Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Why are Jordans so expensive? Jordans are expensive for a number of reasons. Jordan’s athletic prowess and status as one of the greatest athletes of his time partially contribute to the price. But, the impact he’s left on the culture also holds weight, as Jordans are still priced high depending on their role in his career. [22]
    • For example, Jordans worn in-game are expensive because Jordan had them on. Jordans that were popular choices for Jordan, like 1s and 4s, are also popular for those reasons.
  2. 2
    Why are some Jordans more valuable than others? Some Jordans are more valuable than others because of market demand and the role they played in Jordan’s career. For example, game-worn Jordans will always be more expensive than standard Jordans sold in-store because they were actually worn by Jordan. Rare colorways will also yield a higher demand than regular colorways, which results in a higher price.
  3. 3
    What are some other expensive sneakers? There are plenty of other expensive sneaker models and colorways, like Yeezys, Fear of God x Nike collaborations, and other Nike sneakers. Some expensive sneakers include the Nike Air Fear of God 1 ($230-$1,500), the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ($250-$2,671), and the Dolce & Gabbana Portofinos ($1,245).
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.altaninsights.com/resources/what-are-the-most-expensive-sneakers-ever-sold
      2. ↑ https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-dynasty-collection-the-complete-set-of-michael-jordans-air-jordan-six-championship-sneakers
      3. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      4. ↑ https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/style/most-expensive-jordans/
      5. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      6. ↑ https://www.altaninsights.com/resources/what-are-the-most-expensive-sneakers-ever-sold
      7. ↑ https://www.altaninsights.com/resources/what-are-the-most-expensive-sneakers-ever-sold
      8. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      9. ↑ https://www.altaninsights.com/resources/what-are-the-most-expensive-sneakers-ever-sold
      1. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/TRAgVFR1g9w?si=v-C6rBmg-C0ZQja6&t=12
      3. ↑ https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/style/most-expensive-jordans/
      4. ↑ https://news.ohsu.edu/2021/03/12/doernbecher-freestyle-goes-virtual-tops-30-million-raised-since-2003
      5. ↑ https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/mjs-secret-stuff-the-space-jam-jordans/michael-jordan-signed-player-sample-deadstock-air
      6. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      7. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      8. ↑ https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/sports-memorabilia-part-ii/michael-jordan-worn-signed-1992-olympic-dream-team?locale=it
      9. ↑ https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/style/most-expensive-jordans/
      10. ↑ https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/style/most-expensive-jordans/
      11. ↑ https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/_Nike-Air-Jordan-3-Retro-x-Nipsey-Hussle-Victory-Lap-or-Size-12
      12. ↑ https://donnalovesshoes.com/buying-expensive-shoes-on-budget/
      13. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230403-the-story-behind-the-most-iconic-sneakers-of-all-time

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