The 30 Most Expensive Shoes in the World

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These heels & sneakers cost millions—here’s why
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From heels covered in diamonds and gold to sneakers worn by the basketball legend Michael Jordan himself, there are plenty of shoes that have sold for over $1 million. Curious about which shoes make the most expensive cut and why? Keep reading! In this article, we’ll go over the top 30 most expensive shoes in the world and why they deserve a spot on this list. We also consulted sneaker authentication expert Chance Dubinick and vintage clothing expert Patrick Klima for tips on buying expensive shoes if you’re interested in getting your hands on a pricey pair, too!

What are the most expensive shoes in the world?

The most expensive shoes in the world are Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers from the 1929 film The Wizard of Oz . This particular pair of ruby slippers was stolen, then later recovered and sold at auction for $32.5 million (including the auction house fee).

Section 1 of 4:

The Most Expensive Shoes in the World

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  1. Dorothy Gale’s iconic ruby red slippers, which were worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz , are a testament that there’s no place like home! These shoes were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and finally recovered by the FBI in 2018. They were put up for auction by Heritage Auctions in 2024 and sold for a record-shattering $28 million. Combined with the auction house’s fee, the ruby slippers’ total cost is $32.5 million. [1]
    • Dorothy’s ruby slippers are not only the most expensive shoes in the world, but the most expensive piece of entertainment memorabilia. They beat out Marilyn Monroe’s white dress from The Seven Year Itch , which previously sold for $5.5 million.
    • There are only 4 known surviving pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland, though several more shoes were made for the movie. You’ll see a few of Dorothy’s other shoes on this list, as well as inspired pairs!
  2. 2
    The Moon Star Shoes: $19,900,000 Created by Italian designer Antonio Vietri in 2019, these sky-high golden heels are inspired by Dubai’s iconic skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa. The Moon Star Shoes boast solid gold heels and countless diamonds secured in solid gold settings, coming in at a combined total of 30 carats! The shoes also feature pieces of an Argentinian meteorite that was discovered in 1576. [2]
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  3. 3
    The Passion Diamond Shoes: $17,000,000 The Passion Diamond Shoes are a 2018 collaboration between Jada Dubai, a UAE brand, and Passion Jewelers. These golden stilettos are lined with 238 crystal-clear, D-grade diamonds (which is the highest diamond grade) and total over 15 carats. The shoes themselves are made with solid gold, the finest silk, and premium leather. [3]
  4. 4
    The Debbie Wingham Heels: $15,100,000 These ornate and luxurious heels are a 2017 commission by British designer Debbie Wingham for a very wealthy client. These shoes are embellished with rare 3-carat pink diamonds, 1-carat blue diamonds, and 3-carat white diamonds, as well as 1,000 smaller clear diamonds. All of the diamonds are set in platinum settings, which definitely accounts for the huge price tag! [4]
    • The shoes themselves are made out of fine leather, sewn with 18-carat gold thread, and painted with 24-carat gold.
  5. 5
    The Dynasty Sneaker Collection: $8,000,000 While technically a set of 6 shoes, the Dynasty Collection features the most expensive sneakers in the world. All 6 Air Jordan sneakers were worn by the basketball legend Michael Jordan during his 6 NBA championship wins. Even though the sneakers aren’t in pairs, the collection sold for over $8 million in an auction at Sotheby's in 2024. [5]
    • The shoes in the Dynasty Collection include an Air Jordan 6 (1991 championship), Air Jordan 7 (1992), Air Jordan 8 (1993), Air Jordan 11 (1996), Air Jordan 12 (1997), and Air Jordan 14 (1998).
    • Four of the shoes are also signed by Michael Jordan.
    • Famously, Michael Jordan gave Tim Hallam, the Bulls' PR executive, one of his shoes after each championship win, which is why the collection of shoes isn’t in pairs.
  6. 6
    Harry Winston Ruby Slippers: $3,500,000 In 1989, the luxury jewelers at Harry Winston created their own version of Dorothy’s ruby slippers to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The Wizard of Oz . The shoes are covered in 4,600 rubies, coming in at a total of 1,350 carats. The shoes are also outlined in brilliant diamonds, which total 50 carats. [6]
  7. 7
    Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth Heels: $3,000,000 In the early 2000s, American designer Stuart Weitzman made it his mission to create a collection of million-dollar sandals. His 2006 entry, the Rita Hayworth heels, are his most expensive pair. They feature earrings worn by Rita Hayworth, a famous Hollywood actress from the 1940s. The dazzling earrings are made from 200 rubies, 200 sapphires, and 48 diamonds and are surrounded by fine satin. [7]
    • The Rita Hayworth shoes were worn by actress and singer-songwriter Kathleen York at the 2006 Oscars.
    • Unfortunately, the shoes no longer feature Hayworth’s earrings. Weitzman returned the earrings to Hayworth’s daughter and replaced the jewels with crystals.
  8. 8
    Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance”: $2,200,000 These Air Jordan 13s were worn by Michael Jordan during game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals. This was Jordan’s last championship win, which is why the sneakers are nicknamed “The Last Dance.” The shoes were put up for auction by Sotheby’s in 2023 and sold for $2.2 million, making them the most expensive pair of sneakers in the world! [8]
    • The shoes are also signed by Michael Jordan, which definitely adds to their value.
  9. 9
    Stuart Weitzman Tanzanite Heels: $2,000,000 The Tanzanite heels are a 2007 collaboration between Stuart Weitzman and Le Vian Jewelry, a luxury jeweler. The silver sandals feature a 16-carat blue tanzanite pendant and 7 other tanzanite gems, totalling 185 carats when combined. The gems and straps of the shoe are covered in clear diamonds that come in at a whopping 25 carats. [9]
  10. 10
    Stuart Weitzman Cinderella Heels: $2,000,000 The Cinderella heels are Weitzman’s 2004 entry in his million-dollar sandals series. These nude heels are covered in 565 diamonds by Kwiat Jewelers, a luxury jewelry brand. The right shoe also features a rare 5-carat brown diamond, which costs more than $1 million all by itself! [10]
    • The Cinderella Heels were worn by singer Alison Krauss at the 2004 Oscars.
  11. 11
    Jason of Beverly Hills x Tom Ford Loafers: $2,000,000 These silver, glittering loafers are a 2014 collaboration between Jason of Beverly Hills, a luxury jeweler, and the American designer Tom Ford. The shoes are covered in over 14,000 diamonds, totalling 340 carats, and set in solid gold. They reportedly took over 2,000 hours to craft! [11]
    • The loafers were created for actor Nick Cannon, who famously wore them during the finale of America’s Got Talent .
  12. 12
    Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz : $2,000,000 In 2012, another pair of Dorothy’s ruby red slippers (worn by Judy Garland) from The Wizard of Oz sold for $2 million. It was a collaborative purchase made by multiple donors, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg, for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences museum. [12]
    • It’s believed that this pair of ruby slippers was used for close-up shots in The Wizard of Oz , such as when Dorothy clicks her heels 3 times.
  13. 13
    OVO x Air Jordan 10: $1,900,000 In 2016, rapper Drake commissioned artist Matt Sena to create a pair of solid gold Air Jordan 10s. Unfortunately, the shoes aren’t actually wearable. The Jordans are encased in 24-carat gold and solely meant as a work of art. Plus, they reportedly weigh over 100 pounds (45 kg), so they’d be impossible to wear anyway! [13]
  14. 14
    Nike Air Yeezy Samples: $1,800,000 In 2008, rapper Kanye West wore prototypes of the sneakers he was planning to release as a collaboration between his fashion brand, Yeezy, and Nike. The shoes created a buzz when he debuted them at the Grammys and were bought by the investing company RARES. Sotheby’s later received the shoes and sold them for a staggering $1.8 million in 2021. [14]
  15. 15
    Stuart Weitzman Ruby Slippers: $1,600,000 In 2003, Stuart Weitzman created his own version of Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers as part of his million-dollar sandal series. The strappy stilettos are covered in 643 rubies, coming in at a combined weight of 123 carats. They’re set with shiny platinum, giving this version of Dorothy’s shoes a flashy twist. [15]
    • Weitzman had plans to show the shoes off at the 2003 Oscars, but ultimately, they were never publicly worn.
  16. 16
    Nike Air Ship: $1,470,000 These white and red Nike sneakers were worn and signed by Michael Jordan during his 1984 season. They’re considered his first regularly worn game-worn Nikes, which is why they sold for $1.47 million at Sotheby’s in 2021. [16]
  17. 17
    Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $1,300,000 It may come as no surprise that these expensive sneakers were also worn by the GOAT, Michael Jordan. He famously wore this pair of black and red Air Jordan 12s during the fifth game of the 1997 Finals while he was battling flu-like symptoms. He still managed to score 38 points and win the game, which is why his signed sneakers sold for $1.3 million in 2023. [17]
  18. 18
    Stuart Weitzman Platinum Guild Stilettos: $1,000,000 The Platinum Guild stilettos are Stuart Weitzman’s first entry in his million-dollar sandal collection, which he created in 2002. The strappy silver shoes are covered with 464 diamonds, earning them their $1 million price tag. [18]
    • Actress Laura Harring wore the shoes at the 2002 Oscars.
  19. 19
    Stuart Weitzman Marilyn Monroe Heels: $1,000,000 These heels are Stuart Weitzman’s 2005 version of the million-dollar sandal. Like the Rita Hayworth heels, they feature a famous actress’ earrings—this time, diamond earrings owned by Marilyn Monroe. While the earrings were only a loan, Weitzman replaced the diamonds with crystals and the heels were sold by Christie’s for $1 million. [19]
    • Actress Regina King wore the shoes at the 2005 Oscars.
  20. 20
    Stuart Weitzman Retro Rose Pumps: $1,000,000 Stuart Weitzman’s final entry in the million-dollar sandal series was in 2008. These bronze, closed-toe pumps are different from his past strappy heels, but just as pricey! The pumps feature a rose embellishment covered in diamonds by Kwiat Jewelers, as well as a diamond-encrusted strap. [20]
    • The Retro Rose pumps were meant to be worn by writer and producer Diablo Cody at the 2008 Oscars. However, she refused to wear them because she thought they were a publicity stunt.
    • Weitzman stopped making his million-dollar sandals in 2008 due to the economic recession at the time.
  21. 21
    Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $675,000 These red, white, and black Air Jordan 1s were, of course, worn by Michael Jordan. He wore these in 1986 after coming back from a foot injury. The soles are from a pair of Nike Dunks to give his healing feet a softer base. The sneakers were put up for auction in 2022 and sold for $675k. [21]
  22. 22
    Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz : $666,000 One of the last known pairs of Dorothy’s slippers, which were worn by Judy Garland for The Wizard of Oz , sold for $666k in 2000. They are currently owned by the collector David Elkouby, who reportedly keeps them safe in a very well-protected vault. [22]
  23. 23
    Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”: $615,000 Basketball legend Michael Jordan was wearing these red, white, and black Air Jordans during a 1985 game in Italy where he famously broke the backboard. When the game was finished, he gave the sneakers to the opposing team’s captain with glass still in the shoe. The signed shoes were auctioned off in 2021, where they sold for $615k. [23]
    • These sneakers inspired Nike to later create the Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard collection.
  24. 24
    Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $615,000 These sneakers are another game-worn pair by Michael Jordan during his rookie years. He initially signed and gave the shoes to his teammate Gene Banks. Later, Banks gave the sneaks to his friend Rick Lozano, a sportscaster. Lozano ended up interviewing Jordan, who signed the shoes again and added “1st pair.” This is probably why these shoes sold for $615k! [24]
  25. 25
    Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $560,000 These red, white, and black sneakers were also worn by Michael Jordan during his 1985 season. The signed shoes went up for auction in 2020 just as the final episode of Jordan’s popular documentary, The Last Dance , premiered. So, it’s no surprise that they sold for a whopping $560k. [25]
  26. 26
    Stuart Weitzman Diamond Dream Stiletto: $500,000 Stuart Weitzman’s 2007 entry in the million-dollar sandal collection might not actually be $1 million, but they still cost a pretty penny! These golden heels are decorated in a thick band of 1,450 diamonds cut by the renowned Kwiat Jewelers, totalling 30 carats. All of the diamonds are carefully set in platinum settings, too. [26]
    • Actress Anika Noni Rose wore the shoes at the 2007 Oscars.
  27. 27
    Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $486,000 Michael Jordan wore these sneakers during his 1985 season, too. He signed both shoes and gave them to the Bulls trainer Mark Pfeil, who sold them at a fundraiser. In 2022, they were put up for auction and sold for $486k, making them quite the expensive pair. [27]
  28. 28
    Nike Moon Shoes: $437,500 Surprisingly, these sneakers weren’t worn by Michael Jordan. These running shoes were designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman for the 1972 Summer Olympic Trials. They’re considered very rare, as only 12 were made, which is why this pair sold for $437k in 2019. [28]
  29. 29
    Air Jordan 1 “Broken Foot”: $422,000 The final pair of sneakers worn by Michael Jordan on this list are the ones he broke his foot in! He was wearing these Air Jordans during a game in 1985 when he caught a pass wrong and injured his foot. The sneakers went up for auction in 2022 and sold for $422k. [29]
  30. 30
    Kathryn Wilson Charity Heels: $418,000 In 2013, New Zealand designer Kathryn Wilson created an extravagant pair of heels to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity organization. The glittering pair of pumps is covered in an intricate design of hundreds of diamonds, totalling over 21 carats. [30]
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Section 2 of 4:

What are the most expensive sneakers in the world?

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  1. Many of the priciest sneakers were worn by Michael Jordan. Here are the top 10 most expensive sneakers in the world: [31]
    • The Dynasty Sneaker Collection: $8,000,000 (set of 6 Air Jordans worn by Michael Jordan)
    • Air Jordan 13 “The Last Dance”: $2,200,000
    • OVO x Air Jordan 10: $1,900,000
    • Nike Air Yeezy Samples: $1,800,000
    • Nike Air Ship: $1,470,000
    • Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game”: $1,300,000
    • Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $675,000
    • Air Jordan 1 “Shattered Backboard”: $615,000
    • Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $615,000
    • Air Jordan 1 “Chicago”: $560,000
Section 3 of 4:

Tips for Buying Expensive Shoes

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  1. Whether you’re in the market for some designer shoes, diamond-encrusted heels, or a pair of famous sneakers, make sure you’re going through a trustworthy company to help ensure the shoes are legit. Research different websites, auction houses, and individual sellers online and read reviews to see if people are happy with their purchase or have lots of complaints.
    • If you’re looking to buy designer sneakers, Dubinick recommends checking out GOAT or StockX , as these companies authenticate the shoes they sell.
    • If you’re looking to buy designer heels or other shoes, use a site that authenticates its items, like TheRealReal .
    • If you’re shopping for sports, entertainment, or historical memorabilia, use a reputable auction house like Sotheby’s or Heritage Auctions .
    • If you’re buying a new pair of high-end shoes, it's usually safest to buy them directly from the store or the brand’s website.
  2. 2
    Research the shoes you’re interested in buying. Being aware of what the shoes should look like, be made out of, and cost can help you avoid buying a counterfeit pair. Dubinick recommends comparing the shoes you’re interested in to official images to help determine if they’re authentic. If you’re interested in getting memorabilia, it’s also important to know their history, condition, and what the shoes sold for previously to ensure you’re buying the real deal.
    • For instance, Dubinick advises that you pay attention to the stitching, material, font, and font spacing on the shoes to see if they’re fake or real. If the shoes are in the brand’s box, look out for misspellings and the font used, too.
  3. If you found a really great deal on a pair of high-end heels or sneakers that you know are very expensive, Klima recommends that you steer clear of buying them. He says, “If you're paying a price that's too good to be true,” the shoes are probably “fake.” Luxury shoes are meant to be expensive due to their craftsmanship and the quality of materials used, so expect the price to reflect that.
    • This is why it’s important to research the shoes and know how much they typically sell for, whether you’re buying new or used.
    • Used shoes are usually less expensive than new shoes, as the condition they’re in can affect their price.
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Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    What Nike shoes cost $1 million? There have been several Nike shoes that have sold for $1 million or more, such as:
    • Sneakers worn by Michael Jordan during his time playing basketball with the Chicago Bulls, including his Air Jordan 1s and Air Jordan 13s.
    • Sample shoes made in collaboration with Yeezy, Kanye West’s brand, which were also worn by the rapper.
    • Solid gold Air Jordan 10s created for the rapper Drake.
  2. 2
    Is there a million-dollar pair of shoes? Yes, there are several pairs of shoes that cost a million dollars or more. Many of these shoes are high-heels covered in diamonds and gold, like the Moon Star Shoes ($19 million) and the Passion Diamond Shoes ($17 million). Plenty of sneakers have been sold for $1 million or more, like the Air Jordan 13s worn by Michael Jordan at the 1998 NBA finals ($2.2 million).
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/stolen-and-recovered-ruby-slippers-from-the-wizard-of-oz-fetch-28-million-at-auction
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      8. ↑ https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/victor-deng/air-jordan-12-flu-game-michael-jordan-auction-1-3-million
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      12. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      13. ↑ https://convocations.purdue.edu/click-your-heels-three-times-the-ruby-slippers/
      14. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
      15. ↑ https://wwd.com/footwear-news/sneaker-news/most-expensive-jordan-sneakers-1237702660/
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      21. ↑ https://www.eonline.com/news/403866/world-s-most-expensive-shoes-cost-over-400-000
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