Nike Air Jordans debuted in 1985, kicking off sneakerhead culture as we know it. Today, no other Nike sneakers are more iconic or essential to collectors then the Nike Air Jordan—and few can match the prices of the rarest Jordans. But what, exactly, makes a sneaker worthy of a five-figure price tag? The experts on Sotheby’s Streetwear & Modern Collectables team specialize in discerning the best of the best, epitomized in this selection of the most expensive Air Jordan sneakers for men available on our marketplace. From coveted sneaker collaborations to runway-ready designer sneakers to legendary GOAT sneakers, these are the six most valuable and rare Air Jordan sneakers for collectors to cop now. Read on to discover why.
6 Nike Air Jordans for the Ultimate Sneaker Collection
Nike Air Jordan 1 OG High Chicago | $32,000
The original Air Jordan 1 Chicago from 1985, designed by Peter Moore, is one of the most iconic and coveted grails of all time. In 1984, Nike honored rising hoops star Michael Jordan with his own line of shoes and apparel. It was an unprecedented move, and a historic one too: not only did it herald the genesis of the Jordan Brand, but it also paved the way for the many player collabs and exclusives that we continue to see today. Making their public debut in 1985, Nike Air Jordans were so popular that Nike continued to make new signature Jordans each season. These vintage 1985 Chicago Jordans are dressed in the iconic red, white and black Chicago Air Jordan 1 colorway—perhaps the most recognizable for Michael, as well as the Nike brand.
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro x Nipsey Hussle Victory Lap | $25,000
This rare promo sample of the retro Jordan 3 commemorates the 2018 release of the late Nipsey Hussle’s first studio album, Victory Lap. In 2019, the acclaimed rapper was tragically killed, but the legacy of his accomplishments lives on. Victory Lap went on to garner a Grammy nomination in 2019, and in 2021, reached a milestone 100 weeks on the Billboard 200 list. Recalling the “Black Cement” Jordan 3 design, the Nipsey Hussle Jordan 3 Retro sneakers feature a predominantly black leather upper, with classic Jordan 3 elephant print at the heel and toe and Nike Air branding on the heel. The Victory Lap “VL” logo hits the medial collar of each shoe, while translucent outsoles also feature red “VL” branding.
Nike Air Jordan 4 Retro Eminem Carhartt | $21,850
In 2015, Eminem teamed up with Jordan Brand and the iconic workwear label Carhartt to create this ultra-exclusive pair of retro Jordan 4 sneakers. Originally gifted to the rapper’s friends and family, an additional 10 pairs of the Jordan 4s were created to sell at an eBay auction to benefit the Marshall Mathers Foundation. The auction of Eminem x Carhartt Air Jordan 4 Retro shoes was a smashing success, ultimately raising $227,000 for the Michigan State University Community Music School. These highly coveted retro Jordan 4s feature uppers in black Carhartt canvas, with chrome eyelets. Eminem’s trademark hockey mask and backwards “E” logo adorn the heels of the rare Air Jordan sneakers.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Colette Au Revoir | $20,000
This exceptionally exclusive Air Jordan 1 High collab commemorates the 2017 closing of the revolutionary Parisian boutique Colette. A pioneer in the worlds of high fashion, streetwear and accessories, Colette became famous for its global influence and innovation. The Colette Air Jordan 1, originally created only for employees of the store and never released at retail, is counted among the rarest Nike Air Jordan colorways ever made. The limited edition Air Jordan 1s are dressed in Colette’s signature white and blue, with its iconic double dot logo featured throughout. The boutique’s operating years (1997 - 2017) are detailed on the heels, with the words “Bonjour” (“Hello”) and “Au Revoir” (“Goodbye”) spelled out on the soles.
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Chrome Hearts Off-White NRG | $20,000
A special commission from luxury streetwear brand Chrome Hearts, these exclusive Air Jordan 1s take Virgil Abloh’s Off-White design ethos to the next level. The Off White sneakers get a striking upgrade in this rendition from the coveted LA brand. Applying Abloh’s 3% philosophy—which says that an artist need only change an existing design by 3% to create something wholly original—Chrome Hearts customizes the Off White shoes with its signature luxe hardware. The addition of branded dubrés, adjustable lace locks and metallic eyelets transform the Air Jordan 1 High into something entirely new—and even more highly sought after.
Nike Air Jordan 1 High Dior Friends and Family | $15,000
The 2020 debut of these Dior sneakers, timed to coincide with the 35th Anniversary of the Air Jordan, marked the first luxury sneaker collab between a Parisian couture house and the iconic sneaker brand. Designed by Dior Men’s artistic director Kim Jones, the Dior Air Jordan is a superb blend of streetwear and high fashion. The classic Jordan 1 High silhouette is dressed in luxurious Dior Gray calfskin leather, an homage to one of Christian Dior’s best-loved hues. Air Jordan and Dior branding hit the Wings logo, tongue label and outsole graphics, and the designer sneakers are accented with Swooshes in the maison’s signature Oblique monogram jacquard. A rare Friends and Family edition, this pair is especially alluring.
