Kanye West is famous for his music, lifestyle, and controversial opinions. But he’s also well-known for producing one of the top-selling shoe brands of all time—Yeezys. These luxury-quality sneakers and boots often retail for hundreds of dollars, but some sell for thousands!
The most expensive Yeezys of all time are the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes Kanye West wore to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. These sneakers were the first of the Yeezy line. RARES (a sneaker investment platform) purchased these shoes for $1.8 million in 2021.
A fresh pair of Yeezys could elevate any outfit, but they’re also a fantastic investment. So if you’re looking to score a high-quality and high-priced pair of Yeezys, you’ll want to explore our ranking of the most expensive Yeezys of all time.
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Yeezys of All Time:
- Grammy-Worn Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes – $1.8 million
- Nike Air Yeezy 2 (Red October) – $80,000
- Nike Air Yeezy 1 (Zen Grey) – $25,000
- Nike Air Yeezy 2 (Solar Red) – $23,000
- Nike Air Yeezy 1 (Net Tan) – $12,875
- Nike Air Yeezy 2 (Pure Platinum) – $10,500
- Adidas Yeezy Boost 950 Duckboot (Moonrock) – $6,260
- Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 (Grey Gum) – $5,815
- Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 (Chocolate) – $2,000
- Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 (Moon Rock) – $1,800
10. Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 (Moon Rock) – $1,800
The Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 was released in 2015 and became one of the most recognizable types of casual Yeezy ever made. Notably, these were some of the first Yeezys made by Adidas (instead of Nike).
The Moon Rock color is the most popular, in-demand version due to its neutral grey fabric exteriors. After all, this pair’s fabric pairs well with virtually any outfit!
While you can buy used-condition Moon Rock Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers for only $300, those in top-of-the-line condition can sell for as much as $1,800 per pair.
Average prices hover around $1,000; the most expensive are often sizes 10 (women) and 8.5 (men).
Why It’s Expensive
These shoes are expensive because they’re no longer in production and are a pleasant neutral color. Remember, neutral colors (white, black, grey) go well with outfits of any color, making these shoes a natural choice for anyone looking to wear a pair of comfortable, casual Yeezys.
9. Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 (Chocolate) – $2,000
These winter-friendly sneakers feature a chocolate brown suede exterior and a large iconic velcro strap. The Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 is an upgraded take on the original sport-style Nike Air Yeezy 1, though it’s far less colorful.
This comfortable suede shoe was initially released in 2015, the same year as the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350. They’re some of the first Three Stripe Yeezys ever made, making them a historically significant pair of Yeezys.
You can buy a used pair of these sneakers for as little as $650, but new-condition options can cost as much as $2,000.
Why It’s Expensive
This pair of Yeezys is expensive because it was one of the first suede versions ever released, and it’s also one of the first Yeezys produced by Adidas. The Chocolate Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 sneakers are particularly popular due to their attractive color and superior warmth, two qualities that make them ideal for fall and winter outfits.
8. Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 (Grey Gum) – $5,815
These sneakers are almost identical to the Chocolate Adidas Yeezy Boost 750s, but they’re grey instead of brown. This ensures they pair well with outfits of virtually any color or style, as neutral colors can complement any hue.
Used Grey Gum Adidas Yeezy Boost 750 sneakers occasionally sell for as little as $750, but premium-quality like-new options can sell for as much as $5,815. In most cases, your shoe size and condition preferences will determine how much you end up spending to make these Yeezys yours.
Why It’s Expensive
These sneakers are expensive because they’re no longer in production (released in 2016), they’re one of the first pairs of winter-friendly Yeezys (with a thick sole and suede exterior), and they’re an attractive neutral grey color.
7. Adidas Yeezy Boost 950 Duckboot (Moonrock) – $6,260
When Adidas took over the Yeezy brand, they diversified the types of Yeezys available, expanding options to suit women. One of the most memorable of these new types of Yeezys is the Adidas Yeezy Boost 950 Duckboot, released in 2015.
These boots feature a thick heel reminiscent of rain boots or gardening boots but with a distinctly elevated and stylish profile. The Moonrock color was most popular due to its neutral hue and slight glimmer.
While you can find some pairs for $900, others can sell for as much as $6,260. For a truly elevated and stylish look, you’ll want to consider toting around one of the most expensive backpacks while sporting these boots!
Why It’s Expensive
These boots are no longer in production, making them more valuable than Yeezys currently available from your local Adidas store. But they’re also one of the few Yeezy boots ever made, so they’re unique and rare.
6. Nike Air Yeezy 2 (Pure Platinum) – $10,500
The Pure Platinum Nike Air Yeezy 2 sneakers are the most affordable Yeezy 2s available. They’re a far more understated color than the Red October and Solar Red, featuring a blend of white and gray exteriors (and a pink-red tongue). But they’re still pricey.
Used Pure Platinum Yeezy 2 sneakers sell for $3,300 online, but new-condition options can cost $10,500 (or more). Standard shoe sizes tend to be the priciest, so if your shoe size is below or above average, you might be able to get a great deal on these shoes.
Why It’s Expensive
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 shoes were the last Yeezy sneakers released by Nike. This makes them historically significant. Additionally, demand for these shoes was incredible, so these shoes sold out comparatively quickly, making them a rare find.
Due to high demand and limited supply, the Pure Plantium Yeezy 2s will likely continue to fetch high prices.
5. Nike Air Yeezy 1 (Net Tan) – $12,875
The Nike Air Yeezy 1 lineup consists of some of the most sought-after sneakers ever made, though the Net Tan model is one of the most affordable. Unfortunately, these sporty tan sneakers aren’t as colorful as other Nike Air Yeezy 1s, and they didn’t sell out as quickly as other versions.
Still, that doesn’t mean these shoes are cheap. Low-end prices for used Net Tan Yeezys average $5,000, but like-new or unworn options cost upwards of $12,875.
But if you’re fortunate, you might be able to snap these one-of-a-kind sneakers up while they’re on sale.
Why It’s Expensive
All Nike Air Yeezy 1 sneakers are expensive. After all, these were the first Yeezys available to the general public!
4. Nike Air Yeezy 2 (Solar Red) – $23,000
While the Nike Air Yeezy 2 lineup isn’t quite as rare and in-demand as the Nike Air Yeezy 1 lineup, the Solar Red Yeezy 2 sneakers are an exception. These dark multi-colored sneakers cost anywhere from $2,500 (used) to $23,000 (new).
The outsole is made of glow-in-the-dark material, and the heel features an iconic ridged design. Though this shoe was released in 2012, they remain some of the most sought-after and stylish men’s shoes, making them incredibly expensive.
Why It’s Expensive
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 lineup was (and still is) just as popular as the Yeezy 1 lineup. This high demand inflated re-sell prices, keeping the value of these fashionable shoes high.
Still, the Solar Red Yeezy 2 sneakers aren’t the most valuable Yeezy 2s. But we’ll discuss the priciest Nike Air Yeezy 2 shoes in a moment.
3. Nike Air Yeezy 1 (Zen Grey) – $25,000
The original Nike Yeezys had an iconic look that melded contemporary sneaker styles with futuristic-looking straps and angular toplines. The Nike Air Yeezy 1 Zen Grey sneakers are some of the most iconic of the initial lineup, featuring a two-tone grey body, a pale green outsole, and bright orange collar linings (with a hidden crimson interior tongue).
Buyers can find used versions for sale online for a comparatively low price of $3,000. But those hoping to own a pair in brand-new condition can expect to spend up to $25,000.
Why It’s Expensive
These Yeezys were part of the first three sneakers released by Nike and Kanye West in 2009, making them historically significant items. These shoes also enjoy continued high demand even though they’re more than a decade old.
But because the supply of these sneakers is extremely limited (especially ones in brand-new condition), prices remain high. So unless demand for these shoes suddenly plummets, there’s a good chance that the Zen Grey Nike Air Yeezy 1 will stay incredibly expensive.
2. Nike Air Yeezy 2 (Red October) – $80,000
These solid red sneakers were released in 2014, only ten minutes after Nike announced their release. This quick buyout instantly made the Red October Nike Air Yeezy 2 sneakers a rare and in-demand commodity.
These shoes initially cost $245, but the average price today is about $30,000. While you can find pre-worn Red October Yeezys for sale online for as little as $9,000, premium-condition unworn versions sell for as much as $80,000!
If you’re looking to rock a luxury-quality casual outfit, you’ll want to consider pairing these red sneakers with one of the most expensive t-shirts.
Why It’s Expensive
These shoes sold out almost instantly when they debuted in 2014 and remain one of the most expensive pairs of Yeezys. This high demand partially stems from their association with Kanye West, as the artist wore them during his 2013 SNL performance.
The striking red sneakers stood out, as West dressed in all black during his performance, allowing the shoes to make an immediate impression on audiences. The social media hype surrounding the Red October Yeezys also helped make them some of the most sought-after sneakers of 2014.
Still, the priciest pair of Yeezys is about 22 times more expensive than this sought-after pair of red sneakers.
1. Grammy-Worn Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes – $1.8 Million
The most expensive Yeezys of all time are the Grammy-Worn Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes. These were the first pair of Yeezys, owned and worn exclusively by Kanye West (in 2008, at least).
These shoes captured the world’s attention when West wore them to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. More than a decade later, they sold to RARES, a sneaker investment platform that allows investors to purchase shares of the world’s costliest sneakers.
RARES paid an astounding $1.8 million to make these shoes theirs. The incredible value of these sneakers exceeds the price of the most expensive jeans in the world, which is impressive.
After all, some of the priciest jeans contain diamonds and gold thread, whereas these shoes don’t have any precious metals or gemstones.
Why It’s Expensive
There are quite a few reasons why these sneakers are so expensive. Firstly, they were the first Yeezy sneakers ever created, and the attention they generated helped lead to the first Nike Yeezy sneakers (released in 2009).
Secondly, Kanye West wore these sneakers to one of the most televised celebrity-filled events in the world, the Annual Grammy Awards. So these shoes are world-famous and were previously owned by a top celebrity.
These qualities make the Grammy-Worn Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes one-of-a-kind, high-value sneakers that cannot be replaced. And any item that’s irreplaceable due to its history and ownership is sure to sell to the highest bidder.
What Makes Some Yeezys So Expensive?
The average pair of brand-new Adidas Yeezys retails for $200 to $600. Yet as this ranking shows, some of these sneakers sell for thousands (or millions) of dollars. But what makes some Yeezys so incredibly pricey?
The qualities that impact a pair of Yeezys’ prices include:
- Ownership history
- Brand
- Size
- Condition
Let’s briefly explore these qualities to discover how they increase Yeezy sneaker values.
Ownership History
Any item once owned by an internationally famous celebrity is sure to sell for big bucks. For example, the most expensive pair of Yeezys ever sold (the Grammy-Worn Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes) once belonged to Kanye West.
Not only do these sneakers have a notable previous owner, but they’re also the first pair of Yeezys ever created, pre-dating the brand itself. This feature makes them a one-of-a-kind item, boosting their value far above other Yeezy shoes.
Still, even mass-released Yeezys can sell for thousands, especially if they’re part of the early Nike lineups.
Brand
The first slew of Yeezys was produced in partnership with Nike, while Adidas made later versions. The earliest models tend to be the most expensive, so Nike Yeezys are almost always pricier than Adidas Yeezys.
But the brand name isn’t the only factor influencing the prices of these luxury-grade sneakers—shoe size also plays a role.
Size
Most Yeezys are designed for men, and the average men’s shoe size is 10.5. As such, shoes in this size tend to be in high demand, making them significantly more valuable than shoes in smaller or larger sizes.
If your shoe size isn’t 10.5 (or 8.5 for ladies), you may be able to score a great deal on a rare pair of Yeezys! If you don’t mind buying pre-worn shoes, you might also be able to save a bundle on these exclusive sneakers and boots.
After all, the condition of these shoes also affects their price.
Condition
The final factor influencing price is condition. A pair of Yeezys that have never been worn can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars more than a worn pair. This is especially true of older models, as the likelihood of these sneakers retaining their brand-new condition is relatively low.
Conversely, Yeezys that show signs of wear are far less expensive. So, if you’re looking to own a pair of Yeezys to wear around town, you may want to select a pre-worn pair. But if you’re looking to make an investment that appreciates over time, a never-worn pair is the better choice.
What Is the Most Expensive Pair of Yeezys?
The most expensive Yeezys ever sold are the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes worn by Kanya West to 2008’s 50th Annual Grammy Awards. These sneakers helped kick off the Yeezy sneaker lineup, which debuted only a year later in 2009.
Sneaker investment platform RARES purchased the Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes in 2021 for a jaw-dropping $1.8 million. They then made these sneakers available to investors by selling shares (for as low as $15 per share) of them.
Yeezys are associated with wealth and affluence. Check out these related articles to explore more of the world’s most expensive lifestyle products!