Some of the Most Valuable Sneakers of 2021 (So Far)
The Most Expensive Sneakers of 2021 (So Far) is presented by eBay.
The sneakersphere has enjoyed an action-packed start to the year 2021. The keeps pushing along in a range of colourways, the remains a dominant force, were an actual thing, and that seemingly neverending hype cycle continues to spin!
Amongst all this activity, resell prices have continued to rise, with this year’s high profile releases easily reaching four digit figures on the secondary market. In the past six months, sneakerheads have gone bananas over heavy-hitter colabs, specialised customs, and shoes that make you say .
Take a look below at the releases that broke the bank during the first half of 2021.
Trophy Room x Air Jordan 1
Whether it was the tweaked vintage-looking ‘Chicago’ colourway, ultra-limited release, or , the x Air Jordan 1 netted some major attention leading up to its release on February 10.
Packed with neat subtle details, this pair was created in collaboration with sneaker store Trophy Room, which happens to be owned by Marcus Jordan – son of ! Fresh after it hit shelves, this coveted AJ1 was making an impact on the secondary market, easily selling for upwards of a stack. Months on, and the price continues to rise. Are we surprised? No, we definitely are not.
Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low
The x . Solely by that name you can tell that these are a hot commodity.
Back in March, cult skate label Supreme linked with Nike SB for the umpteenth time, recreating their ‘03 Dunk High colab in the form of a Dunk Low. While all four pairs fetched hefty sums, the ‘Barkroot Brown’ and ‘Mean Green’ have so far attracted more attention (and dollars!) when compared to their cohorts.
Nike SB Dunk Low ‘What The P-Rod’
If you’re still drunk on the , then you most likely tried to cop Paul Rodriguez’s latest Nike SB Dunk Low. A long-time SB team rider, Rodriguez has unveiled dozens of signature skate shoes over the years, and many of them were referenced in this wild ‘What The P-Rod’ colourway. Borrowing elements from Rodriguez’s sneaker history with Nike SB, the design was a hard one to resist for many. After they dropped in May, pairs started to sell for around the $800 mark, but some sizes were even going for $1500!
MSCHF x Lil Nas X ‘Satan Shoes’
The sneakersphere’s most viral online moment so far this year was the highly-provocative ‘Satan Shoes’ created by rapper Lil Nas X and Brooklyn-based MSCHF. Based on the , this controversial design was limited to 666 pairs, retailed for a cool $1018, contained REAL human blood, and naturally caused quite the stir on social media.
Selling out almost instantly, those who secured pairs for the expensive RRP were happy to find out that they could make a tidy profit on the secondary market, with people copping for upwards of $2000! Thanks to its limited nature – plus the literal blood, sweat and tears going into its creation – the shoe is expected to only rise in value.
Union x Air Jordan 4 (Desert Moss)
LA-based have forged one hell of a collaborative relationship with over the years, so it’s no surprise that when they tapped the Jumpman for their 30th anniversary celebrations, greatness ensued.
The ‘Desert Moss’ scheme from their ‘Tent and Trail’ pack definitely raised a few eyebrows, thanks to its unconventional colour pairing. But, hot damn, the Union folks knew what they were doing – the searing mustard/purple combo grew on us, and is now fetching up to $1600 for the rarer sizes.
Social Status-Exclusive Nike Waffle One
This one is a bit out of left field, but with only 500 pairs of the Social Status–exclusive Nike being made, a sky-high aftermarket price is not surprising.
The release boasts a colourway designed by Frank Cooker, a custom shoebox paper created by artist PELNYC, and rocked the retrofuturistic aesthetic with ease. The pre-yellowed midsole, sleek retro shape, and shining, translucent heel counter look so right next to each other.
Obviously with pairs in the three figures, these aren’t plentiful on the aftermarket but, if you find them, expect to pay at least a stack.