Welcome to our list of the top 7 most expensive basketball shoes currently available. Basketball shoes have come a long way since their inception, with some brands incorporating high-end materials, unique designs, and limited availability to justify their high price tags.
In this article, we will dive into the world of luxury basketball shoes and explore the features that make them worth the investment.
Nike LeBron 18 “What The”
The Nike LeBron 18 “What The” basketball shoe is one of the most luxurious and expensive basketball shoes on the market. It was designed to commemorate LeBron James’ 18th season in the NBA and features a unique blend of design elements from past LeBron models.
The shoe’s upper is made of a mix of different materials, including leather, suede, and mesh, and it comes with a matching drawstring bag.
What makes the Nike LeBron 18 “What The” so special is its limited availability. Only a few lucky sneaker enthusiasts were able to get their hands on these shoes, and they were all sold out within minutes of their release.
This exclusivity has driven up the shoe’s price even further, making it one of the most coveted basketball shoes among collectors.
The Nike LeBron 18 “What The” retailed for around $200 upon its release, but it is now being sold for upwards of $1,000 on secondary markets.
Its high price tag is a reflection of its premium materials, limited availability, and unique design. This shoe truly represents the epitome of luxury in basketball footwear.
“The Nike LeBron 18 “What The” basketball shoe is one of the most luxurious and expensive basketball shoes on the market.”
Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “A Star is Born”
The Air Jordan brand has been an iconic staple in basketball fashion for decades. The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “A Star is Born” shoe is no exception, with its classic design and unique color scheme. The shoe pays homage to Michael Jordan’s early career and his emergence as a star player.
The shoe features a black and gold colorway, with gold accents on the Nike swoosh and “Wings” logo.
The upper is made of premium patent leather and the sole is made of durable rubber. The shoe also includes the signature Air-Sole unit for comfort and support during gameplay.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “A Star is Born” shoe is considered one of the most sought-after sneakers in the world, with a premium price tag reflecting its exclusivity. Sneaker enthusiasts and Jordan fans alike are willing to pay top dollar for this limited edition shoe.
“The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘A Star is Born’ shoe is a true collector’s item for any sneaker enthusiast or basketball fan. Its unique design and limited availability make it one of the most prized possessions in the sneaker world.”
Adidas Originals Yeezy QNTM
The Adidas Originals Yeezy QNTM is a high-end basketball shoe that has gained a cult following among sneaker enthusiasts around the world.
The shoe was designed in collaboration with rapper and fashion icon Kanye West, and has been released in limited quantities, driving up its price and exclusivity.
The Yeezy QNTM features an innovative and luxurious design, with a unique blend of premium materials and cutting-edge technology.
The shoe boasts a seamless Primeknit upper for a snug and comfortable fit, a Boost midsole for responsive cushioning, and a translucent outsole for improved traction and durability.
The shoe is also adorned with a distinct Yeezy branding on the tongue and heel counter, adding to its allure and prestige.
What makes the Yeezy QNTM so expensive is its limited availability and high demand. Each release of the shoe sells out within minutes, and the resale value of the shoe is typically 2-3 times its original retail price.
Additionally, the shoe is often produced in unique colorways and special editions, further increasing its collectibility and desirability.
Also see: Most Expensive Adidas Shoes
Under Armour Curry 6 “Moon Landing”
The Under Armour Curry 6 “Moon Landing” is a limited-edition basketball shoe that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
This shoe is part of a collaboration between the brand and the NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who is well-known for his innovative and dynamic playing style.
The shoe’s design features a unique moon-inspired color scheme, with a silver upper and metallic gold accents. The shoe also includes a NASA patch on the heel, adding to its unique appeal.
One reason why the Under Armour Curry 6 “Moon Landing” is so expensive is due to its limited availability. Only a small number of these shoes were produced, making them a highly sought-after collectible item for sneaker enthusiasts.
Additionally, the shoe’s premium materials, such as the metallic finish and high-quality construction, contribute to its elevated price tag.
Puma Clyde Court “Title Run”
The Puma Clyde Court “Title Run” basketball shoe is a phenomenal example of how collaboration and exclusive design can drive up the price of a product.
In partnership with rapper Meek Mill, Puma created this limited edition basketball shoe that features a unique black and gold color scheme, an embroidered “Dreams and Nightmares” logo on the heel, and a translucent outsole that showcases a map of Meek Mill’s Philadelphia roots.
These luxurious features, combined with the exclusivity of the design, make the Puma Clyde Court “Title Run” one of the most expensive basketball shoes on the market.
The shoe is currently priced at more than $1200 on reseller sites, which is a significant markup from its original retail price of $120.
Despite its high cost, the Puma Clyde Court “Title Run” remains a highly sought-after item for sneaker enthusiasts and basketball fans alike. The combination of Puma’s high-quality materials and Meek Mill’s unique design make this shoe a true collector’s item.
Meek Mill and Puma Partnership
Meek Mill’s partnership with Puma began in 2018, and the rapper has played a significant role in designing the brand’s basketball shoes.
The Puma Clyde Court “Title Run” represents the culmination of this partnership, featuring a distinctive design that draws from both Meek Mill’s style and the rich history of Puma basketball shoes.
Meek Mill has also used his collaboration with Puma as a platform for social justice and criminal justice reform, working with the brand to promote activism and support for marginalized communities.
New Balance Kawhi Leonard “The Klaw”
The New Balance Kawhi Leonard “The Klaw” is a highly sought-after basketball shoe due to its association with NBA star Kawhi Leonard. The shoe boasts premium materials, including a leather upper and a unique lacing system that provides added support and stability on the court.
What sets “The Klaw” apart from other basketball shoes is its limited production, making it a rare find for sneaker enthusiasts. Additionally, the shoe’s elevated price tag reflects the quality materials and attention to detail put into its design.
As with all highly coveted items, “The Klaw” has become a collector’s item and can fetch significant resale prices on the secondary market. Its unique blend of style and functionality has made it a favorite among basketball players and sneakerheads alike.
Reebok Shaq Attaq “Brick City”
The Reebok Shaq Attaq “Brick City” basketball shoe is a highly sought-after item among sneaker collectors and basketball fans alike.
The shoe is a collaboration between Reebok and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, and its limited edition production adds to its collectible nature.
The design of the shoe pays homage to O’Neal’s hometown of Newark, New Jersey, also known as “Brick City.” The shoe features a brick pattern on the upper and a metallic gold Reebok logo.
The shoe also boasts advanced technology, including Graphlite, a lightweight carbon fiber material used to reinforce the midsole and provide stability and support.
The Reebok Shaq Attaq “Brick City” shoe was originally released in 2013 and has since become a rare and valuable item among sneaker enthusiasts. Its premium price tag reflects its limited production and collectibility.
“The Reebok Shaq Attaq ‘Brick City’ is a must-have for any serious sneaker collector or basketball fan. Its unique design and limited production make it a rare and valuable item.”
Frequently Asked Questions: What Makes Basketball Shoes Expensive?
As you may have noticed while reading about the 10 most expensive basketball shoes, the prices for these footwear items can vary significantly. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about why certain basketball shoes are so expensive:
The brand name of a basketball shoe is a significant factor in determining its price. Brands like Nike and Adidas have established a reputation for producing high-quality shoes that are popular among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. This popularity drives up demand, which in turn leads to higher prices for these brands’ shoes. Additionally, these brands often collaborate with athletes and other designers to produce limited edition shoes that can fetch even higher prices due to their exclusivity.
Limited edition basketball shoes are produced in small quantities, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. These shoes may be released in commemoration of a specific event or player, or they may be designed in collaboration with a celebrity or designer. Limited edition basketball shoes can command a high price due to their rarity and exclusivity.
Many high-end basketball shoes are made with premium materials such as leather, suede, and synthetic fabrics that offer enhanced comfort and support. These materials can significantly increase the cost of production, which is reflected in the final price of the shoe. Additionally, these materials can also increase the perceived value of the shoe, making it a desirable item for collectors and sneaker enthusiasts.
Several other factors can contribute to the high price of basketball shoes, including the technology used in the design, the reputation of the designer or brand, and the level of demand for the shoe. For example, shoes designed for specific positions like guards or centers may include features that enhance performance, such as increased support or traction. These features can drive up the price of the shoe, especially if they are marketed as being essential for peak performance on the basketball court.
While the cost of basketball shoes may vary, it’s important to keep in mind that the price is often reflective of the quality of the shoe, the materials used in its design, and the overall prestige of the brand or designer.
