A set of Nike Air Yeezy 1s used by rapper Kanye West traded for $1.8 million, triple the former record for sneakers, Sotheby’s stated yesterdsy, as the market for exceptional sports shoes mounts.
The shoes shattered the record claimed by a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1s which traded for $615,000 in August 2020 at a Christie’s auction.
The top score price for sneakers has been shattered numerous times recently as what was perceived as a niche market a decade ago now fascinates curiosity from the general public as well as prominent collectors.
“The sale marks the highest publicly recorded price for a sneaker sale ever,” Sotheby’s mentioned in a statement.
“The sale also marks the first pair of sneakers to top $1 million,” it added.
The black high-top Yeezys were used by West during the 2008 Grammy Awards as he sang “Hey Mama” and “Stronger.”
The sneakers, which were introduced after partnership between Nike and West, were models, with the subsequent model not available for sale until April 2009
