Top 10 Most Expensive Air Jordan Sneakers Sold in 2024: Michael Jordan’s Flu Game Shoes Top The List

What is the most expensive pair of Air Jordan sneakers ever sold? It’s still Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game), costing $104,000! Here’s the 2025 list of the most expensive Air Jordan sneakers:

1. Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game) – $104,000
2. Air Jordan 12 OVO – $100,000
3. Air Jordan Silver Shoe (Autographed) – $60,000
4. Air Jordan 2 OG – $31,000
5. Air Jordan I (Autographed) – $25,000
6. Air Jordan 1 (Black and Gold) – $25,000
7. Air Jordan 11 (Blackout) – $21,780
8. Air Jordan 10 OVO – $20,000
9. Air Jordan XVII (Out of the Box)–$11,267
10. Air Jordan V – $10,000

Undoubtedly one of the best-selling sneakers in the world, Air Jordans are also known for being among the most expensive ones in the market. Although a bit pricey for a pair of sneakers, Air Jordans remain popular among both fans and non-fans of basketball legend Michael Jordan. The brand has become an institution that most sneakerheads feel that no pair of feet should ever be without them.

Proof of this is the fact that even as purchasing and selling such shoes are enjoyable prospects, people would actually give anything for a pair of Air Jordan. They will brave long queues for hours just to get their hands on a pair. Jordans have definitely replaced popular brands like Adidas, Reebok and Converse, to name a few. This first began in the 90s and continues to this day.

Air Jordan has indeed surpassed its status of being just a pair of sneakers. It has become more of a fashion symbol that virtually everyone wants to possess. Yes it’s a bit expensive than most brands, with some running into thousands of dollars but more and more enterprising people have been devising ways to purchase them. Just like cars, older Air Jordans are being sold for a small profit until such time that the seller has enough to buy the latest edition or more expensive vintage ones.

Air Jordans were by launched by Nike in 1985. Little did the company know that the new line of sneakers would change the way basketball is played and that it would have a very profound effect on even non-basketball players. Everyone suddenly wanted to be like MJ, soaring in the air and reaching for that hoop. Wearing a pair is the closest one could ever be to being the real thing.

So what’s the fuzz about wearing Air Jordans? To many people, they are but a pair of sneakers, a footwear, but to those who wear them, they are a legacy of generations of basketball. For many “Jordanheads,” each pair has a story to tell, memorable moments that deserve to be shared to the younger generation. But what’s make Air Jordans unique is that the manufacturer sees to it that every pair has a piece of MJ in it. Each is infused with something from the basketball legend’s lifestyle. Talk about putting oneself in MJ’s shoes.

The sneakers reflect MJ’s legacy as a ball player, imbued with qualities that reflect his values, accomplishments and love for the sport. Heck, the man deserves it. He has six championships and a statue of himself to boot. MJ’s popularity did not end when he ceased playing the sport, his life became an inspiration to many. This is the reason why Air Jordans remain as popular as the very first pair that hit the shelves in 1985.

However, what’s unique about the product is that those who use them come from different walks of life. It transcends the social and economic spectrum, with virtually anyone able to own a pair. Aside from this, Air Jordans are not the kind of sneakers that you wear out and replace with a new one. Many people collect them, taking the utmost care to preserve them, the way a vintage car owner would care for his vehicle. The frenzy over Air Jordans has been going on for decades and shows no sign of abating even to this day.

To say that Nike has profited from the sale of Air Jordans would be an understatement. The company has consistently grown ever since MJ got onboard in 1985. The truth about this is that the shoe line has the ability to keep very ridiculously wide margins owing to the power of the brand. Jordan’s name in itself is worth millions of dollars. Companies are willing to pay the athlete millions for product endorsements, a practice which continues until now. And there is the matter of celebrity rappers being fans of the sneakers themselves further contributing to the brand’s popularity.

MJ is still at the top of the shoe deal ladder despite the fact that he hasn’t been seen on the hardcourt in a very long time. The basketball icon has earned far more from the shoe deal than today’s basketball superstars including Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. In fact, it is estimated that MJ has earned around $110 million from the Air Jordan line in 2017. This is despite the fact that Air Jordan XXXI sales have been soft in the same year. It is the retro Jordan market that helped compensate for the sluggish Air Jordan sales.

Given these facts, it is no wonder that many believe that Air Jordans are not going away anytime soon. It’s still popular as ever, with younger generations consistently joining the Air Jordan craze.

In this article, we list the top 10 most expensive Air Jordan sneakers ever sold for 2025. We discuss their features, prices and what makes these sneakers the luxury items that they are. Here are our picks:

10. Air Jordan V – $10,000

Released in 1990, the Air Jordan V is the fifth signature sneakers of MJ. This pair was designed by Tinker Hatfield. The shoes originally had “Nike Air” printed on the heel but this was replaced by the jumpman logo in subsequent releases, which were subsequently remastered in 2014. The sneakers, although on the bottom of our most expensive Air Jordan sneakers list, is not by any means cheap, having been sold for as much as $10,000.

9. Air Jordan XVII (Out of the Box)–$11,267

This Air Jordan was originally launched in 2002, around the time Jordan played for the Washington Wizards. It was marked by the basketball legend’s return to the NBA after a brief furlough. The sneakers are characterized by their smooth and sophisticated design. They had a removable gaiter/shroud covering almost half of the whole shoe. These shoes also had a Jumpman embossed metal carrying case, a very fashionable shoebox for those who could afford them.

8. Air Jordan 10 OVO – $20,000

A special edition Air Jordan and a rare one at that, Air Jordan 10 was originally crafted as a gift for rapper Drake and his crew. It was meant to reflect Jordan Brand’s partnership with the group. However, a fan got the opportunity to own one during the Toronto Raptors’ event “Drake Night.” As anyone would, the fan immediately put the sneakers up for sale, fetching $20,000. This all black pair is stamped with a red Jumpman branding along with a gold OVO owl.

7. Air Jordan 11 (Blackout) – $21,780

Another masterpiece by designer Tinker Hatfield, Air Jordan XI was the first sneaker to use Nike’s patented leather and carbon design. This pair is completely clad in leather and is versatile enough that it can be worn for both basketball and formal events. It’s one of the most sought after basketball shoes around, probably the reason why Nike has released a number of retro editions. MJ wore these shoes during an NBA championship and in the animated film Space Jam. The Blackout edition proved to be just as popular with a pair sold for as much as $21,780. Makes one think twice about wearing them.

6. Air Jordan 1 (Black and Gold) – $25,000

This pair of Air Jordans was released in 2003 and was among the few editions to be clad in leather. This patent leather gives the sneakers a glossy appearance, which is further complemented by the metallic gold swoosh. It was the first time that anyone has ever seen such an unorthodox color scheme, making the pair look unique among Air Jordan I editions. These shoes were originally priced at $100. Their rarity, however, has contributed to the drastic increase in their resale value, making them one of the most expensive Jordan sneakers ever sold.

5. Air Jordan I (Autographed) – $25,000

This pair of basketball sneakers are known as one of the most revered and coveted Air Jordans ever produced. Fans and sneakerheads were particularly crazy about the Chicago Bulls-inspired color scheme, which brings back memories of MJ’s career. Air Jordan 1 is virtually timeless, with endorsement, heritage and overall performance significantly contributing to its status. Fans have so far experienced two retro releases of the shoes, one in 2013 and another one in 2015. This pair is truly worth its weight in gold, the reason why its resale price rose to as high as $25,000.

4. Air Jordan 2 OG – $31,000

Despite the fact that this pair lacked popularity among fans and sneakerheads alike, these Air Jordan unexpectedly got sold on eBay for a whopping $31,000. It was crafted by designer Bruce Kilgore and was originally produced in Italy. The shoes were made available in two color schemes. The Jordan Brand was unable to produce retro of the pair until 2004. Subsequent releases were made with the manufacturer experimenting with different colorways.

3. Air Jordan Silver Shoe (Autographed) – $60,000

This pair of sneakers is not your average Air Jordan. It is rich in MJ’s history and is worth much more to avid fans and collectors. MJ’s wife gave him the shoes for his 32nd birthday, making it a valuable memorabilia. Crafted from sterling silver, only 10 were released, most of which are currently owned by collectors. This particular sneakers netted $60,000 during an auction owing to MJ’s autograph prominently emblazoned on them.

2. Air Jordan 12 OVO – $100,000

These Air Jordan shares the same background with Air Jordan Ovo but unlike its predecessor, Air Jordan 12 OVO was released to the public. It’s basically a copy of rapper Drake’s personal pair. It is predominantly white and features Stingray and tumbled leather. It has a touch of gold on the side and two top eyelets. Its sole is translucent, prominently exposing the OVO branding. The pair that fetched $100,000 was reportedly given to a lady fan who immediately put it up for sale…talk about easy money.

1. Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game) – $104,000

At the top of our most expensive Air Jordan sneakers list, Air Jordan 12 Flu Game has a very interesting backstory. The Chicago Bulls were playing the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals, with the series tied at 2-2. Utah Jazz was on a roll, winning the last two games. To add to the Bulls’ problems, MJ was exhibiting flu-like symptoms and couldn’t play as well as he should. However, Jordan managed to lead the team to victory, scoring 15 points in the 4th quarter.

The sneakers are basically a black and red edition of the original version clad in premium leather. It is truly the king of all Air Jordans, with Brand Jordan having released two retros. No wonder it got sold for $140,000. When you buy shoes like this, you’re not just purchasing a product, you’re buying memories.

There you have it, our top picks for the most expensive Air Jordans ever sold. Say what you will but these sneakers are not just a part of some fad destined to blow over in a matter of years. Their hefty prices are not based solely on the way they are made and what they are made of, they reflect one ball player’s legacy and the spirit of those who may or may not have had the privilege to see him play.

Would you buy any of these pairs if you can afford it? Let us know in the comments below.

What makes Air Jordan sneakers so valuable?

Air Jordan sneakers have become synonymous with luxury, style, and cultural significance. Several factors contribute to their high value:

• Historical Significance: Air Jordans were first released in 1985, marking the beginning of a revolutionary sneaker line tied to NBA legend Michael Jordan. Each pair tells a story, whether the iconic “Bred” colorway worn during pivotal games or the “Flu Game” shoes from the legendary 1997 NBA Finals.
• Limited Releases: Nike strategically releases Air Jordans in limited quantities, creating a sense of exclusivity. Rarity drives demand, and sneakers released in small batches often fetch astronomical prices on the resale market. This practice fuels a competitive culture among sneakerheads eager to secure their pairs.
• Cultural Impact: Air Jordans have transcended basketball, becoming a fashion statement and status symbol. Their association with hip-hop culture, streetwear, and celebrities further enhances their desirability. High-profile endorsements and collaborations with designers also elevate their appeal, making them sought-after items.
• Quality and Craftsmanship: The materials and craftsmanship used to make Air Jordans contribute to their reputation. Each model often features premium leather, innovative performance technology, and unique design elements that distinguish it from other sneakers.
• Collectibility: The sneaker-collecting community thrives on nostalgia, rarity, and investment potential. Many collectors view Air Jordans as assets that appreciate over time, making them fashionable and financially savvy.

Key Insights

• Iconic Legacy and Cultural Impact: Air Jordans are not just sneakers; they embody Michael Jordan’s legacy and have transcended sports to become cultural and fashion icons. Each pair reflects a piece of MJ’s lifestyle, values, and accomplishments, making them highly coveted among sneaker enthusiasts and collectors.
• High Market Value: The resale value of Air Jordans often skyrockets due to their historical significance, rarity, and connection to Michael Jordan. Pairs like the Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game) and Air Jordan 12 OVO have fetched six-figure sums, indicating their status as luxury items.
• Enduring Popularity: Despite being launched in 1985, Air Jordans remain popular across generations. Their appeal spans various social and economic groups, with people willing to invest considerable time and money to own a pair.
• Collectible Nature: Many Air Jordans are treated as collectible items rather than everyday footwear. Owners often go to great lengths to preserve their pairs, similar to how vintage car owners care for their vehicles.
• Economic Impact: Nike has significantly profited from the Air Jordan line, with the brand maintaining high margins due to the strong demand and iconic status of the sneakers. Michael Jordan continues to earn substantial amounts from his shoe deal, surpassing many current basketball superstars.

FAQ

1. What is the most expensive pair of Air Jordan sneakers ever sold? The most expensive pair of Air Jordan sneakers ever sold is the Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game), which fetched $104,000.
2. Why are Air Jordans so expensive? Air Jordans are expensive due to their association with Michael Jordan, their historical significance, rarity, and the brand’s ability to maintain high-quality standards and exclusive designs.
3. Are Air Jordans worth the investment? For many collectors and sneaker enthusiasts, Air Jordans are worth the investment due to their potential for significant resale value, their cultural impact, and their connection to Michael Jordan’s legacy.
4. How did Air Jordans become so popular? Air Jordans became popular due to Michael Jordan’s influence as a basketball player, the unique and innovative designs of the sneakers, and the effective marketing strategies by Nike. The brand’s association with MJ’s achievements and the cultural shift towards sneakers as fashion statements also contributed to their popularity.
5. Can anyone afford Air Jordans? While some Air Jordans can be very expensive, there are various models and releases at different price points, making them accessible to a broader audience. However, the most exclusive and rare pairs are typically only affordable to serious collectors and high-net-worth individuals.
6. What makes a pair of Air Jordans collectible? A pair of Air Jordans becomes collectible due to factors such as limited releases, historical significance (e.g., worn by Michael Jordan during memorable games), unique designs, and autographs. These elements contribute to their rarity and desirability among collectors.
7. How has the Air Jordan brand impacted Nike’s success? The Air Jordan brand has been a significant factor in Nike’s success, contributing to substantial revenue and brand prestige. The line’s enduring popularity and ability to maintain high margins have made it a cornerstone of Nike’s product offerings.
8. Are Air Jordans still being produced today? Yes, Air Jordans are still being produced today. Nike continues to release new models and retro versions of classic designs, ensuring that the brand remains relevant and in demand among sneaker enthusiasts.
9. What is the significance of the Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game)? The Air Jordan 12 (Flu Game) is significant because it was worn by Michael Jordan during Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, where he led the Chicago Bulls to victory despite suffering from flu-like symptoms. The sneakers represent one of MJ’s most iconic performances and are highly valued by collectors.
10. How can I determine the authenticity of Air Jordans? To determine the authenticity of Air Jordans, check for details such as the quality of materials, stitching, the Jumpman logo, and the packaging. It’s also helpful to purchase from reputable retailers or get the sneakers authenticated by professionals who specialize in verifying high-end sneakers.

By Allan Jay

Allan Jay is FinancesOnline’s resident B2B expert with over a decade of experience in the SaaS space. He has worked with vendors primarily as a consultant in the UX analysis and design stages, lending to his reviews a strong user-centric angle. A management professional by training, he adds the business perspective to software development. He likes validating a product against workflows and business goals, two metrics, he believes, by which software is ultimately measured.