Kanye sneakers break records with $1 million auction

The auction house selling them said that the sneakers are “the most valuable to appear on the market.”

The first-ever Nike Air Yeezy 1’s worn by rapper Kanye West is going on sale priced at over $1million (£725,465).

The sneakers, debuted by the designer at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008, are now being sold by the renowned sneaker collector Ryan Chang via Sotheby’s auction house.

Chang said: “As a collector, I’ve always considered sneakers to be design objects - a physical confluence of artistry, history, and in this case, music. The Air Yeezy Prototype is particularly special to me because it captured the cultural moment in 2008 so perfectly.”

The size 12 [West’s size] pair will be exhibited at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 16 to 21 April before being sold to a private buyer.

“This pair is critical to the development of the Yeezy franchise, which has become one of the most important sneakers and lifestyle brands in history. Debuted on-stage at the Grammys in 2008, the sneakers set off waves in the sneaker community as people tried to identify the mysterious pair,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear & Modern Collectables.

He added: “We are excited to bring this item to market in Hong Kong alongside other sneakers from our Buy-Now Sneaker Shop - available for immediate purchase - and hope that sneakerheads, as well as music and fashion lovers, will enjoy visiting this iconic pair at our exhibition in Hong Kong.”

Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes (Sotheby’s)

In the past, there is no known record for a private sho sale and this specific one would surpass the record of $615,000 (£446,954) pair of autographed Nike Air Jordan 1s worn by Michael Jordan in 1985 which were auctioned by Christie’s in May 2020.

Kanye West - Stronger/Hey Mama [Grammy 2008]

According to Sotheby’s “the Kanye West ‘Grammy Worn’ Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototype from 2008 will be available for direct purchase via ‘private sale’, with interested parties invited to submit offers directly to Sotheby’s for consideration.”