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Shoes were invented as accessories to help humans protect their feet. Soon after, different designs began developing, and different preferences were created based on the taste of several human beings. These were also created based on one's gender, profession, and requirement.
Today the shoe industry has come a long way from restricting one kind of shoe to one particular demographic. Today, the masses can wear whichever shoes they please. Custom-made shoes are designed by some of the world's most renowned designers and reputed brands, making them come at extravagant prices.
Here are some of the shoes that have been sold with the heftiest of price tags.
Michael Jordan's Game-Worn Converse Fastbreaks
Michael Jordan was among the first sports personalities who began endorsing footwear brands. The fame that his venture footwear found helped him gain even more popularity as a player.
One such shoe is his game-Worn Converse Fastbreaks which became one of the most pricey shoes in the world with a worth of approximately $190,373. He wore it at the 1984 Olympics for a gold-medal-winning match against Spain. It came with the player's autograph on the sole and was sold in 2017 at a private auction.
2016's Nike Mag self-lacing trainers
The Nike Mag self-lacing trainers are the most exquisite pair of shoes as they look pretty futuristic. The concept of self-lacing is also something that might be a common sight in the footwear industry in the near future. However, as of now, this pair is one-of-a-kind.
It was sold in 2016 by the Michael J. Fox Foundation at the sumptuous rate of about $200,000. It was directly inspired by the pair of futuristic footwear seen in the 1989 sci-fi classic Back to the Future Part II.
2020's Nike Air Jordan 1s
A factor that makes these sneakers even more remarkable and pricey is when a famous personality wears them. One such pair is the Nike Air Jordan 1s, a pair originally worn by Michael Jordan in a 1985 match.
What makes it even more authentic is the signature of Jordan on the right shoe. It was sold last year in an online auction for a grand rate of about $560,000.
Nike 1972 Waffle Racing Flat' Moon Shoe'
The Nike 1972 Waffle Racing Fat Moon Shoe is named so because its design and texture resemble a waffle in the dust with the shoeprint. Such unique concepts are what make Nike stand out amongst every other sports brand.
The Moon Shoes came at a hefty price of about $437,500 and were sold at a private auction. The pair was bought by a Canadian collector Miles Nadal. Later it was sold again on eBay for a lower cost.
Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth Heels
Stuart A. Wizman is the founder of the famous footwear brand called Stay Weizman, famous for making some of the most expensive designer shoes. The entrepreneur owns one of the most expensive pairs, and it is none other than the Rita Hayworth Heels.
The pair is unique in its excellent capability to showcase the glamour that is characteristic of the Hollywood industry. Expensive materials like sapphire, diamonds, and rubies have been used to make it worth about $3 million. It belongs to Stuart Weitzman's daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan.
Harry Winston Ruby Slippers
The Harry Winston Ruby Slippers were created in 1989 when Ronald Wilson, the son of Harry Winston, wanted to pay him a tribute. It was also the 50th anniversary of 'The Wizard Of Oz'.
As a result, about 4600 rubies were studded on these pairs. It reportedly has about 1,350 carats of rubies and 50 carats of diamonds. Undoubtedly, they became one of the most expensive shoes globally, with a cost of about $3.01 million.
Debbie Wingham Heels
The Debbie Wingham Heels is the second most expensive shoe in the world ever. It was designed by the British icon Debbi who listed the pair for purchase in 2017. Debbie Wingham made these shoes in collaboration with designer Chris Campbell.
These were custom-made for a private client but eventually became famous as one of the world's most stunning and expensive shoes. The price of the Debbie Wingham Heels was as high as $15.1 million.
Passion Diamond Shoes
The most expensive shoe in the world is an exclusive pair created by the UAE-based brand called Jada Dubai. The exquisite pair also comes with a special name - the Passion Diamond Shoes.
It is not just footwear; it is also the rarest kind of ornamentation for the human feet. It is a masterpiece created in a collaboration between Jada Diamond and Passion Jewelers. These stilettos were exhibited at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and were priced at a mind-blowing $17 million.
The history of footwear and shoemaking has gone through a lot of new waves over the centuries. Shoes have also played a significant role in being the accessory that made endorsement deals a huge thing amongst celebrity circles and their fans.
Source: Luxhabitat, FN, Highsnobiety, Business Insider