The Top 10 Most Expensive Nike Air Max Sneakers Ever Sold
The Nike Air Max line is one of the most iconic and beloved sneaker series ever. Since the Air Max 1 debuted in 1987, Nike has continuously released exciting new Air Max models packed with the brand’s latest technology and wearing the most stylish colorways.
Over the past 30+ years, Nike has dropped some extraordinarily rare and limited edition Air Maxes that today fetch astronomical resale prices. Keep reading to discover the top 10 most expensive Nike Air Max sneakers ever sold.
1. Nike Air Max 1 Master (Friends & Family) – $55,000
In first place for most expensive Air Max sold is the Nike Air Max 1 Master “Friends & Family” edition that was released in 2017 for Air Max Day. Nike designed this Air Max 1 to pay homage to the first-ever Air Max and some of the most popular colorways.
With buttery smooth leather uppers and see-through Air Max units, the Master Air Max 1 combines colors and materials from 10 iconic AM1 releases. Only 50 pairs were made exclusively for friends and family of Nike. One pair later resold for $55,000 on StockX.
2. Eminem x Nike Air Max 97 Charity Series – $50,000
In 2006, Eminem collaborated with Nike on an Air Max Charity Series to raise funds for his Marshall Mathers Foundation. Part of this rare charity collection was an Eminem x Air Max 97 dressed in a subtle chocolate and neon orange color scheme.
Only 8 size 13 pairs of this Air Max 97 were made, one of which sold for a staggering $50,000 at auction in 2022. Making it the second most valuable Air Max ever resold.
3. Parra x Nike Air Max 1 Albert Heijn – $20,000
Dutch artist Parra designed this special edition Nike Air Max 1 during a 2005 collaboration. Dubbed the “Albert Heijn” colorway, Parra created this sneaker to pay tribute to the iconic Dutch supermarket chain that shares the name.
Nike ended up changing the planned release date, meaning only 24 pairs gifted to Parra himself ever released. Today, the Parra x Nike Air Max 1 Albert Heijn demands resale prices of $20,000.
4. Nike Air Max 1 x Kid Robot Hyperstrike Sample – $16,000
In 2005, boutique toy brand Kid Robot teamed up with Nike on a wild Air Max 1 dressed with hot pink accents. The Kid Robot Hyperstrike sample colorway was insanely limited with just 72 pairs produced as Friends & Family exclusives.
After one deadstock sample pair surfaced on eBay 10 years later, it sold for an enormous $16,000. Cementing it as one of the rarest and most valuable Air Max 1 collaborations ever.
5. Nike Air Max 90 Current x KAWS (Black Volt) – $7,500
In 2008, famous artist KAWS collaborated with Nike designer Jesse Leyva on an eye-catching rework of the Air Max 90 Current. Branded with KAWS’ signature aesthetics, this rare colorway made its debut during special launch events held at Nike’s NYC and Los Angeles flagship stores.
With a stock run of just 200 pairs focused in the major cities, the KAWS Air Max 90 Current now resells for up to $7,500 depending on size and condition.
6. Nike Air Max 1 Powerwall “Pink” – $9,000
Created to celebrate three legendary decades of Nike’s Air Max line, the 2005 Powerwall Collection saw a series of new colorways land on retro Air Max models. The rare pink version of the Air Max 1 from this series is one of the most covetable.
While it didn’t gain quite as much hype as its “BRS” Powerwall counterpart, this outrageous Air Max 1 still resold in 2022 for a staggering $9,000.
7. Nike Air Max 1 OG Red Colorway (2018 Retro) – $5,500
As the very first Air Max sneaker that started it all, the OG “Red” colorway of the Air Max 1 holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. When Nike retro’ed the iconic University Red Air Max 1 in 2018 for Air Max Day, hype went through the roof.
Despite not being too limited numbers-wise, the monumental 2018 retro release caused smaller sizes of the OG Air Max 1 to resell for as high as $5,500.
8. Atmos x Air Jordan 3 Retro SE – $4,800
This special edition Air Jordan 3 released during a surge of Air Max collabs between Nike and the famous Japanese boutique Atmos. Bringing their signature safari and animal prints to the iconic Jordan 3, it remains one of the rarest retro 3s years after release.
The Atmos Air Jordan 3 Retro SE last resold on StockX for $4,800 in March 2022.
9. Stash x Nike Air Max 95 – $4,500
In 2014/2015, Nike tapped different artists to remix the classic Air Max 95 silhouette for an “Artisan” capsule series. One standout was the Nike Air Max 95 designed by graffiti artist Stash.
Defined by a blend of luxe materials and loud colors, the Stash Air Max 95 retailed for $750 originally. Today, deadstock pairs resell for over $4,500.
10. Undefeated x Nike Air Max 97 Lux – $3,655
To celebrate Undefeated’s 15th anniversary, Nike granted the famed LA retailer the opportunity to deck out the Air Max 97 in their own special colorway. The result was the Undefeated x Nike Air Max 97 Lux dressed in subtle olive green with their signature 5-Strike logo branding.
Despite releasing a full run of sizes, the Undefeated x Nike Air Max 97 Lux still fetches upwards of $3,655 on sites like StockX.
More Rare & Limited Nike Air Max Releases
While the sneakers above are firmly the most valuable Nike Air Maxes ever resold, there are plenty more outrageously rare AM models out there like the atmos “Animal Pack” Air Max 95 and Eminem x Air Max 93.
Nike also continues to link up with leading sneaker shops and designers year after year on new Air Max collabs that instantly become grails. We can expect more insanely hyped exclusive Air Max releases well into the future.
Hopefully this breakdown gave you a glimpse into some of the rarest and most expensive Nike Air Max drops ever. Let us know some of your favorite OG Air Max colorways in the comments below!