A pair of Kanye West’s sneakers are on sale for $1 million
The Yeezy jumped over the Jumpman.
Kanye West superfans soon can own a piece of the rap legend’s sneaker collection — for a steep price.
Sotheby’s has listed the sample pair of Air Yeezy sneakers West, 43, wore on stage at the 2008 Grammys for his performance of “Hey Mama” and “Stronger.” They’re currently valued at $1 million — more than any sneaker previously listed with the auction house.
The size-12 sneakers sent fashion fanatics into a frenzy at the time, as they were unidentifiable save for the trademark Nike swoosh on the side.
Designed by West and Mark Smith in Nike’s “Innovation Kitchen” in Oregon, they feature black leather uppers with perforations as well as a forefoot strap and “Y” medallion lace locks in bright pink.
Not only are the ultra-rare shoes a sneakerhead’s dream, but they’re also part of West’s complicated musical legacy. His Grammys performance came shortly after the death of his mother, Donda West, and was filled with heartbreaking emotion, making it one of the most memorable live performances of all time.
In addition to changing the sneaker industry with his surprise debut, the rapper — whose Yeezy empire would later make him a billionaire — also won four Grammys that night, including Best Rap Album for “Graduation.”
Collector Ryan Chang is set to showcase the shoes in an exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 16 to April 21; the Yeezys are only available for private sale.
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