Has Kanye West jumped the shark? One pair of Air Yeezy sneakers valued at $1 million has fans asking exactly that — but the auctioneer selling the shoes claims the price is on point.
Sotheby’s has obtained the pair of sneakers Ye wore at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, where he performed his hits “Stronger” and “Hey Mama” on stage. He went on to win four Grammy Awards that night, including Best Rap Album for his third studio effort, Graduation.
The black and gold kicks, notes the broker, turned heads on the red carpet for numerous reasons — mostly because fashion insiders could not confidently identify the brand. The sneakers did have Nike’s signature Swoosh on the heels — but Sotheby’s states the shoes were hailed as a “mystery.”
The shoes later turned out to be prototypes of Ye’s eventual sneaker line, with the 2008 Grammys serving as the official introduction of the rapper’s “top-secret project.”
Because of the footwear’s cultural impact, the broker declares, “Kanye’s introduction of the Air Yeezy at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards is considered to be one of the most important moments in the history of footwear” — which is why the shoes are currently valued at $1 million.
That price tag makes them the priciest sneakers to ever hit the auction house.
The sneakers are reportedly size 12 and will be placed on exhibit between April 16 to April 21 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Yeezys will only be available to purchase via private sale.
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