The Air Force 1, arguably Nike’s most iconic sneaker, is in many regards, the first of its kind. In 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 revolutionized the sneaker industry by introducing "Air" technology in its midsole, thanks to the collaboration between designer Bruce Kilgore and an aerospace engineer. Since then, the Nike Air Force 1s have remained a fan favorite worldwide, celebrated for their versatility and cultural significance.
The experts on Sotheby’s Streetwear & Modern Collectables team specialize in discerning the best of the best, epitomized in this selection of the most expensive Air Force sneakers for men available on our marketplace. From coveted sneaker collaborations to runway-ready designer sneakers to legendary GOAT sneakers, these are the six most valuable and rare Air Force Ones for sneaker collectors to cop now from our online Sneaker Shop.
6 Nike Air Force Ones for the Ultimate Sneaker Collection
Nike x Tiffany and Co. Air Force 1 Friends and Family Pack With Jacket | $40,000
In March of 2023, Nike and Tiffany & Co. teamed up to release one of the most popular Air Force One designs of this year - the Nike x Tiffany and Co. Air Force 1. Paying homage to the brand’s heritage, the limited-edition AF1 was produced using premium materials, including Tiffany’s 925 silver on the back of the sneaker. The Nike Swoosh is also featured in the iconic Tiffany Blue. The tongue of the Air Force 1 reads “Tiffany” in cursive and “NIKE AIR” is embroidered on each heel tab and engraved silver sterling plates below.
Featured in the pack is also the extremely limited friends and family variation of the Tiffany Air Force One. In a reverse colorway of the wider release, the friends and family AF1 design comes dressed in a predominantly Tiffany blue upper, making these some of the most expensive Air Force 1s available for sale now. Also included in the listing is a co-branded leather-sleeved varsity jacket.
Nike Air Force 1 Low DJ Clark Kent The List Pack | $35,000
DJ Clark Kent and Nike commemorated “The List” with a limited-edition Nike Air Force 1 Low. With a history of sneaker collaborations, including the renowned 112 Pack, DJ Clark Kent's involvement in the sneaker world is well-established. The mismatched AF1 design sports a multicolored, pebbled leather upper with mini Swooshes on the lateral sides. “FRIENDS” and “FAMILY” text are featured on the lateral heels respectively. Additionally, "GODs" and "Favorite" text is embroidered on the heel tabs, and DJ Clark Kent’s logo and “#TheLIST” can be found on the tongue tags. This popular Air Force 1 is completed with a classic white midsole and gum outsole. The rarity and history behind this AF1 make it a must-have for any sneaker collector.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Lux Alligator & Case | $25,000
With only 25 pairs believed to exist, the Nike Air Force 1 Low Lux Alligator & Case has become one of the most expensive Air Force 1s to buy now. Crafted with a full alligator skin upper, leather lining, and leather midsole, this exclusive Air Force 1 Low release showcases unparalleled craftsmanship. Adding to its uniqueness, the inside back heel is intricately embroidered with the name "USHER," rumored to be a special sneaker customization for the artist.
Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Gold | $16,500
In celebration of the Nike Air Force One's 40th Anniversary, Virgil Abloh collaborated with Nike to send 47 pairs of bespoke Louis Vuitton Nike Air Force 1s down the Spring/Summer 2022 runway. To distinguish them from the original Nike Air Force 1, the luxury sneakers were made with materials employed in Abloh’s Louis Vuitton men’s collections and styled with his signature quotation marks, echoing the written graphics Abloh used to adorn the popular Air Force 1s. Every sneaker was made by Louis Vuitton in Fiesso d’Artico, marking the first time the AF1 model was crafted outside of a Nike factory, making them some of the most authentic, high-end sneakers ever created.
Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium Georges Entourage Sample| $12,500
The Nike Air Force 1 Low Premium Georges Entourage Sample is a rare and highly popular Air Force 1 that resulted from a collaboration between Nike and Undefeated in honor of the HBO television show Entourage. This iconic AF1 is one of the first pairs designed by Undefeated and Nike to celebrate the show, making it a valuable addition to any sneaker collection. The laser-etched design on the blue and white leather panels gives it a striking appearance, while the "LA" and "Queens Boulevard" text on the heels adds character and meaning to this limited-edition sneaker collab. Unlike general-release sneakers, sample pairs are extremely limited in production and distribution, making them incredibly rare.
Nike Air Force 1 Ssense x Virgil Abloh signed by Virgil Abloh | $12,000
Following his iconic “The Ten” Collection, Virgil Abloh collaborated with Canadian retailer SSENSE in 2018 for an interactive exhibit at their Montreal flagship. The “CUTTING ROOM FLOOR” was a selection of Abloh’s personal effects and office equipment, centered on exposing his creative process and inviting the viewers to be voyeurs by design. To mark the occasion, Abloh offered white on white Air Force 1s, which he personally signed and dated. The Air Force 1, a notable inspiration for Virgil Abloh, has also had a vital role in the world of sports, streetwear and fashion, bridging the gap between the cultures. The pair is signed “Virgil” on the right lateral midsole and is dated “2018” on the left, making it a rare find for sneaker collectors.
