Kanye West seems to have risen as a modern-day King Midas. Whatever the American rapper touches, it turns into either gold or hefty sums of money. The latest “miracle” performed by the soon-to-be ex-husband of the bombastic Kim Kardashian was to sell a pair of used sneakers at a Sotheby’s auction for the astronomical sum of $1.8 million. These are the Nike Air Yeezy trainers worn by the singer and music producer during his live performance at the 2008 Grammy Awards where he performed Stronger and Hey Mama. Born in 1977, Kanye rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, a label that churned out hits for stars like Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Thanks to his various talents in music, fashion, design, and even gossip, he is among the most influential figures of the last decade (he even ran for the latest US presidential elections).

The platform Rares was the buyer of these sneakers, now part of street-style history, recognizing the value of this collectible model and will issue a series of public shares for investors starting next June. By registering on their website, one can access a sort of fashionista parcelization of what has been labeled “the world’s most valuable shoe”. Created in collaboration with Nike, these sneakers from the line designed by Kanye West are highly sought after among enthusiasts and resellers. The sum paid in this situation sets an unprecedented record, considering the previous record was held (or rather worn) by Michael Jordan, with a pair of Nike Air shoes owned by the basketball player in 1985 and sold by Sotheby’s during an online auction in May 2020 for a modest amount of only 560 thousand dollars.