We all know how expensive some sneakers
can get on the resale market. We’ve even seen what a lucrative (albeit
illegal) business that reselling can turn into. But while the sky is the
limit for reseller’s prices, we’ve seen that most standard basketball
sneakers have topped out in the $275 range – as of now at least.
While that’s the standard for kicks you’ll find at your local Foot Locker, there are more expensive kicks out there. Much
more expensive. Some are from brands you’ll probably recognize, and
some you may not. What do you actually get for all that money? Well, it
depends on the shoe. In some cases, it’s a brand name. Others, exotic
materials. For all of them, you’ll find first world construction.
So read along and find out just how
expensive sneakers can get at retail, and what exactly you’re paying for
if it isn’t exclusivity.
Maison Martin Margiela “Chains”: $995
If the standard Margiela high tops aren’t
expensive enough this edition replaces the traditional eyelets with
chain links. You’ll also get their standard, premium leather lining, and
one of the more comfortable shoes on this list.
Raf Simons Multi Strap Sneaker: $1,010
Sharp angles and multiple colors have
become calling cards for Raf sneakers as of late – even their
collaborations. This sneaker from thieir current line features all of
those signature details, along with dual straps.
Ann Demeulemeester Zipped High Tops: $1,214
Thanks to its sky-high cut, at least
you’re getting a lot of premium suede with this zippered high top. Along
with her signature dark aesthetic, this sneaker comes with a leather
wrapped midsole, which is common to the line.
Rick Owens “Geobasket”: $1,389
It’s hard to imagine Rick Owens and
adidas $800 sneakers seeming like a deal, but in comparison to the
sneakers coming out of mainline Rick, like his most well known current
model, the Geobasket, it’s practically a steal.
Balmain Double Strap High Top: $1,475
While not nearly as coveted as their
thousand dollar signature biker denim, their sneaker line is
comparatively expensive. You’ll even see ribbed details that tie to
their more famous line.
Boris Bidjan Saberi Leather Sneaker: $1,529
BBS are best known for their dark
aesthetic. Very little from the line is any color other than black, grey
or brown. But this tan sneaker features the same build quality,
leathers and design of it’s darker siblings.
Christian Louboutin Rantus Orlato Flat in Python: $1,695
Louboutins may be best known for their
red bottoms, but that’s not the only feature you’re paying a premium for
on this edition. The red Python upper isn’t the faux-type you see on
most sneakers with snakeskin details.
Carol Christian Poell Drip Trainer: $2,130
Calling much of Carol Christian Poell’s
work “art” as much as “fashion” wouldn’t be entirely out of line. Many
of his designs favor form over function. One of his signature pieces of
footwear, the “Drip Trainer” is shockingly different upon first glance.
The shoe is typically built of kangaroo leather, which is then dyed as a
complete product after its construction, then dipped in latex and
allowed to hang dry, creating a stalactite-type effect once dry. And if
you’re wondering, they don’t feel that much different than regular
sneakers – especially after the rubber wears down after a few wearings.
A Diciannoverventitre Trainer: $2,265
A Diciannoverventitre, aka A1923, aka
Augusta, sneakers are built like boots. This artisanal line is made in
Italy, often with leathers such as horse and buffalo that are borderline
indestructable, and age beautifully.
Jimmy Choo Belgravia Star Studded High Top - $2,350
It’s ironic that the most expensive shoe
on this list probably looks the cheapest. This long-running women’s line
introduced men’s sneakers a few years back, and while they haven’t been
pretty, they sure have been expensive, thanks in large part to the
well-known branding.
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