Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of rare athletic shoes? Strap on your sneakerheads and lace up those reading glasses, because we're about to unveil the crème de la crème of exclusivity! In this blog post, we'll take you through an exhilarating adventure where only the most elusive and coveted kicks will make the cut. From limited-edition collaborations to one-of-a-kind designs, get ready to dive headfirst into our list of the top 7 rarest athletic shoes ever created. Trust us, this is one quest you won't want to miss!
Show off your kicks in style with a Pro Shoe Display from DZ
Introduction: What Makes a Shoe Rare?
There are a number of factors that can make a shoe rare. In some cases, it may be the limited production of a certain model or style. Other times, it may be due to the unique materials used or the intricate design details. Whatever the reason, rarity usually comes at a price and these shoes are often highly sought after by collectors and sneakerheads alike.
So, what makes a shoe rare? Let's take a look at some of the most coveted sneakers out there and see what sets them apart from the rest.
No matter what type of sneaker you're looking for, rarity is sure to be a major factor when it comes time to make your purchase. Whether it's due to limited production or a striking design, these shoes are sure to be treasured by those lucky enough to get their hands on them.
Stack em' up and save valuable space in any room - Pro Shoe Display
1. Nike Dunk SB
Nike's Dunk SB line of shoes was first introduced in 2002 as a skateboarding-specific version of the popular Nike Dunk basketball shoe. The line quickly gained popularity among skaters and sneaker collectors alike, thanks to its unique designs and limited edition releases.
Today, the Nike Dunk SB line continues to be one of the most sought-after lines of sneakers, with collectors always on the lookout for the rarest and most exclusive releases. We've compiled a list of some of the rarest Nike Dunk SBs below, so if you're in the market for a truly unique pair of kicks, be sure to check these out!
1. Supreme x Nike Dunk SB Low – Black/White ($3000): The first collaboration between Supreme and Nike, the 'Black/White' Dunk SB low was a limited edition run of only 300 pairs. It features a black suede upper with white leather Swoosh logos and a signature gold Supreme box logo embroidered on the heel.
2. Diamond Supply Co. x Nike Dunk SB Low – Tiffany ($1700): This is another highly-coveted collaboration, this time between Diamond Supply Co. and Nike. Released in 2005, it features a mint green upper with blue accents and the iconic Diamond Supply Co. diamond logo embroidered on the heel tab. Limited to only 500 pairs worldwide, it's definitely one of the rarest Dunks you can find!
3. Parra x Nike Dunk SB High – Cherry Blossom ($1500): This special edition Dunk was released in 2006 as part of Dutch artist Parra's 'Cherry Blossom' design series for Nike SB. It features an all-over cherry blossom print on a white upper with pink accents, plus Parra's signature tag embroidered onto the heel tab. Limited to only 250 pairs worldwide, it's one of the most sought after Dun ks of all time.
4. UNDFTD x Nike Dunk SB Low – Tiffany ($1200): Another collaboration between streetwear brand UNDFTD and Nike, this limited edition Dunk was released in 2004 and features a white upper with light blue accents, plus the iconic 'Tiffany' colorway on the midsole and heel tab. Limited to only 500 pairs worldwide, it's one of the most sought after Dunks ever made!
Highly Rated Pro Shoe Display (Drop Side)
2. Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2
When it comes to coveted athletic shoes, the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is near the top of the list. This sneaker was designed by Kanye West and first released in 2016. It's been highly sought-after ever since, with each new release selling out almost instantly.
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is unique for its Primeknit upper and Boost sole, which provides incredible comfort and a responsive feel. The sneakers are also available in a wide range of colors, from the original "Beluga" to more recent releases like "Static."
If you're looking to get your hands on a pair of Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s, be prepared to pay a premium. Resale prices can easily exceed $1,000, making them some of the most expensive sneakers on the market.
3. The Air Jordan 11 Low
When it comes to rare and exclusive athletic shoes, the Air Jordan 11 Low is definitely one of the most coveted. First released in 1996, the Air Jordan 11 Low was only available in limited quantities, making it extremely difficult to get your hands on a pair. In recent years, the Air Jordan 11 Low has been re-released in small batches, but each time they sell out almost immediately. If you're lucky enough to find a pair for sale, you can expect to pay a pretty penny – often upwards of $1,000 or more. But for many sneakerheads, the Air Jordan 11 Low is worth every penny, as it's truly a one-of-a-kind shoe.
4. Reebok Insta Pump Fury OG
Released in 1994, the Reebok Insta Pump Fury OG was the first shoe to feature the Insta Pump technology. The Insta Pump system allowed for a customized fit by inflating and deflating the shoe's pump chamber. The shoe was also designed with a Kevlar upper and an carbon fiber plate, making it one of the lightest and strongest shoes on the market. The Reebok Insta Pump Fury OG was released in limited quantities and quickly became a coveted item among sneakerheads.
5. Saucony Grid 9000
The Saucony Grid 9000 is a highly sought-after sneaker among collectors and enthusiasts. This particular model was first released in 1994 and was designed by the late Wilson Smith. The shoe was ahead of its time with its use of innovative technology and construction. The Grid 9000 was one of the first sneakers to use Saucony's patented Grid system, which provided superior cushioning and support. The shoe was also designed with a unique lacing system that allowed for a more customized fit.
TheGrid 9000 quickly gained popularity among runners and soon became one of Saucony's most popular models. However, due to its limited release, the shoe is now considered to be quite rare. Today, the Grid 9000 is highly coveted by collectors and can fetch high prices on the secondary market. If you're lucky enough to find a pair, be prepared to pay a premium!
6. Puma Disc Blaze Lite Tech'd Out
When it comes to exclusivity, few shoes can compare to the Puma Disc Blaze Lite Tech'd Out. This limited edition sneaker is decked out with all the bells and whistles, from a sleek black and white colorway to tech features like an LED lighting system and Bluetooth connectivity. Only 500 pairs were ever made, making it one of the most rare and sought-after sneakers on the market today.
7. Asics Gel Lyte V “S
The Asics Gel Lyte V “S” is a special edition of the popular running shoe. It was released in very limited quantities and is now one of the rarest athletic shoes on the market. This shoe was designed with input from some of the world’s top marathon runners. As a result, it features a unique combination of cushioning and support that helps runners go the distance. The Asics Gel Lyte V “S” is made with a lightweight yet durable synthetic upper. The shoe also has an external heel counter for added stability.
If you’re lucky enough to find a pair of these rare shoes, you can expect to pay a premium price. But for many collectors, the Asics Gel Lyte V “S” is worth every penny.