Sotheby's to Sell Kanye West's 2008 "Grammy-Worn" Nike Air Yeezy Sample

After partnering with English Sole to auction off a series of grails, Sotheby’s has now turned its attention to an even rarer sneaker. Later this month, the historic auction house will sell Kanye West‘s Nike Air Yeezy sample, worn by West himself during his performances of “Hey Mama” and “Stronger” on-stage at the 2008 Grammys. With a value in excess of $1 million USD, this pair are the most valuable sneakers ever to appear at Sotheby’s.

As well as playing an important role in that performance, this sample also presented the Nike Air Yeezy project to the world. Unveiling the top-secret projet West and Nike had been working on, it was this shoe that represented a new era for signature sneakers, with an entirely new silhouette created for an artist rather than an athlete.

The sneaker itself comes in a size 12 and was created in Nike’s “Innovation Kitchen” in Oregon. The design — by West and Mark Smith — features soft black leather upper with perforated detailing, a tonal Swoosh on the overlay, the classic Nike Yeezy forefoot strap and “Y” medallion lace locks in bright pink. Finishing off the lot is a custom lasered wooden box featuring a design and etching by Smith.

The Nike Air Yeezy sample is being sold by sneaker collector Ryan Chang, who will showcase the shoes in an exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 16 until April 21. The sneakers are available via private sale, with interested parties invited to submit offers directly to Sotheby’s.

For more from Sotheby’s, the auction house recently launched the first-ever watch and NFT combination sale.