The Most Expensive Shoes in the world

Written by Admin | Jun 5, 2023 8:00:00 PM

When we think of Manolo Blahniks or Jimmy Choos, we instantly imagine their iconic pumps. Such footwear clearly has a lasting effect and a certain air of aspiration around it, and can often render the final verdict on the success or failure of a pair of shoes.

Celebrated designers around the world have attempted to imagine and reimagine statement pieces in the hope that they put their creations on the world map as the most innovative or unconventional designs to ever be worn or sold. From futuristic heels and loafers featuring multi-carat jewels to fairytale recreations by Stuart Weitzman that’ll make anyone’s heart skip a beat, this list presents the most expensive shoes in the world — with some even boasting elements from outer space.

18 Most Expensive Shoes in the World

1. Moon Star Shoes | $19.92 million

Taking the top spot on this list, carefully curated by Antonio Vietri, these shoes are prestigious like no other. This remarkable pair is adorned with 30 carats of diamonds set in solid gold, complemented by a distinctive Argentinian meteorite from 1576. These luxurious heels made their debut at MIDE Fashion Week in Dubai, where Antonio Vietri paid tribute to the iconic Burj Khalifa by shaping the shoes like the skyscraper itself.

2. Passion Diamond Shoes | $17 million

(Expensive Heels)

In partnership with Passion Jewellers, Jada Dubai has designed one of the world's most expensive shoes. The Passion Diamond Shoes feature 238 D-grade diamonds totaling 15 carats. Crafted over nine months, these premium shoes are made from the finest silk, leather, and pure gold.

3. Debbie Wingham High Heels | $15 million

In 2017, British designer Debbie Wingham unveiled her creation, The Debbie Wingham High Heels, commissioned by a wealthy individual from Dubai, UAE. These extravagant heels, resembling a birthday cake, feature rare pink and blue diamonds totaling 3 carats and 1 carat, respectively. The shoes are decorated with four 3-carat diamonds and 1,000 smaller diamonds, set in platinum framing. Additionally, they are embellished with 24-karat gold paint on the leather.

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4. Harry Winston Ruby Slippers | $3.5 million

(Most Expensive Shoes In The World)

Ron Winston, the son of renowned jewellery designer Harry Winston, was determined to mark the fiftieth anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz" in a truly spectacular way. His vision was to craft a pair of ruby slippers that rivalled the iconic ones worn by Dorothy. To pay homage to those famous shoes, these new slippers were adorned with a staggering 4,600 rubies totaling 1350 karats, as well as 50 carats of dazzling diamonds.

5. Rita Hayworth Heels by Stuart Weitzman | $3 million

Celebrated as one of the fashion industry's darlings, Rita Hayworth made fashion history when Stuart Weitzman cleverly turned a pair of her earrings into a gorgeous pair of shoes. These heels, made from Sienna Satin fabric, stand out with their understated charm. The earrings, prominently placed on the shoes, add a poetic touch to the overall look.

6. Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Sneakers | $2.2 million

(World Most Expensive Shoes)

Michael Jordan's sneakers from 1998 recently fetched an astounding $2.238 million at a Sotheby's auction, setting a record as the most expensive sneakers ever sold by Sotheby's. These sneakers, featuring Jordan's autograph on the toes, are not the first to sell for over $1 million at auction. The Air Jordan XIII holds special significance as they were worn during the memorable season dubbed "The Last Dance," which also inspired a popular ESPN and Netflix documentary with the same name. According to the auction house, these sneakers represent the final pair of Air Jordan XIII Breds ever made.

7. Stuart Weitzman Cinderella Slippers | $2 million

Country music artist Alison Krauss caused quite a stir at the 2004 Oscars when she wore the shimmering Stuart Weitzman Cinderella Slippers. These shoes quickly became the talk of the town and are now counted among the most expensive shoes in the world. Crafted from beautifully arranged Italian leather and adorned with 565 Kwiat diamonds, these shoes are truly special. Of particular note is the rare 5-carat amaretto diamond, valued at over $1 million, placed on the right shoe, adding an extraordinary touch to the ensemble.

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8. Tanzanite Heels by Stuart Weitzman | $2 million

(Most Expensive High Heels)

Stuart Weitzman teamed up with renowned fine jewellery designer Eddie Le Vian to craft the exquisite Tanzanite Heels. These heels are decorated with an impressive 185 carats of vibrant blue tanzanite gemstones, complemented by an additional 28 carats of diamonds around the strap. The standout feature is a stunning 16-carat tanzanite drop, reminiscent of a pendant on a necklace, which adds a striking finishing touch to these remarkable shoes.

9. Tom Ford Custom Loafers | $2 million

Jason Arasheben put together an extraordinary pair of Tom Ford shoes for American Comedian Nick Cannon, who sported them while hosting the 2014 season of America's Got Talent. This stunning pair is adorned with over 14,000 full-cut white diamonds set in white gold, totaling an impressive 340 carats. It took over 2,000 hours of craftsmanship to create this timeless masterpiece.

10. Solid Gold Ovo x Air Jordans | $2 million

(The Most Expensive Shoes)

The Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans worn by rapper Drake came with a jaw-dropping price tag of $2 million. These personalised sneakers were unveiled on social media and are truly a work of sculptural art, although they're not meant to be worn. Despite their impracticality for everyday use, dedicated collectors of Air Jordans consider them highly coveted. Each pair, encased in 24-carat gold, reportedly weighed around one hundred pounds. Only ten pairs were produced and could only be acquired through an auction hosted by the OVO brand.

11. Stuart Weitzman Wizard of Oz Ruby Stilettos | $1.6 million

Stuart Weitzman's Wizard of Oz Ruby Stilettos stand out not only as some of the world's priciest shoes but also sparked a trend for 'ruby shoes'. Inspired by Harry Winston's iconic ruby slippers, these heels feature 643 rubies, each weighing 123 carats. What truly catches the eye is the use of platinum to secure these dazzling rubies together in a breathtaking design.

12. Stuart Weitzman Platinum Guild Stilettos | $1 million

The Stuart Weitzman Platinum Guild Stilettos were first displayed at the 2002 Academy Awards and are considered one of the most expensive shoes in the world. With 464 diamonds in total, each foot has two rings of circles adorned with diamonds at the top. To further enhance the delicateness of these sparkling marvels, the shoes also include a simple silver band around the toes.

13. Stuart Weitzman Diamond Dream Stilettos | $500,000

Stuart Weitzman made a name for himself with the creation of the Diamond Dream stilettos, which quickly became a global sensation. Adorned with 1,420 hand-crafted diamonds totaling 30 carats over a platinum setting, these shoes are guaranteed to captivate audiences everywhere.

14. Kathryn Wilson’s Pump | $420,000

rare. They feature an impressive 21.8 carats of diamonds and were so precious that security guards were assigned to protect them during the entire 50-hour production process. This dazzling pair was auctioned off in 2013 to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House. Although they may not be the most comfortable shoes for everyday wear, they are undeniably the most beautiful heels you'll ever see, selling for $420,000.

15. Nizam Sikandar Jah’s Shoes | $160,000

These shoes were once owned by Sikandar Jah, the 18th-century Nizam of Hyderabad. They boast a truly exceptional design, unlike anything you've ever seen, with intricate and detailed embroidery in gold thread. The shoes are adorned with a string of rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and other precious gemstones, making them a sight to behold.

16. Testoni Shoes | $38,000

Testoni shoes are luxury footwear that comes with a price tag of $38,000. The brand attributes this high cost to its Norwegian shoemaking technique, highlighting why it's worth the investment. These shoes are crafted from highly durable leather, made from the world's most expensive alligator skin, ensuring both quality and exclusivity.

17. Nike Air Mag 2016 | $26,000

The 2016 Air Mag sneakers were inspired by the iconic sci-fi movie Back to the Future II. It's amazing to think that the futuristic technology shown in the film is now a reality thirty years later, even though the light-up feature and auto-lacing were originally achieved through movie magic. These battery-powered, motorised sneakers actually work and were produced in a limited edition of just 100 pairs by the brand, making them extremely rare and sought after.

The Final Take

Every luxurious shoe listed above is inspired by a specific design and represents a unique idea, carrying great symbolism. The most expensive shoes in the world are not just branded but are works of art, blending priceless materials and expert shoemaking knowledge.

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