Rare Apple trainers auctioning at $50,000 and other expensive shoes

You might have heard of the Apple iPhone or watch, but what about trainers?

And no, not tech trainers that can play music or take calls, this is an old pair from the 1990s!

The old-school shoes are auctioning at $50,000, which is around £38,000.

But what are the most expensive trainers in the world, and how do you know how much they cost? Read on to find out!

"Highly coveted" Apple trainers and their history

The trainers were given out as a one-off for Apple workers during a conference in the 1990s.

There's only one pair available, and they're in the equivalent of a UK size 8.5.

Apple's retro products have been extremely popular recently, with a first edition unopened iPhone 4 selling for over $190,000 at auction. This is around £145,000.

What are the most expensive trainers ever?

The shoes have become the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold

Although the Apple sneakers are pricey, its nothing on the most expensive trainers in the world.

A pair of Air Jordan XIIIs, once worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan at the 1998 NBA finals, sold for a mega $2.2 million (£1.7million) at auction earlier in 2023

Jordan is said to have given the shoes to a ball boy after the game as a 'thank you' for helping him find a lost jacket, according to Sotheby's, the company which sold the shoes.

The record-breaking sale also seals Michael Jordan's spot as the most valuable athlete at auctions for sportswear items.

"Today's record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations," said Brahm Wachter who is the head of streetwear and modern collectables at Sotheby's.

Top trainer collecting tips

So how do you know which trainers will be worth the big bucks?

Collector and expert Matthieu Le Maux - an expert in valuable trainers - explains: "It's difficult to know for certain whether a sneaker will appreciate in value.

"If it's a limited edition of an iconic model that is revisited by a famous designer or a world-famous artist, it is very likely that its value will increase. "

These shoes were based on the trainers from the iconic movie 'Back to the Future Part II'

For example, these Nike Air Mag shoes, valued at around £11,381.

Created in 2011 with only 1,500 pairs ever made, these trainers are a replica of the self-lacing shoes from the 1989 film Back to the Future Part II.

Matthieu also has some tips for collecting and taking care of trainers.

"Adapt the sneakers you're wearing to the occasion or the place you're going to. For example, don't wear a model that is precious to you to a party or a concert.

"You also have to take care of it on a daily basis - use water and soap, avoid any toxic products that can damage the fabric. Recently, 'sneakers clinics' have started to appear in which specialists try and save your favourite pair. They are the shoemakers of modern times!"

Trainer values were provided by Stadium Goods and the research compiled by Farfetch.