Jordans—in particular the retro models—have a nearly unmatched cachet in the sneaker world, continuing to earn them fans and driving hype around the brand. In July, Nike and French luxury label Dior released a small joint collection that included Air Jordan 1s costing as much as $2,200. Only 8,000 pairs were made available to the general public, which qualifies as scarce for even a limited release shoe. Dior CEO Pietro Beccari said more than 5 million shoppers (paywall) registered for a chance to buy a pair. (They have been promptly counterfeited of course.)

Air Jordan 1 High Dior
Expensive.
Image: Nike

“The Last Dance” has helped fuel the Jordan frenzy, including for collectible shoes. On May 17, the day its final two episodes aired, Sotheby’s announced the results of an auction for a pair of signed, game-worn Nike Air Jordan 1s from 1985. The winning bid of $560,000 set a new auction record for a pair of sneakers. Christie’s auction house currently has an event going around other rare and game-worn Jordans.

In recent weeks, Nike has continued releasing Jordans, including styles such as an Air Jordan 4 made in collaboration with Virgil Abloh, founder of fashion company Off-White and creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. Each drop results in shoppers taking to social media to complain the shoes sold out before they could get a pair.

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