Kanye West 'Grammy' sneakers sell for record $1.8M

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A pair of prototype sneakers worn by Kanye West when he performed "Hey Mama" and "Stronger" at the 2008 Grammy Awards fetched a record-breaking $1.8 million.

The "Grammy Worn” Nike Air Yeezy 1 was purchased in private sale by sneaker investment marketplace RARES, Sotheby's reportedly said in a statement on Monday.

Not only does the sale mark the highest sum paid for a pair of sneakers, it is also the first sale to exceed the $1 million mark. The previous record of $615,000 was set in 2020 with the sale of a pair of 1985 Jordan 1s that Michael Jordan wore when he shattered a backboard in Italy during a pre-season game.

The size 12 shoes were designed by West and Mark Smith, and feature a Yeezy forefoot strap and 'Y' lacelocks.

“We are thrilled with the result, which has nearly tripled the highest price on record,” Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables, said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.

“The sale speaks volumes of Kanye’s legacy as one of the most influential clothing and sneaker designers of our time, and of the Yeezy franchise he has built which has become an industry titan,” added Watcher.