Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Apple's Most Expensive Item Isn't Sold at the Apple Store: 'One of the Most Obscure in Existence' One pair of "ultra rare" Apple sneakers will be auctioned by Sotheby's for $50,000.

By Madeline Garfinkle

Key Takeaways

  • The sneakers were specially made for Apple employees as a one-time giveaway during a National Sales Conference in the mid-1990s.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Apple's known for its high-tech products and innovation, but when it comes to selling merch, the company was way ahead of its time.

In 1986, Apple released a clothing and accessories line called "The Apple Collection," featuring mugs, umbrellas, bags, keyrings, and even a sailboard, all showcasing the now-nostalgic rainbow Apple logo, but it was discontinued in 1999.

Apple logo sneakers, however, were specially made for Apple employees as a one-time giveaway during a National Sales Conference in the 1990s. And now, an "ultra-rare" pair has resurfaced.

Luxury auctioneer, Sotheby's, is selling a pair of "ultra-rare" Apple sneakers for a staggering $50,000 — higher than the price of any current Apple product, CNN reported.

"Having never reached the general public, this particular pair of sneakers is one of the most obscure in existence and highly coveted on the resale market," Sotheby's wrote in the catalog listing.

Sotheby's

Sotheby's

The size 10.5 sneakers are in "new" condition and come in the original box. The shoes are accompanied by a pair of red laces, Sotheby's stated. However, due to their age, some signs of wear are present, such as yellowing around the midsoles and glue, as well as light marks on the toe boxes.

Throughout Apple's almost half-century existence, it's gone through various stages of evolution, garnering a sense of nostalgia in consumers who still remember the white brick-like desktops and first-generation iPods – driving the prices of its rare memorabilia to astonishing heights.

Last month, a first-edition 2007 iPhone was sold for over $190,000, dubbed the "Holy Grail" by the auctioneer LCG Auctions, CNN reported.

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Creators Left So Much Money on the Table': Kickstarter's CEO Reveals the Story Behind the Company's Biggest Changes in 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.

Business Ideas

87 Service Business Ideas to Start Today

Get started in this growing industry, with options that range from IT consulting to childcare.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Marketing

5 Steps to Preparing an Engaging Industry Presentation

You can make a great impression and generate interest with an exciting, informative presentation. Find out my five secrets to creating an industry presentation guaranteed to wow.