Kanye West Nike Air Yeezy 1 sneakers, valued at over US$1 mln, to be sold

WASHINGTON: A pair of Kanye West’s first Nike Yeezy sneakers, which he debuted on stage at the Grammys, are to be sold, with

Sotheby’s predicting the shoes could fetch in excess of US$1 million. The Nike Air Yeezy 1 sneakers are part of a private sale – which means neither the final price nor the buyer will be released unless the individual comes forward. The sneaker range were the first to be launched by West’s Yeezy brand, and caused a fashion furore when he wore them during a 2008 Grammys performance. Previously, Nike had only worked with athletes and West’s shoe was a significant break for the US brand. The Air Yeezy 1 launched in a limited series in 2009, followed by the Air Yeezy 2 in 2012.

The following year, West ended his partnership with Nike – deeming his share of the revenue insufficient – going on to work with Adidas in 2014.

file photo — AFP Kanye West performs onstage during the 50th annual Grammy awards held at the Staples Centre on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.