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Sneakerheads weren’t afraid to spend big money on their grails on eBay in 2023.
According to year-end data revealed byeBay, the most expensive completed auction of a sneaker on the marketplace from January through November globally was the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low “University Blue” in a men’s size 9.5. The sneaker sold in February for $60,000. (A pair is available now on eBay from the user Solestage Official for $60,000.)
Following the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low “University Blue” was the eBay x Nike SB Dunk charity auction benefiting The Bodecker Foundation. The shoe was No. 1 of 10 and sold in January for $31,300. Coming in third was a promo pair of the Air Jordan 4 “Manilla,” No. 60 of 150, in a men’s size 10. They sold in September for $26,715.
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EBay also revealed in its year-end data the top five most searched sneaker releases globally. From January through November, the top five sneakers included the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Thunder,” the Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk Low, the Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement Reimagined,” the Air Jordan 1 Low “True Blue” and the Nike SB Dunk Low “White Gum.”
In terms of best sellers, eBay broke out several brands, including market giants Nike and Jordan Brand. The top five Air Jordan releases from January through November include the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Thunder,” the Air Jordan 3 Retro “White Cement Reimagined,” the Air Jordan 4 Retro SB “Pine Green,” the Air Jordan 4 Retro “Red Cement” and the Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “UNC Toe.”
As for Nike, more specifically the Dunk silhouette, the top five best releases on eBay globally from the aforementioned period include the Nike SB Dunk Low “White Gum,” the Nike SB Dunk Low “Black Gum,” the Nike Dunk Low “Cacao Wow,” the Run the Jewels x Nike SB Dunk Low and the Nike SB Dunk Low Jarritos.
Aside from the longstanding sneaker market heavyweights, eBay also revealed sales data for New Balance, a brand that is becoming more beloved among sneakerheads. In terms of the top five best selling releases on eBay globally, the list includes the Aimé Leon Dorex New Balance 860v2 “Green,” the Stone Island x New Balance 991v2 “Black,” the New Balance 9060 “Mushroom,” the New Balance 9060 “Quartz Gray” and the New Balance 9060 “Sea Salt White.”
Aside from products purchased on the platform, eBay has made headlines throughout the year for acquisitions and new services for consumers. For instance, eBay announced in July that it had completed its acquisition of Certilogo, a provider of AI-powered apparel and fashion goods digital IDs and authentication. And in June, eBay revealed it had expanded its Authenticity Guarantee to include both streetwear and kids’ sneakers.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
