While it’s nothing new to splurge on footwear, the most expensive shoes in the world can cost millions.
Whether encrusted in precious stones or worn by an all-star athlete, these shoes go the extra mile when it comes to luxury footwear. In fact, some are even considered too valuable to be worn.
The most expensive shoes in the world are their own rightful category in the luxury market. Often sold off at auctions rather than at retailers, these shoes are much more than footwear.
Speaking of which, the amounts some people have paid just for things that cover your feet is astronomical.
22. Louis Vitton Manhattan Richelieu Men’s Shoes – $10,000
This brand is considered to be the epitome of luxury in the world of fashion. So, it makes sense that the product it delivers will be incredibly detailed.
The LV Vendôme Richelieu is an elegant, elongated lace-up in smooth calf leather with a hand-crafted patina which makes each pair unique.
A testament to Louis Vuitton’s shoemaking expertise, it features a Blake construction for suppleness and comfort, and a hand-painted leather outsole.
It also shows the vintage style and craftsmanship of these shoes. The waxed alligator skin along with the complex stitch patterns and nuanced perforation motif make the $10,000 price tag seem worth it.
21. Nike Air Mag 2016 – $26,000
The 2016 Nike Mag combines the archetype invention with new technologies developed for the HyperAdapt 1.0. The result is an individually responsive system, called Adaptive Fit, that senses the wearer and tightens or loosens accordingly.
2016 edition of Nike Air Mag was directly lifted from the cult 80’s sci-fi hit Back to the Future II.
While the auto-lacing feature and lights in that pair were achieved using cinematic effects, 30 years later, all that technology has become a reality.
These sneakers are battery-powered and feature a motor. Only 89 pairs. were manufactured by the brand, making them incredibly rare. Right now, this shoe Is sold at the price of $26,000.
20. Testoni Men’s Dress Shoes – $30,00
The dress shoes for men crafted by Testoni are no slouch either.
They are a testament to fine Italian craftsmanship and the footwear is highly valued in all markets worldwide.
Testoni, founded in Bologna in 1929 by Amedeo Testoni, painstakingly handcrafts the Moro monk-strap model in the world’s finest exotic alligator skin, applying the techniques of Norwegian construction, for durability and added water resistance.
Stiched with custom-made linen twine, the shoes are lined with glove-soft goatskin and adorned with a rich gold and diamond buckle.
Testoni also uses a second proprietary process, called the piuma rapid, justifying the high cost of these shoes, which require some 200 manual operations to complete. They are made up, deconstructed, and then put back together again in a patented method that results in a shoe as light as a feather that at the same time guarantees protection from hot, cold, and humid weather.
19. The Hermes Birkenstock Sandals – $34,000 – $76,000
THE HERMÈS BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS is a sandal made out of a real, authentic, insanely expensive Birkin Bag. The luxurious sandals, which are priced at between $35,000 and $76,000 as much as the bag itself were made by Brooklyn creative collective MSCHF.
Birkenstock features an authentic Birkenstock leather and cork footbed with an upper crafted entirely out of the Hermes Birkin bags
The rather odd amalgamation has been hailed by fashion enthusiasts, with three pairs already being sold. The Birkin Bag, made by Hermès, is revered in high-street fashion. MSCHF was turned down by at least two leather workshops for even the idea of chopping by a Birkin.
These sandals are priced at a range between $35,000 to $76,000. One would think this would hinder potential buyers. But, the brand has stated that they may only have 4 – 6 pairs left to sell.
18. Testoni Shoes– $38,000
Men are often clueless when it comes to what looks good on their feet, but even the most sartorially challenged person has to agree that these shoes appear stunning.
If you’re thinking about how the brand justifies the high price tag, it all comes down to the innovative Norvegese technique used by this brand. The leather used to make these shoes is sourced from the best alligator leather in the world and is extremely durable.
Even though the brand dates all the way back to 1929, the craftsmanship of Testoni is well ahead of its time. Another main reason why these shoes are so expensive is their super water-resistance property, which is something every man wants in an ideal pair of leather shoes.
17. Nike So Cal Air Force 1 Supreme Max – $50,000
Nike comes next on the list with the futuristic-sounding Air Force 1 Supreme Max, one of the most expensive Nike shoes. Every man has fantasized about owning a pair of these shoes ever since its launch.
The Air Force 1 Supreme Max So Cal was first released in 1982. This isn’t a new model but it’s certainly getting a lot of attention these days. The sneaker was designed for the basketball court, but it ended up having a dual purpose and setting trends in stylish fashion, hurling it into the lifestyle category. This was a significant model because it featured Nike Air technology for the first time ever
While the top part of these shoes is composed of premium quality leather, the bottom section is made of 3 M reflective material. The neon green laces are a nice touch.
16. Air Jordan Silver Shoes – $60,000
Since it was first launched, this sleek-looking pair of Air Jordans has been the envy of shoe enthusiasts across the world. They are a sight to behold and have been signed by the legend Michael Jordan himself.
The best part about these shoes is that they are quite comfortable to wear, which is not something that can be said for a lot of the shoes featured in this list. The silver detailing featured on these Air Jordans is a work of art, making them the most expensive basketball shoes.
This line of shoes has become so popular that they are now synonymous with the Nike brand itself throughout the world. If you consider yourself the biggest Michael Jordan fan and want to own a pair, you must be ready to pay $60,000.
15. Nizam Sikandar Jah’s Shoes – $160,000
These shoes once belonged to Sikandar Jah, the 18th century Nizam of Hyderabad. The delicate design is extremely complex and anything unlike you’ve seen before. The whole shoe is embroidered using gold thread and features numerous rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and other expensive gemstones. This shoe is valued at $160,000.
The man must have loved the fine things in life because apart from marrying two wives, he indulged himself in commissioning the making of a pair of slippers. Were they ordinary slippers then they would not be worth mentioning but these slippers, which resemble those we watch Aladdin wear, were adorned with rubies and diamonds.
Besides the precious stones, the work that went into the completion of the shoes was enormous; they had a delicate design that was almost impossible to make, and instead of the common thread, the makers used gold thread for stitching. Rare gemstones like emeralds then completed the look with beautiful adornment.
The shoe is property of a Toronto-based museum but was stolen. Thankfully, they were recovered but had sustained some damage in the process.
14. Kathryn Wilson’s Pump– $400,000
Kathryn Wilson, the New Zealand-based designer, ruled fashion headlines when she created this wonderful piece for a charity auction. Wilson masterminded the glamorous accessory with the help of Sarah Hutchings of Auckland’s Orsini Fine Jewellery company.
The creation process involved hours of surgeon-like precision using tweezers and a special adhesive to painstakingly attach the diamonds to the shoe, one by one.
Both wanted to create a shoe that signified the ultimate in designer luxury and embodied the ‘Cinderella’ fantasy.
It took more than 50 hours to make the exclusive shoes, which are made up of 21.18 carats of quality diamonds, lace, embellishments, and a Kathryn Wilson shoe.
Every single one of those diamonds was individually pasted by hand during that time span. These decadent-looking shoes were sold off at the auction for a massive amount of $400,000.
13. Stuart Weitzman Diamond Dream Stilettos – $500,000
The Diamond Dream stilettos were handcrafted using 1,500 diamonds, each worth 30 karats. No wonder they command the viewer’s attention.
These Diamond Dream Stilettos were created by famous designer Stuart Weitzman and they cost $500.000. Their design is very simple at first sight, but as you may see the upper is decorated with diamond-coated circles. And of course, they are handmade. Wearing these shoes you need no jewelry or stylish clothes because everyone will be looking only for your shiny footwear.
And if you’re ready to shell out $500,000 you can have this beautiful pair in your possession.
12. Stuart Weitzman“Marilyn Monroe” Shoes – $1 Million 
Inspired by the star who famously crooned “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”, Weitzman created these gorgeous shoes using crystals which Marilyn herself used to hear at one point in time.
They took a lot of effort to create and it shows in the craftsmanship. Worn by Regina King at the 2005 Oscars, the shoes not only managed to make their presence felt at the event but also fetched a princely sum of $1 million at an auction.
when you first glance at these high-heeled shoes, they’re pleasing to the eye and they do have a lovely rose focal point in the center. The straps are delicate and feminine with an attractive wraparound ankle strap that crisscrosses at the top.
The rose which adorns the center is made of satin material and within the center is a pattern of genuine Swarovski crystals. Marilyn Monroe had never worn these shoes but they still have a strong connection with the late superstar actress.
11. Stuart Weitzman Retro Rose Pumps – $1 Million
Designed in the 1940s style by Weitzman, these pretty retro heels feature a signature T-strap which was commonly found in that era and is worth $1 million.
The toe portion of these shoe features rose ornaments made of 1,800 Kwiat diamonds and having a total carat weight of 100 carats.
Apart from these beautiful features, the shoes themselves are studded with another 400 Kwiat diamonds.
The shoes became a talking point in tinsel town when Diablo Cody, the Oscar-winning screenplay writer for Juno, refused to wear them during the 2008 ceremony as she felt they were merely a “cheesy publicity stunt.”
10. Stuart Weitzman Platinum Guild Stilettos -$1.09 Million
By now, you should know that whenever you read the name Stuart Weitzman, it’s going to be associated with something highly valuable, over-the-top, and opulent. And these shoes are a perfect example.
The straps that adorn this shoe are easily removable, and you can actually wear them around your neck as a statement piece or as a bracelet. So, its style meets the functionality of the highest order.
The straps are made of platinum fabric which is not a textile that you can easily purchase from the local fabric store. In addition to this, there are a total of 464 precious stones from the prestigious Kwiat jewelers, embedded within the straps.
Hours of attention to detail and care go into the decorating of the straps which are the main focal point of the shoes.
First showcased at the 2002 Academy Awards, these shoes are likely to make any woman happy.
9. Stuart Weitzman Wizard Of Oz Ruby Stilletos – $1.6 Million
After Harry Winston’s rendition of the ruby slippers comes a more updated version of the same by Stuart Weitzman. Only this time around they are heels, Eye-catching and glamorous.
The insole is cherry red and the straps are made of delicate red satin material and the stiletto heels are four and a half inches in height. An infusion of the rare precious metal platinum is used for the jewel settings and the total weight of this material comes to half of a pound or the equivalent of 123.33 carats of platinum.
Premium platinum thread was used for sewing the upper to the base of the shoes and the straps are encrusted with rare Burma rubies.
There are a total of 642 rubies used in the design in oval and round shapes totaling over 120 carats. The stones can also be taken off the shoes and used for jewelry thus making the shoe carry a price tag of $1.6 million.
8. Tom Ford Custom By Jason Arasheben – $2 Million
When Nick Cannon hosted the 2014 America’s Got Talent, he wanted to make a statement. And he managed to surpass expectations by wearing a pair of $2 million all-diamond shoes.
The Tom Ford shoes were custom designed by Jason Arasheben, the well-known jewelry designer, and they were a sight to behold.
More than 14,000 full-cut round white diamonds were carefully set onto white gold. The total carat weight is a staggering 340 carats.
The bedazzled shoes took more than 2,000 man-hours and almost a year to complete. There are no known sales associated with the custom Tom Fords, but many have certainly expressed interest.
It was also announced around the time of its creation that the commission from the shoes was going to be donated to a charity yet to be determined. That charity remains to be undetermined to this day, and the shoes remain to be forever a remnant from that part of history.
7. Stuart Weitzman Tanzanite Heels – $2 Million
The third Stuart Weitzman entry on this list, these stiletto heels were the product of collaboration between Eddie Le Vian and Weitzman.
These heels are a grand sight to behold, being adorned with tanzanite, a gemstone of extraordinary appearance, The straps feature 185 carats of tanzanite along with 28 carats of diamonds.
The first thing that you notice about the Tanzanite heels is the fact that they are silver and extremely ornate. The silver platform of the shoe is complemented with a thin strip of diamond-encrusted silver for the upper which is merely a strap that goes across the forefront of the foot.
Moving upwards, the ankle strap looks more like a rococo choker or necklace than it does the component of a high-end pair of shoes. It is the ultimate in the ankle and upper foot dressing and it even has a regal air about it. A pendant dangles elegantly downwards to complete the aesthetics,
What makes these shoes even more attractive is the fact that they are made of shining silver, giving them a delicate, ethereal look.
6. Stuart Weitzman Cinderella Slippers– $2 Million
Another Stuart Weitzman creation, these stunning slippers were crafted from Italian leather. The inspiration was the popular fairytale character, Cinderella.
We all know the original tale where a peasant girl who’d lost her titles and lands to an evil stepmother after her father died is granted her one wish by a benevolent fairy godmother.
565 Kwiat diamonds were set in platinum and twisted into a complex, lace-like design to make the toe straps and ankle. If that’s not enough, the right shoe houses a 5-carat amaretto diamond, which alone costs over a million dollars.
The rest of the shoes are made from platinum and Italian leather and transparent material designed to leave the foot looking utterly naked except for the dazzling diamond lace pattern. The barely-there slippers seem to float along the floor just like the 565 Kwiat diamonds that floats above the dainty foot that wears them.
The 4-inch stilettos were worn by Alison Krauss, the country singer, to the 2004 Oscars and appeared to meld into the background, leaving the crowd to gawk at the masses of sparkling diamonds.
5. Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth Heels – $3 Million
One of the Old Hollywood darlings, Rita Hayworth found a place in fashion history when a pair of earrings worn by the star was fashioned into shoes by Stuart Weitzman.
What stands out about these heels is the lovely, muted shade of Sienna Satin used in its construction a welcome change from all the glitz and glam commonly found in expensive footwear.
Stuart Weitzman created outstanding and incomparable heels around a pair of extraordinary earrings. The diamond, ruby, and sapphire stones set in the earings which grace the center of the satin flowers on the toe of these shoes were once owned and worn by Rita herself. These magnificent heels are genuinely one of a kind.
Despite its understated elegance, this pair features various types of precious gemstones, from diamonds to sapphires to rubies in a satin ruffle near the toe section. Valued at a cool $3 million, these open-toed heels are not for sale, they are the property of Hayworth’s daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan.
4. Harry Winston Ruby Slippers – $3 Million
Jewelry designer Harry Winston’s son, Ron Winston, wanted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz in the grandest way possible. And he chose to do so by replicating the ruby slippers worn by young Dorothy.
Meticulously crafted using 4,600 rubies, these shoes represent the height of luxury. Apart from 1,350 carats of rubies, these beautiful shoes also feature 50 carats of diamonds.
The original ruby slippers were breathtaking to behold, but upon closer inspection, the only embellishments upon them were lovely red sequins. Winston’s version of the famous and even iconic ruby slippers boasted the encrustment of 4,600 gemstones, which made his slippers much more opulent and glittery in the light.
When you get closer you can see that the combination of rubies and diamonds presents a much more remarkable artistic creation that adheres to the principles of both form and function. There are a total of 1,350 carats of premium rubies along with the addition of 50 carats of diamonds in the pair.
Bearing a $3 million price tag, these ruby slippers far outshine the original, which were created using plain red sequins.
3. Debbie Wingham High Heels – $ 15.1 Million
Commissioned as a birthday present, this frightfully expensive pair was designed by Debbie Wingham, who is no stranger when it comes to creating luxury items.
The high heels are set with some of the costliest and rarest gemstones in the world, like blue and pink diamonds, which explains the price tag.
The body of the shoe is crafted from platinum while the plaque is pure gold. The remainder of these shoes is made of leather but feature 24-carat gold paint. 18-carat gold thread was used to stitch this priceless pair.
In order to make her shoes a reality Debbie Wingham called contemporary artist Chris Campbell from the USA in to help with the project.
The two created a pair of heels that is literally staggering and completely unique. The zips and plaque underneath the shoes are made from solid 18k gold. The stitching is an 18k gold thread, and even the leather is painted in real 24k gold paint using a true-golden and rose-gold for contrast. Debbie contributed to design, and Chris did the crafting, which took hundreds of hours.
2. Jada Dubai And Passion Jewelers Passion Diamond Shoes – $17 Million
Jada Dubai and Passion Jewelers have collaborated to create one of the world’s most expensive footwear.
Each shoe is trimmed with 118 smaller round diamonds and features one of the impressive crowning jewels prong-set near the pointed toe. Everything about the “Passion Diamond Shoes” exudes luxury. Even the insoles are inscribed in gold.
Jada Dubai’s record-setting shoes, which were designed in coordination with Dubai-based Passion Jewellers, took nearly nine months to create.
Priced at $17 million the stiletto heel pumps are embedded with a pair of 15 carat D grade diamonds. There are a further 238 diamonds used to decorate the trim.
The pair was on display at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai along with a less exotic red pair encrusted with rubies priced at $27,000. It has taken expert shoemakers 9 months to craft it from pure gold. It is not known if it was sold.
1. Moon Star Shoes By Antonio Vietri – $19.9 Million
Worth almost $20 million, this pair of heels has been crafted with solid gold, 30 carats of diamond, and an Argentinian meteorite circa 1576.
It debuted in Dubai as part of MIDE (Made in Italy, Designed in Emirates) Fashion Week. These pumps are a statement piece modeled after the Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world. The solid gold heels are shaped like a skyscraper while the vamp is studded with diamonds.
Antonio Vietri is infamous for designing the world’s first 24k gold shoes which were priced at a hefty $32,000. These were delivered to buyers via helicopters.
Talk about over the top. Do any of the above-mentioned shoes capture your fancy? They might be prohibitively expensive, but the dedication, effort, craftsmanship and materials that go into their production make them a worthwhile investment for those rich enough to afford them.
