Uliza kiatu: Sh7.1million 'Utra-Rare' Apple sneakers

 Apple's ultra-rare sneakers. [Sotheby's]

Apple, the renowned tech company, is widely recognized for its mobile devices and laptops, but not typically associated with sneakers.

However, there exists an exclusive and "ultra-rare" collection of Apple sneakers, making them almost impossible to find in the market.

These sneakers have become highly sought after, commanding a staggering price tag of $50,000, which is approximately Sh7.1 million. Yes, you read that right – shoes from Apple, the tech giant, are being sold through auctioneers Sotheby's at a price seven times more expensive than any other Apple product available.

But why?

In the mid 90’s the sneakers were custom made for the company’s employees as a one-time giveaway at a National Sales Conference.

The size 10.5 shoes have never been worn and feature the old apple rainbow logo on the tongue and side of the shoe. They are white and similar in shape to the Nike Air Forces. In the box, they come with an extra pair of red shoelaces

“Having never reached the general public, this particular pair of sneakers is one of the most obscure in existence,” Sotheby’s said in its catalogue.

Though the pair has never been worn, Sotheby’s warns of imperfections “consistent with age,” including some yellowing around the midsoles and light marks on the toe boxes.

Recently, another vintage Apple product was sold for a very high price. A special 2007 iPhone, which was the first edition, was sold at an auction for over $190,000 (Sh27 million), surpassing what the auctioneer expected.

Similarly, a pair of old Birkenstock sandals that belonged to Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, was auctioned for $200,000 (Sh28.4 million) in November 2022. These sales show that vintage Apple items can be very valuable and sought after by collectors.

At the moment, the shoes rank as the third most expensive sneakers available for purchase on Sotheby's website. The top two are a pair of Nike SB Dunk Low Paris Bernard Buffet priced at $90,000 (Sh 12.8 million) and a pair of Nike x Louis Vuitton Air Force 1s priced at $75,000 (Sh10.6 million).