Cash for Kicks: What are The Most Expensive Shoes?

From $15.1 million diamond-studded heels to solid gold and meteorite Moon Star Shoes worth $19.9 million, discover the world's most expensive shoes and why investing in luxury shoes could be worth it.

Updated Jul 31, 2023

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If you think investing your hard-earned money into a wardrobe of luxury shoes is frivolous, think again. Designer shoes go beyond being a statement piece—they can be a sound financial investment.

Sure, enjoying designer labels with luxury leathers and trendier styles feels great, but now you can feel even better knowing you are investing in something that could pay off for you.

Feeling flush? Here's the perfect way to make your hard-earned money work for you—invest in an exclusive collection of designer shoes. While you’ll turn heads when you step out with those chic soles, the real money is in the after-market value of prized luxury shoes.

The booming global footwear market was projected to hit nearly $353 billion by 2022. So, investors understand that luxury shoes are worth more than just their stylishness. Read on for all the reasons luxury shoes could be a great investment.

For those with deep pockets, designer shoes are the icing on the cake. For example, the Debbie Wingham High Heels and the Moon Star Shoes are valued at an eye-watering $15.1 million and $19.9 million, respectively. These babies come with diamonds, solid gold, and meteorite.

There’s also the Passion Diamond Shoes, which costs a cool $17 million. If you think that's too steep, Tom Ford and Jason Arasheben have got you covered with their custom-made 14,000 full-cut diamond rounds (340 carats in total), that are sure to make anyone stand out in a room.

Boasting a solid gold heel, 30 carats of diamonds, and a 1576 meteorite, the Moon Star Shoe cost $20 million.

And if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, check out the Stuart Weitzman Wizard of Oz and Rita Hayworth heels. While not quite as sparkly, these beauties range from half a million to a few million dollars and are still dripping in diamonds, rubies, and sapphires—perfect for any fashionista who likes to make an entrance.

You may not get the most comfort, but they’re the most likely to fetch a higher resale value than any other shoes on the market.

What makes shoes valuable investments?

Investing in shoes is a great way to make a statement. As long as you're willing to pay the hefty price tag, you’ll never have to worry about sacrificing quality or comfort.

With expertly-crafted materials, designs, and high-quality branding, designer shoes are a great investment for those looking for a fashionable upgrade or superior comfort.

Plus, designer shoes tend to hold their value over time, allowing you to resell them for a good return. Resale values in the fashion industry are unpredictable. But, when done right, investing in shoes can be the perfect way to walk on the stylish side.

Some sneakers can fetch up to 60 times their original price. Take the Air Jordan Silver Shoes, which were $65 and are now selling for $60,000. That's a massive return on investment, even higher than bitcoin.

But what makes shoes so valuable? Supply and demand are the keys to understanding the sneaker game, and limited releases and rare designs are your best bet. Collabs with celebs, high-profile figures, and luxury fashion houses have also upped the hype, and even physical conditions can play a role in the value of shoes.

When investing in shoes, it's best to pick your favorites and go with your gut. Diversifying your portfolio may not result in big wins. Do your research and know what you're doing instead, and you might find yourself with some serious value in your wardrobe.

Most expensive shoes in the world

If you’re looking for a way to show off your wealth and make a statement, why not check out some of the world’s most expensive shoes?

From the Air Jordan Silver Shoes to the Michael Jordan-inspired Nike Air Mag, these shoes are crafted from some of the most luxurious materials and by top designers like Stuart Weitzman, Harry Winston, Debbie Wingham, and Antonio Vietri.

The Passion Diamond Shoes are made with two 15-carat D-grade diamonds and 238 diamonds, with a hefty $17 million price tag.

And if you want to go even bigger, why not try the Moon Star Shoes? Crafted from pure gold, 30 carats of diamonds, and a 1576 meteorite, these shoes will set you back $19.9 million.

But no matter what shoes you choose, you can be sure they’ll turn heads and show the world just how much you’re worth. So, why not treat yourself to a pair of the most expensive shoes in the world and show the world your fashion flair?

Let's look at some of the priciest shoes out there and their crazy price tags. It's unbelievable how much you can make off investing in luxury footwear.

1. Moon Star shoes

  • Price: $19.9 million
  • Type: High heels

The Diamond-encrusted Moon Star shoes are worth $20 million.
Source: pinkvilla.com

The Moon Star shoes are a remarkable piece of art and a conversation starter. Created in 2019 by Antonio Vietri, they were on display at the MIDE (Made in Italy, Designed in Emirates) Fashion Week aboard a yacht in Dubai—and they’re worth every penny.

These opulent shoes cost almost $20 million and boast a solid gold heel, 30 carats of diamonds, and even a 16th-century Argentinian meteorite embedded in them. 

If you are looking to make a wise investment, these Moon Star Shoes are the perfect opportunity. They feature a custom design modeled after the majestic 163-story Burj Khalifa skyscraper (the tallest in the world), guaranteeing that their owners will stand out.

And don’t worry about delivery if you can’t make it to the UAE. These limited edition shoes are delivered to the lucky buyers in an equally luxurious way: via helicopter.

2. Passion Diamond stilettos 

  • Price: $17 million
  • Type: Stilettos 

The Passion Diamond Shoes are worth $17 million.
Source: pinkvilla.com

Passion Diamond shoes are the second-most expensive shoes in the world, with a price tag of $17 million. Skilled shoemakers designed these luxurious stiletto pumps over nine months. They feature two 15-carat D-grade diamonds, 238 additional diamonds, and pure gold. 

The intricate design of these shoes makes them eye-catching pieces of footwear, and their unique history adds a powerful testament to the grandeur of luxury fashion. 

Jada Dubai and Passion Jewelers dazzled the world with their extravagant creation when they unveiled their Passion Diamond Shoes at the prestigious Burj Al Arab hotel.

These expensive beauties are irresistible to collectors keen to acquire meticulously crafted shoes made from lavish materials. No doubt, these luxe shoes will inspire awe and admiration for years to come.

3. Debbie Wingham high heels 

  • Price: $15.1 million
  • Type: Stilettos 

The Debbie Wingham High Heels is valued at over $15 million.
Source: footwearnews.com

A United Arab Emirates family commissioned U.K. fashion designer and cake creator Debbie Wingham and contemporary artist Chris Campbell from Florida to collaborate on a pair of diamond-encrusted stilettos. They took over a hundred hours of work and a not-so-modest fee of over $15 million. Talk about money-heeler shopping.

The heels are made of three-carat rare pink diamonds, one-carat blue diamonds, four three-carat diamonds, 1,000 pointer diamonds set in platinum framing, gold soles and zippers, 24-karat gold paint, 18-karat gold thread stitching, and leather Iranian jasmine flower at the center of the shoe. 

It's no surprise the shoe is the third-most expensive shoe of all time. For Debbie Wingham, the shoes are not so much a business venture as they are a celebration of human creativity. 

They are a symbol of our capacity to create something beautiful and unique, regardless of the expense. Debbie Wingham’s high heels are valuable because of their intricate design and sheer value. The combination of craftsmanship, precious gems, and gold makes this particular pair of shoes a priceless treasure. 

Ultimately, Debbie Wingham has created a luxury piece of footwear that will remain a conversation starter for years. It’s a testament to human creativity and an inspiration to continue to push the boundaries of luxury and art.

4. Harry Winston Ruby slippers 

  • Price: $3 million
  • Type: Slippers

Harry Winston Ruby slippers, 50 carats diamonds shoes worth $3 million.
Source: pinkvilla.com

The Harry Winston Ruby Slippers are a remarkable example of the craftsmanship, history, and opulence Harry Winston is known for. Created in 1989 by Ronald Wilson, the only son of the legendary jewelry designer Harry Winston, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. The slippers feature a total of 4,600 rubies, along with 50 carats of diamonds. 

The design process for the pair of Ruby Slippers was a relatively lengthy one, taking two months of hard work and dedication by Ronald Winston and his father’s House of Harry Winston. Given the effort that went into creating the Harry Winston Ruby Slippers, it’s no surprise that they come with a hefty $3 million price tag.

These opulent Harry Winston Ruby Slippers will likely remain one of the most expensive shoes in the world. They’re a testament to Ronald Wilson and his father’s exquisite eye for detail and appreciation of luxury and precious metals and a momentous reminder of the 50th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz

5. Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth heels

  • Price: $3 million
  • Type: Heels

Stuart Weitzman Rita Hayworth Heels are worth $3 million.
Source: pinkvilla.com

Stuart Weitzman created the Rita Hayworth heels—a fancy pair of shoes highlighted by a satin flower centered on the heel and its captivating rust hue—to commemorate the legacy of Rita Hayworth's mother.

Sporting a $3 million price tag, this design gained the prestigious rank of fifth most expensive shoe ever made, soaring above a pair of Tom Fords worth $2.7 million.

Like Rita Hayworth's daughter, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, who owns them, these shoes exemplify luxury and sophistication. Not to mention, they’re timeless and one-of-a-kind masterpieces that not many can get their hands (or feet) on.

6. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans 

  • Price: $2 million
  • Type: Sneakers

Drake’s Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans will set buyers back by $2 million.
Source: sneakernews.com

If you've ever wanted to make a statement with your shoes, then the Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans are just the ticket. Crafted by American artist Matthew Senna, these revolutionary shoes weigh 50 pounds and made from 24-karat gold. 

Drake, the only man in the world to own these exclusive shoes, proudly showed them off on Instagram in 2016. 

These one-of-a-kind shoes are the priciest Nikes ever, with a staggering market value of $2 million. If you want to turn heads with your style, these golden beauties could be the ultimate showstopper. 

The Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordans is a collaboration project between Drake and Nike, and they’ve become one of the most iconic fashion statements out there.

7. Tom Ford Custom loafers 

  • Price: $2 million
  • Type: Loafers

Nick Cannon’s Tom Ford Custom Loafers is valued at $2 million.
Source: footwearnews.com

Boasting an extraordinary design and selling for $2 million, the Tom Ford Custom Loafers have luxury written all over them. Commissioned by Jason Arasheben of Beverly Hills, Nick Cannon wore them during the season finale of America's Got Talent before donating them to charity. 

The close to 14,000 full-cut round diamonds set in white gold took nearly 2,000 hours of labor, not including the crafting of the shoe itself. Thanks to the combined efforts of Tom Ford, Nick Cannon, and Jason Arasheben, these custom loafers are now appreciated worldwide.

It's not just the diamonds that make these shoes so desirable—the thought, effort, and class add to their appeal.

8. Stuart Weitzman Tanzanite heels 

  • Price: $2 million
  • Type: Heels

The Stuart Weitzman Tanzanite Heels are worth an estimated $2 million.
Source: pinkvilla.com

The Stuart Weitzman Tanzanite Heels are truly a sight to behold. This stunning example of craftsmanship is the epitome of luxury and extravagance. The killer heels have been designed with the help of renowned jeweler Eddie Le Vian. 

Sporting a visually stunning silver construction, these heels measuring 4.5 inches are encrusted with 185 carats of awesome tanzanite and 28 carats of diamonds. The unique tanzanite gemstone is considered rarer than diamonds and was discovered by the Maasai tribe as recently as 1967.

Their shimmering tanzanite and diamond encrustations make them the perfect accessory to any outfit. They’re sure to catch admiring glances with these on your feet.

The Stuart Weitzman Tanzanite Heels were recently valued at an astounding $2 million and are undoubtedly one of the world's most expensive shoes ever created.

Is investing in shoes a good idea?

Investing in shoes is more than just a business opportunity—it can offer incredible returns. The sneaker game has been a profitable niche for some time now, but it has recently become a billion-dollar industry. 

In fact, the best investment shoes can see returns of 2x to 6x—much higher than even cryptocurrency investments and arguably less risky. 

To maximize your returns, look into factors such as brand, condition, release year, limited edition, hype, collaborations, and other rare or unique attributes before you buy. StockX is the best platform for buying some of the most expensive shoes like Harry Winston Ruby Slippers or Moon Star Shoes.

You can invest in the Stuart Weitzman Cinderella slippers for a more luxurious and unique asset. Sneakerheads will also know the iconic Nike Air Mag and Air Jordan—both of which offer great returns. 

If you're looking for something more understated, the Testoni Men's Dress shoes or Stuart Weitzman Platinum Guild are worth considering. And for something really special, why not invest in the Stuart Weitzman Diamond Dream or Passion Diamond shoes? Shoes made of solid gold or with toe straps like Hermès Birkenstock Sandals are also worth a look. 

Finally, don't forget to check out Stuart Weitzman's greatest hits, like the Stuart Weitzman Retro Rose or the Stuart Weitzman Marilyn Monroe. With the right investments, you can make a killing—so why not give it a go?