Sneakers, Sports Memorabilia & Modern Collectibles

Team Picks | 6 Iconic Sneakers You Need in Your Collection

By Zoë Vanderweide
Get your pair of new Nike sneakers at Sothebys. Browse our collection of rare and collectible sneakers, such as the classic Air Jordan 1 Chicago, Off White Nike Dunk Lows, and Supreme sneakers, all available on our online Sneaker Shop .


Looking to buy some of the most popular Nike sneakers for your collection? Luckily for you, our Streetwear & Modern Collectibles team is here to help you find the most exclusive, sought-after sneaker drops out there. Whether you're a seasoned sneakerhead or just starting your journey, building a premium sneaker collection takes time and dedication. Explore our new Nike sneakers, such as the classic Air Jordan 1 Chicago to Off White Nike Dunk Lows. We've rounded up 6 of our favorite iconic shoes that you need in your sneaker collection today. Read on to learn more.

Iconic Sneakers to Add to Your Collection

1 | Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High Chicago

The Nike Air Jordan 1 Chicago is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and sought-after sneakers in the world. This visually striking shoe, with its classic combination of white, black, and red, is a staple for both basketball and streetwear enthusiasts alike. The Chicago Air Jordan 1 has a rich history that makes it even more desirable for collectors, as the shoe was famously banned by the NBA for violating uniform policy in 1985. This created a buzz around the shoes, and when Nike released the first Retro edition in 1994, the Chicago colorway was one of the first reintroduced. Since then, the Air Jordan Chicago has been reissued several times, each time causing a frenzy among sneakerheads. If you're looking for a sneaker that combines style, history, and rarity, the Chicago Air Jordan 1 High is a must-have for your collection.

2 | Nike Air Force 1 Low Off-White MCA University Blue 

The collaboration between Virgil Abloh's Off-White fashion house and the Nike brand has resulted in some of the most sought-after sneakers in recent years. The 2019 Chicago exclusive release of the Nike Air Force 1 Low Off-White MCA University Blues is a prime example of this. This limited edition sneaker was released to celebrate Virgil Abloh's first solo exhibition, "Figures of Speech," at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, with the first pair given to none other than tennis legend Serena Williams. The remaining pairs were only available through super-exclusive raffles, making this Air Force 1 one of Off-White's most iconic sneakers. This collaboration brings together the classic design of the AF1, which features groundbreaking air pocket technology, with Off-White's unique aesthetic, resulting in a truly unique sneaker. If you're looking to add a rare and iconic sneaker to your collection, the Nike Air Force 1 Low Off-White MCA University Blue is a must-have.

3 | Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Supreme Black Cement 

In 2002, Nike SB and Supreme came together to release two of the most iconic Dunks ever produced. These SB Dunk Lows were only available through Supreme stores, with a mere 500 pairs produced, making them an extremely rare and coveted pair in the sneaker community. This Low SB Dunk collaboration between two of the most prominent names in streetwear brought together Supreme's edgy style and Nike's rich heritage to create a truly unique sneaker. The SB Dunk Low Pro Supreme was released in two colorways, 'White Cement' and 'Black Cement', which paid tribute to the iconic Air Jordan 3 White and Black Cement models. This particular pair, the 'Black Cement', features the famous Cement Grey elephant print across the toe, heel panels, and lacing tabs, with smooth black leather and a black Swoosh completing the design. The SB Dunk Low Pro Supreme is a must-have for any sneakerhead looking to add a rare and iconic sneaker to their collection.

4 | Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Mid White

The Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh is one of the most highly coveted sneakers in recent history. Released in 2022, 40 years after the original Air Force One was introduced, Abloh’s collaboration with the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton breathed new life into the iconic silhouette. Abloh designed a total of 47 bespoke pairs of AF1s for the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2022 show in collaboration with Nike. The Air Forces were crafted by Louis Vuitton in Fiesso d’Artico, making this the first time the AF1 model was produced outside of a Nike factory. The first release of the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 came through Sotheby’s auction house in January 2022, with a total of 200 pairs offered in an exclusive colorway and pilot case. A general release of nine additional pairs dropped in June 2022. With its high-end design and limited availability, this collaboration is a must-have for any serious sneaker collector.

5| Nike Air Max 1/97 VF Sean Wotherspoon 

The Nike Air Max is one of the most iconic sneakers of all time, initially released in 1987. It was designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield and was the first shoe to feature visible air pockets in the sole. The Air Max has been reimagined and redesigned countless times over the years, and the Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 97/1 is one of the most unique and sought-after versions of the silhouette. It's bold and colorful corduroy upper, combined with the iconic Air Max 1 sole, make it a true statement piece. The infrared Visible Air Unit is also a nod to the Nike Air Max heritage, paying homage to the original 1987 design. With its vibrant colors and unique design, the Sean Wotherspoon Air Max is a great pair for any sneaker collection.

6 | Nike Dunk Low Off-White Lot 01 of 50 

The Nike Dunk Low Off-White "Lot 01 of 50" is a limited-edition sneaker that was first released in 2021 as part of the "Dear Summer" collection. The Off White Dunk features a stylish and unique design, including a canvas and leather upper in white with zigzag rope laces and metallic silver Swoosh. The pair also includes design details Virgil Abloh is famous for, such as an off-center tongue tag and Helvetica text on the medial side. The pre-yellowed midsole is labeled "Lot 01 of 50," emphasizing the exclusivity of the shoe. Additionally, the sneaker collab comes with a white zip-tie and an exposed-foam tongue. This sneaker is a must-have for collectors who appreciate Virgil Abloh's unique design aesthetic and limited-edition sneakers.

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