An Air Jordan 11 created with the sole purpose of honoring Prince has sold for a jaw-dropping six figures.
Jordan Brand designed the exclusive Air Jordan 11 “Purple Rain” as a tribute to the legendary musician. However, following Prince’s unexpected passing on April 21st, 2016, the sneakers were never gifted to him. As the only pair in existence, this ultra-rare collector’s item recently sold for an astonishing $100,000. The identity of the buyer is unclear. However, well-known sneaker collector Simon Voltaire Tan is the man who seemingly brokered the deal.
The 11s, drenched in deep purple, capture Prince’s signature aesthetic. Its luxurious suede upper and tongue blend with plush velvet mudguards, creating an opulent feel, fit for music royalty. An opaque purple outsole enhances the design, while a crisp white midsole and matching tongue lettering add slight contrast. Metallic silver Jumpman logos complete the look with a refined elegance.
Inside, the sneaker holds a deeply personal tribute. Custom insoles feature “Jumpman” in Prince’s unmistakable font, accompanied by falling rain graphics, an homage to one of Prince’s most timeless records, “Purple Rain.”
While this collector’s item never reached the Grammy Award winner, several other items owned by Prince have sold for hefty amounts. In 2023, Prince’s handwritten lyrics for “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” were purchased for over $20,000.
