Auction house Sotheby’s has set a $50,000 price tag for a pair of “ultra-rare” Apple sneakers.
What makes it rare: The unique white trainers, dubbed the Omega Sports Apple Computer Sneakers, were originally custom made for Apple employees as an exclusive giveaway during a National Sales Conference in the mid-1990s.
According to the item catalog, the pair never reached the general public, making it one of the most obscure pieces of Apple memorabilia currently available for purchase. It features a predominantly white upper with the classic rainbow Apple logo adorning both the tongue and lateral quarter.
The shoes’ condition: Sotheby’s is selling the shoes on its site as brand new with their original box, accompanied by an alternative pair of red laces. The listing, however, notes that some signs of aging are evident, including yellowing around the midsoles, traces of glue and light marks on the toe boxes.
Beyond tech: While Apple is predominantly known for its innovative tech products, the company briefly entered the world of fashion and merchandise in 1986 with “The Apple Collection.”
This line of clothing and accessories, bearing the iconic rainbow Apple logo, featured items such as mugs, umbrellas, bags, keyrings, and even a sailboard. These products, known as “white label products,” were manufactured by third-party companies like Lamy, Honda, or Braun but adorned with Apple’s branding and logo for sale.
Classic Apple: Vintage Apple products have been fetching extraordinary sums at auctions in recent years.
Just last month, a first-edition 2007 iPhone sold for over $190,000, far surpassing the auctioneer’s initial estimate. In November 2022, a pair of old Birkenstock sandals previously owned and worn by the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was sold for an impressive $200,000 at auction.
