Sotheby's lists ‘Ultra-rare’ Apple trainers for $50,000

Heritage auction house Sotheby’s is selling one of Apple’s most unique products – a mysterious pair of trainers that were reportedly custom-made for employees in the late 80s or early 90s.

When you think of Apple products, fashion and apparel don't usually come to mind. However, the company forayed into this space during its early days. For example, The Omega x Apple shoes are one of Apple’s earliest products.

The trainers, on sale in a US men’s size 10.5/ UK men’s size 9.5 for $50,000 (£38,969), are all-white minus the multicoloured logo. They feature an air-cushioned sole and come equipped with an extra pair of red laces included in the box.

Despite being in "new" condition they are "consistent with age". The item description notes yellowing around the midsoles and glue, as well as light marks on the toe boxes.

Sotheby’s claims they were created as part of a one-time giveaway at a national sales conference in the mid-1990s. However, in 2016, a pair were found at a garage sale in Palo Alto, California. The shoes, that feature an air-cushioned heel, were brought to Heritage Auction, which listed them at a starting bid of $30,000 (£23,235).

Back in 2018, Leon Benrimon, Heritage Auction’s Director of Modern and Contemporary Art, told Esquire: "We believe they were a pair of prototype sneakers made for Apple in the late 1980s or early 1990s.

"We believe there were only two pairs made, and the other pair was from the Apple archives. The pair we have are what we believe is the only known private pair."

However, a pair made their way to eBay in 2017, which were listed for $15,000 (£11,600).

According to the Guardian, In 1986, Apple started a short-lived clothing and accessories range called the Apple Collection. A magazine released at the time shows an eclectic range of company-branded products for sale, although the trainers didn’t make an appearance.