It is well known that fans of the bitten apple brand are fiercely loyal to all the products that Apple launches. If someone buys an iPhone, they feel compelled to get the Apple Watch, iMac, MacBook, Apple TV, and more.
What we didn’t know is that Apple once designed and had unique sneakers manufactured in the 1990s, which are now being auctioned off for outrageous amounts of money, 30 years later.
Yes, Apple actually released exclusive branded sneakers that were distributed only among its employees three decades ago, and they were given to the public just once during a press event. Sometimes, we come across cool stories like these, and we must share them.
Let’s tell the story of a sneaker that no one knew about… until now
The sneakers were custom-made for employees in the 1990s and were given away only once at a conference. They have never been sold to the public before.
With a predominantly white leather upper, a “standout feature” is the old rainbow Apple logo on both the tongue and next to the laces, making them “highly coveted,” explains Sotheby’s, the auction house that priced the sneakers.
By the way, these sneakers are valued at $50,000 (€38,969). The retailer described them as “one of the darkest pairs out there,” highlighting their rarity and value in the resale market.
Although the Omega x Apple sneakers are “new in their box,” the description indicates that they have some imperfections, such as yellowing around the midsole.
The pair features an air cushion in the heel and is a size 10.5 in the US, 41 in Europe, or 8.5 in the UK. The box also includes an alternate pair of red laces.
Apple and clothing is not a new partnership
Although Apple is famous for its gadgets and innovations, technology enthusiasts have had the opportunity to acquire clothing and accessories from the brand.
There was a clothing line in the Apple collection that featured the rainbow logo and images of Macintosh computers. It included t-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, and caps. The aim was to promote the Apple brand and create a sense of community, but it did not gain much success at the time and was eventually discontinued.
In 2015, Apple partnered with the luxury fashion brand Hermès to create a collection of watch bands. In 2020, they launched a watch band to celebrate Black History Month.
For employees, there have been Apple Park jackets, designed for those working at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
And Apple works very well in auctions
Over time, Apple memorabilia has appreciated in value, and many of its retro gadgets have become collector’s items that sell for high prices. However, not all of their products have been successful.
There was a traditional video game console called Pippin, which had an exorbitant price and didn’t gain much traction. The ill-fated social network Ping and the Newton MessagePad were also considered failures in the market.
Indeed, one of their recent most successful auctions was for a first edition, unopened 4GB iPhone, which sold for over $190,000 (€160,000) in the United States.
Anything bearing the iconic bitten apple logo is synonymous with money, lots of money. The fanaticism and craze for this brand are what Steve Jobs always explained: creating a sense of need, making the public believe they need this new product to enhance their lives.
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