'Ultra-rare' Apple shoes from '90s to be auctioned for $50,000
A pair of "ultra rare" Apple shoes that were custom-made for the tech giant's employees in the 1990s is going under the hammer. Per reports, auction house Sotheby's has set the bidding price at a whopping $50,000 (Rs. 4,098,450). After decades of their existence, this is the first time that this pair of trainers is being sold to the general public.
The shoes are called 'Omega Sports Apple Computer Sneakers'
Called the "Omega Sports Apple Computer Sneakers," these white trainers are available through international shipping from Colorado, US. Their authenticity is guaranteed by the auction house and there's an alternate pair of red laces that you get along with it.
The shoes were a one-time giveaway featuring Apple's old logo
Wondering what is so special about these shoes? Well, they were only a one-time giveaway for the employees at the National Sales Conference that was organized during the mid-90s. According to the auction house, they feature "a predominately white upper, the old school rainbow Apple logo on both the tongue and lateral quarter" and "is a standout detail."
Apple had partnered with Omega Sports to make these shoes
Back in the day, Apple used to lend its logo to a few brands like Honda and Braun for a special-edition variety of products. And for these particular trainers, it had partnered with Omega Sports. They are "new in the box" and "one of the most obscure in existence and highly coveted on the resale market," as per the auction house.
Sneakers are US size 10.5; feature air-cushioning, yellowing around mid-soles
While the sneakers are fresh finds, they show some yellowing around the mid-soles due to their age spanning several years. "The shoes' condition is consistent with age, imperfections include yellowing around the midsoles and glue, and light marks on the toe boxes," says Sothebye's website. They are US size 10.5 (UK 8.5, EU 41), made of leather, rubber, and cotton, and are for men.
Earlier this month, an unopened 4GB iPhone was auctioned
A first-generation Apple iPhone that was launched by Steve Jobs in 2007 was auctioned in the US earlier this month for $190,000 (Rs. 15,000,000), which is nearly 300 times more than its original price. It was originally purchased for $599 (Rs. 49,000 approx) and attracted 28 bids from around the world after the initial bidding price was set at $10,000.
