Rare Trump High-Tops Valued at $180,000 Draw Crowds at Sneaker Con Jeddah

Hundreds of sneaker enthusiasts gathered at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit this week as Sneaker Con, often dubbed the “greatest sneaker show on earth,” made its debut in the coastal city from February 1 to 3. The event followed a successful second edition in Riyadh, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a major hub for global sneaker culture.

Jeddah’s first taste of Sneaker Con attracted fans of all ages, eager to buy, sell, and trade some of the world’s most sought-after athletic footwear. From classic Air Jordans to limited-edition Yeezys, the three-day showcase brought together more than 100 vendors, including local sellers and international traders from the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, with collections spanning as far back as the 1980s.

Among the rarest items on display were ultra-exclusive sneakers presented by Jay Stavola and David Grails, owners of Fair Town Sneakers from Florida. Stavola said their collection included a Timberland sneaker produced as part of a collaboration between Jimmy Choo and Swarovski, with only 50 pairs released worldwide, as well as a Swarovski-designed pair made for Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton. Each pair was priced at $15,000.

One of the event’s biggest attractions was a pair of Donald Trump–branded gold high-top sneakers, known as the “Never Surrender High-Tops.” Showcased by Jorge Andres, a prominent sneaker influencer and reseller from Puerto Rico, the shoes were signed by the former US president and are listed for $180,000. Andres received the rare “Friends & Family” pair in February 2024 after meeting Trump and said he has already received multiple offers since first displaying them at the Riyadh edition of Sneaker Con.

Another vendor, Andrew Panvilas from Ohio, was selling two unsigned pairs of the same Trump sneakers for $1,000 each, highlighting the wide range of price points available at the event.

At the centre of the exhibition hall, James Hella from Tampa, Florida, stood out wearing traditional Saudi attire as he sold a curated selection of high-demand sneakers. “The culture is here, and I think it is just a sneaker economy,” he said, adding that this was his second year participating in events in Saudi Arabia. His inventory included exclusive Jordans, Yeezys, Travis Scott collaborations, and rare Kobe Bryant memorabilia, with pricing aimed at remaining accessible to a broad audience.

Record-breaking sales also marked the event. A pair of Michael Jordan sneakers from his iconic ‘Last Dance’ season, produced by Nike, reportedly sold for between $85,000 and $90,000. At the same time, many attendees found more affordable options, with prices ranging from around SR300 ($80) to SR600.

Beyond the high-value transactions, Sneaker Con Jeddah offered fans the chance to experience sneaker culture up close, browse exclusive merchandise, and connect with collectors from around the world.

Among them was Wael Abu Al-Hassan, a 38-year-old collector who lived in the United States for seven years. A longtime Sneaker Con follower, he said sneakers had been his passion for decades and eventually became his livelihood. “I buy rare shoes from events or online platforms like Instagram, and sometimes resell them,” he explained, noting that certain pairs often far exceed their original retail value.

As Sneaker Con continues its expansion in the Kingdom, the strong turnout in Jeddah underscores Saudi Arabia’s rising influence in global streetwear and sneaker culture.