The Most Ridiculously Expensive Athlete Shoes

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Getting fresh new kicks is a euphoric experience. You enter the store, cold air hits your face, you spot those sleek Jordan high-tops on sale. Yes!

Finally, you approach the counter and, oh no...

Athletes with bloated endorsement deals and towering egos have created a world in which shoes cost more than freedom. Forget Al Harrington's $34.99 Proteges, those headlining today's wealthiest-athletes section are producing pure gold, literally.

It's time to review the wealth beneath the shoe business. Click through, and you'll see the most ridiculously expensive athlete shoes occupying shelves.

Some will sparkle, others will stump; all will make you chuck fragile objects across the room in disgust.

Welcome to the world of supply and demand.

10. Muhammad Ali's Boots

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Never have such contrasting styles meshed so well. Pop art pioneer Andy Warhol and boxing legend Muhammad Ali collide in abstract fashion to produce the most historic Adidas boxing shoes the world has ever seen.

Warhol's '77 depiction of Ali graces these blue leather gems with a subtle greatness that keeps us both intrigued and inspired. Brilliance, at only $275.

9. Zoom Vapor Roger Federer 287

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Now for the newly-introduced Zoom Vapor Roger Federer 287, naturally produced by Nike.

To honor the tennis great's 287 weeks as World No. 1, Nike only made 287 pairs, solely in sizes nine, 10, 11 and 12. The cost? You guessed it: $287.

But in the end, we can't tell the difference between these tacky hoppers and a $38.50 pair of Macbeths.

8. Adidas Golden Crazy 8 Selection

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When Kobe Bryant blossomed into the youngest All-Star in the history of the NBA at the tender age of 19, he engaged his audience with a sweet stroke and an intriguing pair of kicks.

At the 1998 All-Star Game, Bryant was seen introducing Adidas' new curvaceous, originally purple-lined feel. And now these historic gems can be found for $300 on eBay.

7. LeBron X

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Unemployment may remain firmly above eight percent, but that hasn't stopped Nike from introducing the new LeBron X pair at a cool $315, expected to be released in January or early February of 2013.

Many are wondering how the defending champ can possibly get away with such thievery. Well, of course the shoe features motion sensors to measure how high users jump—any rich white kid's dream.

We're going to assume they take out the trash as well.

6. Dr. J's 1960 Converse Pro Leathers

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Julius Erving was a legend on the hardwood, and now he can be a legend in your closet. These vintage '60s Converse high-tops bring an old-school flavor back to a now-modernized game.

Save that lunch money for several years, and pick up these $1,500 pieces of history (via eBay). We're praying a Dr. J afro comes with every pair.

5. Nike Zoom LeBron VI Big Apple NYC

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Of course these red delights were limited to just New York City before quickly selling out.

Yet another superstar who has trampled the Knicks during his time in the league, LeBron finally says thank you.

"Now pay for the shoe I wore while tearing MSG up."

A cost of $1,650, to be precise (via eBay).

4. Nike Air Jordan Golden Moment

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Featuring both the Air Jordan VI and Air Jordan VII in two "special edition Olympic inspired colorway," this revolutionary pack has been retailed at $350 but uncovered on eBay for a bloated $2,000.

These golden-goosed kicks were made to commemorate the Dream Team’s victory at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Wait, DJ Khaled wore these?

Sold.

3. Nike Air Jordan III Retro

Image via ebay.com

Before you start searching for that wallet, keep in mind that this epic trio can be found on eBay for a vicious $3,999.99.

Air Jordan with his biggest leap yet. These are takeoffs of the kicks he sported in the 1988 dunk contest, the Air Jordan III.

2. Nike Air Mag

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After seeing bearded Giants closer Brian Wilson sport the lighted kicks, we knew the Nike Air Mag was going to be special.

The self-lacing masterpiece, dubbed the “Marty McFly shoe," is shocking the world with its futuristic look and extreme price. A pair has been spotted on eBay at almost $7,000. 1,500 pairs were auctioned on eBay, with the net earnings going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

By the time most of us can afford them, time travel will be in full swing.