Encrusted with hundreds of carats of white diamonds and blue sapphires, this $4 million pair of customized Li-Ning Way of Wade 4s are the most expensive sneakers in the world.
Dan Gamache of Mache Custom Kicks collaborated with luxury lifestyle brand Bicion to design this one-of-a-kind footwear fantasy that will be auctioned to raise money for Soles4Souls. Since 2006, the charity has donated 26 million pairs of shoes and sneakers to underprivileged children in 127 countries.
Named after Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade, the shoes feature diamonds and sapphires set in 18-karat gold on the back heel logo, tongue logo and midsole. They even come with a solid gold hang tag and a custom display case with an 18-karat gold base and LED lighting.
The customized Way of Wade sneakers have been dubbed "The Fire Monkey," a tribute to the Chinese Year of the Monkey, a year that represents prosperity, new business ventures and ambition. In Chinese tradition, the lucky monkey hails the chrysanthemum as its flower of choice. The custom sneakers incorporate a gemstone-adorned flower pattern reminiscent of the chrysanthemum.
"In a time when celebrities have increasing power, the fact that the Bicion team has chosen to put that influence to good use is amazing," Soles4Souls CEO Buddy Teaster told popsugar.com. "Their donation to Soles4Souls will literally put shoes on the feet of hundreds of thousands of people in the year ahead."
"Doing custom sneakers for what seems like forever, it always seems hard to top the last project," Gamache said about his partnership with Bicion. "This is something different, something special. To have the opportunity to design and create the most expensive sneaker in the world is a humbling opportunity. But to know that this sneaker will help put shoes on children's feet across the globe is an amazing feeling. It makes my work and everything I have ever done worth it."
Images via Bicion; YouTube screen captures.
