Opinion / Gold OVO x Air Jordan cost US$2 million: so why are men’s luxury sneakers more colourful – and more expensive – than women’s?

This story is part of STYLE's Inside Luxury column

Christian Dior’s CD1 sneaker in pink and blue dye print is a head turner. All but muted, it’s a colourful expression of the (male) owner. They retail at a whopping US$1,150, a price point unthinkable for a sneaker just a few years ago.

Off-White Odsy-1000 sneakers are no bargain either, selling at US$900 and boy, you won’t go unnoticed in its signal red colour. Maison Margiela’s Men’s Paint Replica lace-up sneakers are almost a bargain, compared to that, a bit shy of US$400. However, in bright red with a hint of dropped paint, you will surely make a statement.

No One, the ultra-rare, and extremely hyped sneaker brand from Los Angeles, comes in a snow leopard print for US$750 and will make an exotic statement wherever you are.

If you want a pair of Kanye West’s Nike Yeezy 2 Red October, another colour blocking option, you better have around US$7,500 at hand. And if you are into green, the Macklemore Air Jordan 6 will set you back US$25,000. Finally, if all of this is not enough, the solid gold OVO x Air Jordans have an asking price of US$2 million. By the way, they weigh 50lbs and are coated in 24-carat gold.

Compared to that, women’s sneakers seem almost a little boring. Mainly in white, black, or some muted pink colours, the collections of Dior, Louis Vuitton and others seem rather stealth compared. And they seem to command much lower prices compared to the fancy, colourful men’s sneakers. So what’s the deal? Why do men’s sneakers seem to be more colourful and more expensive?