The Incredible Sale of Michael Jordan’s Sneakers: $2.2 Million!
The most money spent on game-used sneakers was more than $2.2 million for a pair of red and black Air Jordan XIII Breds auctioned off.
The most money spent on game-used sneakers was more than $2.2 million for a pair of red and black Air Jordan XIII Breds auctioned off.
Jordan’s Nike Air Ships from his first NBA regular season game were auctioned for $1.4 million, beating the previous record in 2021.
Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1s, the first pair of footwear to sell for more than $1 million, set the previous auction record for sneakers with a purchase price of $1.8 million.
Given that the shoes had an estimated value of $2 million to $4 million and had what Sotheby’s refers to as an “irrevocable bid,” which is another way of saying they had a buyer lined up in advance, the transaction was always anticipated to break records.
The final price is a win for the sneaker-collecting community. However, it is not sure proof of a growing market because it barely exceeded the low figure (statistics do not reflect auction house fees; final sales statistics do).
“Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations.”
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables
On June 5, 1998, when the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 93-88, this is the set of sneakers that the NBA icon wore. Jordan led Chicago to a 1-1 draw in that game with 37 points, five rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers.
The NBA outlawed the black and red Air Jordans with the Bulls’ colors, and Jordan was fined $5,000 for each game he wore in contravention of the league’s rigid dress rule.
The shoes, sometimes known as “Breds,” gained a legendary reputation among admirers. The pair that Sotheby’s auctioned off was the final Breds Jordan ever wore in an NBA game.
“What differentiates these record-breaking sneakers is their condition. “They are immaculate as if Jordan laced them up and wore them yesterday,”
Brahm Wachter
Jordan got his sixth championship ring and was named MVP of the finals, as the Bulls went on to win the championship. After the match, Jordan presented a Utah Jazz ball boy with these iconic shoes.
Michael Jordan’s sneakers are trendy and have been best-sellers for many years. The Air Jordan brand, owned by Nike, has a very loyal following among basketball fans, sneaker collectors, and fashion enthusiasts. Jordan’s signature sneakers are known for their high quality, unique designs, and bold colors.
Many limited edition Air Jordan releases have sold out quickly and have become highly sought after by collectors. The Air Jordan brand remains a significant player in the sneaker industry and is expected to remain popular for years.
Basketball player Michael Jordan is no longer active professionally but is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever.
He played for the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and won six NBA championships, five NBA MVP awards, and ten scoring titles during his career.
He is known for his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and clutch performances in important games.