A pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers from his famous ‘Last Dance’ season set a world record Tuesday selling for $2.2 million at Sotheby’s. With a stroke, the Air Jordan 13s became the most expensive sneakers known to have sold, ever.
The Air Jordan 13s were worn by Jordan for Game Two of the 1998 NBA Finals during his final year with the Chicago Bulls – often referred to as The Last Dance and the inspiration behind the hit Netflix series of the same name.
The valuable footwear exceeded auction records after the sale at Sotheby’s on Tuesday as reported by various news outlets.
“Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables.
SOTHEBY PRESS STATEMENT
“Sotheby’s is extremely proud to hold the world record for most valuable game-worn sports memorabilia at auction and the most valuable sneakers ever sold, both of which – to no surprise – are directly tied to the global icon, Michael Jordan.”
The “Bred” Air Jordans – short for “black and red” – are the only complete pair of sneakers worn by Jordan in an NBA Finals game to be authenticated, Sotheby’s said.
Jordan wore the first Air Jordan shoe in 1984 during his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. The Air Jordan I became available to the general public the following year. To date, more than 30 different models of the Air Jordan have been made.
Jordan won a total of six NBA Finals championships, two Olympic Gold Medals and numerous other accolades.
He is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.
