Sotheby's continues to offer some of the rarest sneakers in the world at auction. After recently revealing a pair of Bill Bowerman-made track spikes that are expected to fetch over $1 million, the auction house is back with yet another exclusive drop. Up for bidding through July 26 is one of the most coveted Air Jordans in existence, a pair of "Space Jam" Air Jordan 11s custom made for Michael Jordan himself AND signed by the GOAT. The bidding begins today, July 15, one day ahead of the release of the long-awaited Space Jam sequel, A New Legacy, starring LeBron James.
The Air Jordan 11 "Space Jam" was created in 1995 and named to commemorate the now-iconic film, which released in 1996. The star of the movie, Jordan wore the thematic sneaker in the final basketball game of the film. Available in a single-lot online auction, called "MJ’s Secret Stuff | The Space Jam Jordans," referencing Jordan's special water bottle seen throughout Space Jam, the pair of sneakers is one of only a handful known to exist, never worn and made specifically for MJ. They come in Michael's Air Jordan 11 size, 13, and feature his autograph on the toe.
“This pair is truly a grail for many sneaker collectors worldwide. It’s coded as a ‘Player Sample’ which means it was cut with Mr. Jordan in mind and to his specifications. However, this pair has been kept in absolutely perfect condition to this day," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables. "We’re excited to drop them the same week as the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy, and celebrate the legacy of two of the greatest athletes in history of the NBA: LeBron James and Michael Jordan.”
Jordan famously wore the Air Jordan 11 (the silhouette, not the "Space Jam" colorway) during the 1995-1996 NBA Playoffs and Finals on his way to winning Finals MVP after the Bulls defeated the Seattle Supersonics. Years later, when Nike retrod the "Space Jam" iteration in 2016, the release was such on overwhelming success that Nike’s Brand President Trevor Edwards declared it the largest and most successful shoe launch in the brand's history.
Expected to auction for anywhere between $150,000 to $200,000, you may want to take out a loan before you make a bid. Either way, you can see the listing and watch that price skyrocket here.
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