A pair of Nike Air Jordan 1s Michael Jordan wore during his rookie season is expected to fetch over $100,000 or higher at an online auction at Sotheby's next month. The sneaker will be auctioned as part of the Gamers Only auction, alongside a host of game-worn sneakers from the likes of Stephen Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and more.
The auction house has estimated the GOAT's red and white "Air Jordan 1" sneakers at 100,000-150,000 Swiss francs ($110,000-$164,000). For context, an identical pair, which was signed by Jordan, sold for $560,000 at an auction last year.
Michael Jordan wore the Peter Moore-designed Air Jordan 1s in 1984 and 1985, as well as modified versions in 1986 (following a broken foot). The vintage mids were created exclusively for Jordan. They feature red laces, longer Nike swoosh logos, carry the first Air Jordan insignia, and the Nike Air logo on the tongue. These specific shoes are the iconic "Chicago" colorway, and arguably the most recognizable for Jordan, as well as the Nike brand.
“They are obviously a pair of iconic design and something that really collectors focus on as one of the (Holy) Grails and one of the 'must-have' pieces," said Josh Pullan, managing director of Sotheby's global luxury division told Reuters.
These shoes are accompanied by a Letter of Opinion from MEARS Authentication, LLC, with an “Authentic” Final Grade, and an electronic Letter of Provenance from the original owner. The auction will run at Sotheby's until May 12, Find out more and see what other grail-worthy sneakers are included in the Gamers Only auction here.
