A pair of Air Jordans worn by Michael Jordan in 1998 has fetched $2.2 million at Sotheby’s, becoming the world’s most expensive sneakers.
On Tuesday, the much-anticipated item went on the auction block at Sotheby’s and ended up fetching $2.2 million. Dubbed the 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s, the sneakers became the highest-selling sneakers in the world. However, it is worth noting that despite the high hammer price, the sneakers actually sold on the lower end of its $2 – $4 million pre-sale estimate.
Michael Jordan wore these sneakers during the 1998 NBA finals, which happened in the heyday of both Jordan and his team Chicago Bulls’ popularity. The 1997-98 season has become legendary in basketball history, large thanks to the performance of Michael Jordan. A jersey worn by Jordan during the same season fetched a whopping $10.1 million in 2022. There is also a 2020 documentary by ESPN that chronicles the fabled victory run of the Chicago Bulls until the 1998 season. On the other hand, Air Jordans – designed by Jordan himself in 1984 for Nike – has remained one of the most iconic sneaker brands in the world.
Also Read: Italian Artist Creates Largest Portrait Of Pablo Picasso
In recent years, sneakers have become important sports memorabilia. In 1998, a sale of some 100 sneakers fetched $1.29 million for Sotheby’s. The auction house also sold another pair of sneakers worn by Michael Jordan for $1.47 million in 2021. Speaking about the sale, Brahm Wachter (Head, Streetwear and modern collectibles, Sotheby’s) said: “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.”
