A pair of sneakers worn by NBA superstar Michael Jordan early in his career sold for nearly $ 1.5 million (nearly $ 1.3 million) on Sunday, October 24, setting a record price at auction for shoes worn in matches, Sotheby’s announced.
The sneakers, dressed in red and white, were worn by the American basketball legend in Game 5 of his first season with the Chicago Bulls and have become iconic both on and off the court.
“The most valuable athletic shoes ever offered for auction, the 1984 Nike Air Ships worn by Michael Jordan during the regular season, have just been sold for 1 472 000 dollars during our luxury sale in Las Vegas ”, the auction house said in a statement posted on Twitter.
The booming market for rare athletic shoes
An astronomical price, well above the record held by a pair of Nike Air Jordans which sold for $ 615,000 in August 2020 at an auction organized by Christie’s.
In April, a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1 sneakers, worn by rapper Kanye West – bought by an investment platform through a private sale – smashed all records reaching $ 1.8 million , at Sotheby’s.
The market for rare sports shoes, considered a niche market ten years ago, is booming, and arouses the interest of collectors and the general public.
The signed shoes sold on Sunday predate the first Air Jordans. The Air Ships were designed by Peter Moore. Michael Jordan wore this model in 1984 and 1985, as well as modified versions in 1986.