Michael Jordan sneakers sell for nearly $1.5 million, an auction record

NEW YORK – A pair of sneakers worn by NBA superstar Michael Jordan early in his career sold for nearly $1.5 million on Sunday, setting a record price at auction for game-worn footwear, Sotheby’s said.

The red-and-white shoes were worn by the iconic player in the fifth game of his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, and Nike’s Jordan-affiliated brand quickly became a sensation both on and off the court.

The most valuable sneakers ever offered at auction — Michael Jordan’s regular season game-worn Nike Air Ships from 1984 — have just sold at $1,472,000 in our luxury sale in Las Vegas,” the auction house said in a statement on Twitter.

The astronomical price easily beat the record held by a pair of Nike Air Jordans which sold for $615,000 in August 2020 at a Christie’s auction.

air jordan shoes auction
A pair of basketball legend Michael Jordan’s famous Air Jordans from his rookie season are seen on April 28, 2021 in Geneva during a preview of sale by auction house Sotheby’s. Jordan’s sneakers are estimated to sell for 100,000 to 150,000 Swiss francs ($109,500-$164,000; 90,500-136,000 euros), but could go much higher following the buzz created by a new world record this week. (AFP)

A pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1s worn by rapper Kanye West sold for $1.8 million in April, triple the previous record for sneakers –although that was a private sale.

The market for rare sports shoes is soaring. The record price for sneakers has been broken several times recently as what was seen as a niche market a decade ago now attracts interest from the general public as well as leading collectors.

Read more: https://sports.inquirer.net/439919/michael-jordan-sneakers-sell-for-nearly-1-5-million-an-auction-record#ixzz7AIuQtOHK
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