Air Jordans break record: Michael Jordan’s 1998 shoes sold for $2.2 million
Sotheby’s recent auction made history by featuring the most expensive sneakers ever sold, a pair of Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 13 “Bred” sneakers, which sold for a staggering $2.2 million. The shoes were part of Jordan’s wardrobe during the 1998 NBA finals and were the last pair of Breds he wore during a game.
Air Jordans break record for most valuable sneakers ever sold
Jordan gifted the sneakers to a Jazz ball boy after the game as thanks for finding a lost jacket. According to Sotheby’s, they are the only complete pair of sneakers worn by Jordan in an NBA Finals game that have been photo-matched and authenticated by the MeiGray Group, the official authenticator of the NBA.
The sneakers are called “Bred” because of their black and red color scheme, which was a look that Jordan preferred for most of his career. Despite NBA’s ban on Jordan wearing them, Nike promoted them as rebellious shoes.
These iconic sneakers have become more than just basketball shoes; they are a symbol of sports and fashion history. The legacy and impact of Michael Jordan on the sport of basketball and the fashion industry continue to thrive even years after his retirement.
This sale seals Jordan’s position as the most valuable athlete at auctions for sports memorabilia. His jersey from the opening game of the 1998 Finals was sold for $10.1 million in September 2022, becoming the most expensive piece of game-worn sports memorabilia ever sold.
The previous record for a pair of sneakers was held by a pair of Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1s, which Sotheby’s sold for $1.8 million in 2021.
