Editor’s Note
A pair of game-worn Air Jordans from Michael Jordan’s final championship victory in 1998 has set a new world auction record for sneakers, selling for $2.2 million.
The famous Air Jordan sneakers worn by former American basketball legend Michael Jordan were sold for a record $2.2 million (approximately 18 crore rupees) at a sports footwear auction on Tuesday.
These shoes set a new record for the highest price ever paid in an international sneaker sale.
It is worth noting that Michael wore these shoes during the 1998 NBA Finals (Basketball Championship) while winning his sixth and final championship title.
According to the auction house Sotheby’s, the sale of the Air Jordan 13 sneakers worn by Michael in 1998 for $2.2 million has established a new world record.
Sotheby’s CEO and founder Gerom Sap told Insider that this new record is linked to the history and cultural value of Jordan sneakers and that they are like gold.
Gerom explained, “We have clients from different sectors, ranging from real estate to finance and private equity. There are many people who are interested in this emerging market. We auction items from athletes, which also include signatures made by them.”
The Jordan sneakers sold at the auction are known as “Bred” for their black and red color. The identity of the shoe’s buyer has not been revealed.
According to information, just last week, a bat used by American baseball player Babe Ruth sold for $185,000, while in May 2022, a jersey worn by football legend Diego Maradona sold for approximately $928,000.
In September 2022, a jersey worn by Jordan in the first game of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $1.01 million.
In September 2021, another pair of Jordan’s sneakers sold for $1.5 million.
Jordan wore these sneakers in the second half of the Chicago Bulls’ 93-88 victory over the Utah Jazz on June 5, 1998. This final was featured in the 2020 Netflix documentary “The Last Dance.” Jordan is considered a great basketball player.