Sotheby’s announced that a pair of red/black Air Jordan 13 sneakers worn by Michael Jordan when he played for the NBA sold at auction for $2.2 million, setting a record price for game-worn sports footwear.
Jordan wore the “Bred” Air Jordan 13 sneakers during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals on the way to his sixth and last NBA championship title.
The sneakers formed part of Sotheby’s Victorian collection, a two-part curated sports collection of memorabilia from past and present athletes, including the late LA Lakers player Kobe Bryant and tennis star Rafael Nadel.
Another pair of Jordan sneakers, the Nike Air Ships he wore during the regular 1997/98 season, held the previous record for a sneaker sale at $1.47 million at Sotheby’s in 2021. At the time, the Nike Air Ships became the first pair of sneakers to sell for more than $1 million at auction.
“Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles. “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.”
Jordan’s memorabilia is highly valued and sought after at auction as Sotheby’s also sold his jersey, which he wore at the first game of the 1998 NBA finals, for $10.1 million in September 2022, making it the most expensive game-worn sports memorabilia sold at auction.
