This archive report was first published on 25 October 2021.
Michael Jordan's early success on the court has translated to a record-breaking sale of his game-worn sneakers. The shoes, which sold for nearly Sh167mn ($1.5 million), were worn by Jordan in the fifth game of his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls in 1984.
The white leather shoes with the red Nike swoosh and soles were a gift from Jordan to Tommie Tim III Lewis, a ball boy for the Denver Nuggets during the 1984-’85 season. The shoes were in good overall condition, with signs of court wear and tear.
The sale set a new record for game-worn footwear, surpassing the previous record held by a pair of Nike Air Jordans that sold for Sh68.3mn ($615,000) in August 2020. The market for rare sports shoes is soaring, with the record price for sneakers being broken several times recently.
The sale also comes on the heels of the release of the ESPN/Netflix documentary 'The Last Dance,' which chronicles the saga of Jordan and his Chicago Bulls. The documentary has contributed to a surge in the market value of objects identified with the retired basketball superstar.
Sotheby's, the auction house, announced the sale on Twitter, stating that the shoes were the 'most valuable sneakers ever offered at auction.' The sale is a testament to the enduring popularity of Michael Jordan and the value of his game-worn memorabilia.
