Michael Jordan’s Game-Worn Nike Air Ship Could Be the Most Expensive Sneakers Ever

Ahead of its first luxury sale in Las Vegas, Sotheby’s has revealed the headlining item, Michael Jordan‘s earliest known regular-season game-worn Nike sneakers. The sneakers will be offered at the auction house’s upcoming “Icons of Excellence & Haute Luxury” auction, organized in connection with MGM Resorts.

Leading the multicategory luxury sale featuring jewelry, watches, collector’s cars, sneakers, designer handbags and more at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the pair of autographed Nike Air Ship sneakers serve as a legendary piece of basketball and sports history. The sneakers were worn by MJ during his fifth NBA game in his rookie season on November 1, 1984 and stand as the earliest regular-season shoes to surface from the icon’s unparalleled career in the NBA. Estimated to sell for $1-1.5 million USD, the Air Ships holds the highest estimate for a pair of sneakers offered at auction and could become the most expensive sneakers ever.

Last year, Sotheby’s set a new record with the sale of Kanye West’s “Grammy Worn” Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes from 2008, which fetched $1.8 million USD at a private sale.

The Nike Air Ship, designed by Bruce Kilgore, was worn by Michael Jordan in the preseason and early games of his rookie year as the Air Jordan 1 that would launch Jordan Brand was not ready yet. The pair set to go up for auction were given to a Denver Nuggets ball boy and originally gifted to Mr. Tommie Tim III Lewis.

Additionally, the “Icons of Excellence & Haute Luxury” auction will also feature a “Player Sample” pair of Air Jordan 1s made for Jordan in 1985 that were never worn, not even being laced. The pair kept in excellent condition is expected to fetch $50-70,000 USD.

“Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand helped redefine what a signature line formed around an athlete could be. These sneakers are a crucial part of the genesis of that story. This pair, with provenance from Michael’s 5th NBA game really touches two worlds as the Nike Air Ship holds a special place in the hearts of sneakerheads as the precursor of the Air Jordan 1, but beyond that, it is also simply and incredible artifact that dates to the nascency of Michael Jordan’s rookie season. We are thrilled to unveil this astonishing piece worn by one of the best athletes to play any sport, as Sotheby’s continues to lead the sneaker and modern collectibles market,” said Brahm Wachter, Head of Sotheby’s Streetwear and Modern Collectables commented.

Take a look at Michael Jordan’s game-worn Nike Air Ships that could become the most expensive sneakers ever above. The public exhibition of Sotheby’s “Icons of Excellence & Haute Luxury” auction is set to take place at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas October 21-24 with live the auction taking place October 24 and online auction open for bidding October 21-November 4.

ARIA Resort & Casino
3730 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89158,
United States

 

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