Michael Jordan is an iconic figure in basketball, and his contributions to the sport cannot be overstated. Apart from being one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he is also known for his signature shoe line, the Air Jordan series. Recently, one of his sneakers, the Air Jordan 13, was sold for a staggering US $2.2 million, making it one of the most expensive sneakers ever sold.
The Air Jordan 13 is a classic sneaker that was released in 1997. It was inspired by Michael Jordan’s cat-like agility on the court. The sneaker features a sleek, and sole resembling a panther’s paw. It quickly became a fan favorite and has since been released in various colorways and editions.
The Air Jordan 13 that was recently sold was a pair of game-worn sneakers that Michael Jordan wore during the 1997-1998 NBA season. This was a significant season for Jordan as he led the Chicago Bulls to their sixth NBA championship. The sneakers were also worn during the NBA Finals, where Jordan famously hit the game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz in Game 6. This moment has gone down in NBA history as one of the greatest moments of all time.
The sports auction house, Sotheby’s, sold the sneakers at a live auction. The final bid for the sneakers was between US$400,000 to US$450,000, but with fees and taxes included, the final price came to a whopping US $2.2 million. This makes it the most expensive pair of game-worn sneakers ever sold, surpassing the previous record set by another pair of Air Jordan 1s worn by Michael Jordan in 1985, which sold for US$1.5 million in 2020.
The buyer of the sneakers has not been revealed, but it is speculated to be a sneaker collector or a Michael Jordan fan with a deep appreciation for the significance of the sneakers. The sale of the Air Jordan 13 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan and his impact on both the sport of basketball and the sneaker industry. It also highlights the growing trend of sneaker collecting and the increasing value placed on rare and iconic sneakers.