Air Jordan 13
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Source: Sotheby’s / Sotheby’s
Two decades after retiring from the NBA and Michael Jordan is still out here breaking records in 2023.
After hitting the auction block on Sotheby’s, Michael Jordan’s game worn pair of Air Jordan 13‘s ended up selling for a record $2.2 million, making it the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold. The autographed pair of Air Jordan 13’s were expected to sell for a record amount. But it’s still pretty shocking that someone out there would drop more than $2 million to own a pair of kicks that aren’t even wearable as they’re sure to crumble should anyone even attempt to try them on.
As for how these grails came to hit the public eye for auction, Sneaker News got the story behind that one and man did some lucky ballboy get the ultimate come-up.
From Sneaker News:
As the story goes, a Utah Jazz ballboy had previously recovered Jordan’s lost jacket at a practice in Salt Lake City. When it was returned to the GOAT, the ballboy asked for a pair of game-worn shoes in return. Following his 37-point performance to tie the series at one apiece, Jordan gifted and autographed the toe box of the jet-black tumbled pair with bright silver Sharpie. While in-game creases line the vibrant red nubuck overlays and dimpled sidewalls, the “He Got Game” synonymous silhouette remains in pristine condition having been authenticated by NBA affiliate the MeiGray Group.
Lucky bastard.
Keep in mind that the Air Jordan 13 isn’t even in the top five of most popular Air Jordan silhouettes and still ended up the most expensive pair ever sold. Had these been a pair of game-worn autographed Air Jordan 1, 3 or 4’s, it would’ve been a wrap.
While we don’t know who ended up having the winning bid for the sneakers (we say DJ Khaled), someone out there done got themselves a helluva pair of grails that might forever remain inside a display case where they belong. (Please don’t try to wear these, Mr. Big Shot.)
What do y’all think of the final selling price? Who do y’all think might’ve came out of pocket something ridiculous for this pair? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Source: Sotheby’s / Sotheby’s
Another pair of game-worn Air Jordans are set to hit the auction block, and best believe these’ll fetch a pretty penny after it’s all said and done.
Source: Sotheby’s / Sotheby’s
Hypebeast is reporting that Sotheby’s will be selling off a rare pair of Air Jordan13’s that Michael Jordan wore during game two of the 1998 NBA Finals in which the GOAT made sure that Karl “The Mailman” Malone went home with an empty satchel. It’s amazing how someone like Michael Jordan doesn’t keep all his game-worn attire, which ends up hitting the auction block. But as far as this particular pair goes, there’s actually an interesting story as to how these ended up in someone else’s hands.
From Hypebeast:
This is the only complete pair of his game-worn shoes from the 1998 NBA Finals that have been authenticated by The MeiGray Group. This particular pair is also the final pair of Air Jordan XIII Breds that Michael would ever lace up in an NBA game. These sneakers were given to a ball boy from Jordan after the game. The basketball star took the sneakers off in the locker room after Game 2 and signed each one before handing them over to the ball boy as a thank you for his services and hospitality during the Bulls visits.
Can’t be mad at that at all.
With the rarity and history behind these Air Jordan 13’s, Sotheby’s expects to haul in anywhere between $2-4 million. The rare kicks will be part of their VICTORIAM sales series which will feature sports memorabilia from iconic athletes from both the past and the present.
The auction is set to begin April 3 and will come to an end April 11. A public exhibition will be held at Sotheby’s New York on April 5 for everyone who wants a good look at what they can’t have.
Would you bid on these grails if you had the coin to spare? We’d personally prefer a pair of the Air Jordan 13 “Biggie” joints, but that’s just us. Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Sotheby’s / Sotheby’s
Written By Alvin aqua Blanco , Director of Content Posted 1 hour ago @aqua174 Alvin aqua Blanco is the Director of Content in the Men’s Division for iOne Digital, steering Cassius Life and Hip-Hop Wired. Representing the Bronx, he was nurtured by a steady diet of Hip-Hop culture and music. He graduated from the University […]
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