A pair of Air Jordan 13s worn by Michael during the 1998 NBA Finals have broken the record for the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold. Nicknamed the “Last Dance” and signed by Jordan, the kicks fetched $2.2 million in an auction by Sotheby’s — surpassing the previous record of $1.8 million for Nike Air Yeezys worn by Kanye West at the 2008 Grammy’s.
Not only were the Js worn during Jordan’s last Finals run, but they’re also the “only complete pair of sneakers worn by Michael in an NBA Finals game” to be authenticated. A jersey worn by Jordan during the same series also sold at auction for $10.1 million, breaking a record for game-worn sports memorabilia. Prior to the Air Yeezys setting the new mark for sneakers in 2021, another pair of Air Jordans held the record. A pair of Air Jordan 1s signed and worn by Michael in 1985 fetched $560,000 at an auction that coincided with the finale of The Last Dance airing in 2020.
Jordan wore the 13s during the second half of Game 2 in the 1998 NBA Finals before giving them to a ball boy who had found and returned Michael’s jacket during practice. Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables, said in a statement that the pristine condition that the sneakers had been kept in since helped set them apart.
He added,” The sale speaks volumes of Michael Jordan’s legacy as one of the most influential athletes, businessmen, and pop culture icons of our time.” Download the DROPS by SoleSavy app to keep up on all the latest sneaker news.
