An autographed pair of basketball legend and local resident Michael Jordan’s Nike shoes went on the auction block at Sotheby’s on Friday.
The Air Jordan 1s, which were designed for Jordan way back in 1985 and became the first-ever signature sneakers, are expected to fetch somewhere between $100,000 to $150,000 in the online auction that closes on May 17, Sotheby’s in New York said.
The white, black and red Air Jordan 1 sneakers have red laces, are signed by Jordan, and show signs that the former Chicago Bulls player wore them frequently.
But wait…there’s more! Sotheby’s says they are a mismatched pair in a size 13 (left) and size 13.5 (right), as are all of Jordan’s basketball shoes.
Sotheby's prepares to auction MJ's #AirJordan1 #sneakers as writers question whether NBA's ban was truly defied https://t.co/9SwhdpAipU @georgiastraight @doxellis #Nike #MJ #MichaelJordan @janetsmitharts #NBA @cinecraig @matthalfhill @matthewkish @gwarizm @npdmattpowell
— Charlie Smith (@charliesmithvcr) May 10, 2020
Jordan’s sneakers are being sold by collector Jordan Geller. He is founder of the sneaker museum Shoezeum in Las Vegas, where the famous shoes had been on display.
According to Geller, they were the “crown jewel” of the museum, drawing fans and collectors from all over the world.
The auction is set up to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan brand, as well as with the screening of the last episode of the 10-part ESPN television documentary “The Last Dance” about the Chicago Bulls and Jordan.
“With all the excitement surrounding Michael Jordan and ‘The Last Dance,’ my wife and I decided that it’s time to let the shoes find a new home,” Geller said in a statement.
Michael Jordan is a part-time resident of Jupiter.