Michael Jordan sneakers set new record at auction

A pair of Air Jordan 13 shoes worn by Michael Jordan in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals set a new record at an auction.

A pair of sneakers worn by Michael Jordan has set a new record at an auction, the latest piece of memorabilia to do so from the GOAT.

Last week, a pair of pair of autographed sneakers worn by Jordan in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $2.238M at Sotheby’s New York. It’s a record-setting price for most expensive shoes sold at an auction, passing a pair of Air Yeezy 1’s from 2008 that sold for $1.8M in April of 2021.

The Air Jordan 13’s are dressed in a black and red colorway, giving an iconic look to match the Bulls colors during Jordan’s career. Jordan wore the pair in the second half of the game 2 win for the Bulls.

The pair of game-worn sneakers were originally owned by a ball boy who acquired them via Jordan.

“Immediately following the game, the ball-boy responsible for the visitors’ locker room received a gift from MJ,” Sotheby’s said via USA TODAY. “Michael, having given pairs to the same ball-boy during prior visits, took his sneakers off in the locker room after Game 2, signed each sneaker, and handed them as a thank you for his services.”

The 1998 season for Jordan and the Bulls was coined “The Last Dance” as it was the final season for that core which capped off the year with another NBA title and their second three-peat.

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