In a truly remarkable event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. After being privately held for years, these iconic pieces of sports history are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by the prestigious Sotheby’s. Scheduled to open on February 2nd, this highly anticipated auction features the sneakers as part of a larger collection and boasts an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million.
Known as The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during the team’s era of dominance in the 1990s. The tradition of Jordan gifting Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory led to the formation of this unique collection.
Displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection has been personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
The collection, aptly named by Sotheby’s, showcases various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore during his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911; the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding; the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the iconic “x-strap” design; the famous “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the early prototype “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), mirroring his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this extraordinary collection is a set of unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker – the other already in Hallam’s possession. This playful and historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam showcases the personal nature of this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection stands as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have been rigorously verified, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.
This upcoming auction follows the historical sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for $2.2 million – the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it offers a rare and unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of basketball history. These sneakers, worn by one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan, embody his legacy and are sure to be highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.
