In an unprecedented event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors, a remarkable collection of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is set to hit the auction block. After being privately held, these iconic pieces of sports history are now poised to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. Scheduled to open on February 2nd, the auction features these 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 cherished possession of a private collector who obtained them from Tim Hallam, the public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during the team’s dominant era in the 1990s. After each Finals victory, Michael Jordan would present Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes, culminating in the formation of this unique collection.
On display at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each pair of sneakers in the collection bears the personal autograph of Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
The collection, aptly named by Sotheby’s as The Dynasty Collection, showcases various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore throughout his illustrious career. It encompasses the Air Jordan VI (1991) inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911, the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992) which was the first model without Nike branding, the Air Jordan VIII (1993) known for its distinctive “x-strap” design, the iconic “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) renowned for its translucent sole, the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997), and the highly sought-after “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), an early prototype inspired by his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this lot are a set of unique signed photographs capturing Jordan in the moments immediately following each championship win, with him wearing only one sneaker – the other already in Hallam’s possession. This lighthearted yet historic tradition between Jordan and Hallam further emphasizes the personal connection embodied by this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection serves as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and historical significance of these sneakers have undergone meticulous verification processes, including detailed certification and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other industry experts.
This auction follows the groundbreaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for $2.2 million, establishing the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection is more than just a sports memorabilia event; it presents a truly unique opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of basketball history that embodies the enduring legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport – Michael Jordan.
