In a momentous 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 be auctioned off. These iconic pieces of sports history, previously held privately, are now set to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. The auction is scheduled to open on February 2nd, and it features these sneakers as part of a larger collection, with 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 dominant era in the 1990s. It became a tradition for Jordan to gift Hallam with one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, eventually resulting in the formation of this unique collection.
This extraordinary collection, aptly named by Sotheby’s as The Dynasty Collection, spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection is personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
Displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection features various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore throughout 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) with its distinct “x-strap” design; the “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), an early prototype inspired by his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this 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 Tim Hallam’s possession. This amusing yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam emphasizes the personal connection of this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection showcases Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have been meticulously verified, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.
This upcoming auction follows the record-breaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which fetched a staggering $2.2 million, the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The auction of The Dynasty Collection goes beyond being a mere sports memorabilia event; it presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball history, encapsulating the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan. Don’t miss out on the chance to own a tangible piece of the legend.
