Game-Worn Air Jordan 1 Could Fetch Over $100,000 USD at Sotheby's Auction

ESPN and Netflix’s The Last Dance docu-series continues to dominate Sunday nights since its premiere in mid-April. Buzz surrounding Michael Jordan‘s legacy continues with Sotheby’s set to auction a pair of Nike Air Jordan 1 sneakers worn by MJ in 1985.

The vintage and slightly discolored pair boasts the famous “Chicago” colorway — designed by Peter Moore and Nike’s first of 34 Jordan sneakers. It bears the first Air Jordan emblem, the Nike Air Logo on the tongue and the GOAT’s actual signature in permanent marker on the right sneaker. It’s estimated to sell for $100,000 USD to $150,000 USD.

“These are the most iconic and coveted sneakers of all time,” said Jordan Geller, owner of the AJ1 pair and founder of sneaker museum Shoezeum in a statement. “Owning this pair has been a real pleasure, and 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.”

This auction was planned in just 10 days. According to Sotheby’s director of e-commerce development, Brahm Wachter: “Jordan [Geller] called me and said that given the reception of ESPN’s ‘The Last Dance,’ he thought it would be the right moment to offer this pair.” Wachter went on to mention that the pair is embellished with the code “850204 TYPS” which references the date they were produced and are rare samples created in the Tony Yang factory. “850204 refers to the date of production, made in 1985 between the months of February (02) and April (04),” said Wachter. “With that manufacture date, and the date that Michael injured his foot (October 29, 1985) we know the shoes were worn sometime between February of 1985 and October 29th 1985.”

Bids are open on Sotheby’s website until May 17.

In other stories, Reebok pokes fun at Michael Jordan with the re-release of a USA track jacket inspired by his warmup suit from the 1992 Olympic Games.