This Epic Sneaker Auction Features Some of the World’s Most Expensive Air Jordans
A set of original sneakers produced during Michael Jordan’s championship-winning run with the Chicago Bulls is just one of the Christie’s auction’s highlights.
Christie’s New York auction house and streetwear retailer Stadium Goods are hosting an online auction dedicated entirely to Air Jordan. Marking the second collaboration between Christie’s and Stadium Goods, “Original Air Part II” features 90 silhouettes ranging from NBA icon Michael Jordan’s personal game-worn kicks, seminal prototypes, very limited-edition musical crossovers with hip-hop greats, and other AJ rarities.
Check out some early highlights from Christie’s online viewing room, including dates and presale valuations:
Air Jordan 1/2, Development Sample
1985-1986
This early development sample of the Air Jordan 2 is thought to be the only one if its kind still in existence. With a sole unit borrowed from 1986’s Nike Air Force 1 and leather ankle panels at the collar, it’s actually more reminiscent of the AJ 1 than the AJ 2 it would become. $120,000-160,000
Air Jordan 1-14 Complete Set of Originals
1985-1998
Nike is still cranking out new Air Jordans today, but the most desirable examples are the original 14 models produced while the NBA’s unofficial GOAT was still winning championships with the Chicago Bulls. For the first time ever, a complete set of original Air Jordans 1-14—each from their respective initial release year—is being offered at auction. $50,000-70,000
Eminem X Air Jordan 4 “ENCORE”
2017
The most dedicated sneakerheads know that the Eminem x Air Jordan 4 “Encore” is one of the most coveted silhouettes ever made. A rumored 50 pairs were first offered to the self-proclaimed Rap God’s closest family and friends a as a stylish tribute to his 2005 album Encore before another 23 were re-released in 2017. Signature details include an upper clad in blue suede and black netting, as well as stylized “ENCORE” embroidery on the inside of the heel tab, complete Em’s signature backwards “E.” $42,000-45,000
Drake X Air Jordan 4 “OVO” Sample
2017
Multi-platinum rapper Drake also has a highly collectible AJ that never had a public release. Inspired by the original AJ 4’s “Bred” colorway, Drake’s personal Air Jordan 4 “OVO” sample gets white and red speckle detailing, his “OVO,” [October’s Very Own] record label’s metallic gold owl logo hidden on the inner side of the heel tab, and additional “OVO” and “6 God” graphics underneath the insoles. $14,000-16,000
Air Jordan 1 Low “Metallic Blue”
1985
The AJ 1 may be best remembered as a high-top, but the Air Jordan 1 Low “Metallic Blue” is one of only three original colorways of the much more limited low-top. The colorway features a white leather base with metallic navy blue accents for the side Swooshes and heel tab. $12,000-15,000
Bidding for Christie’s and Stadium Goods’ Original Air Part II auction begins on June 22.