Game-worn Air Jordan 1 sneakers fetch record $560K in auction

A pair of autographed Air Jordan 1 sneakers, worn by Michael Jordan himself during his rookie season, sold for a record $560,000 USD on Sunday at a Sotheby's auction, courtesy of Reuters.

The shoes were initially estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000.

The left shoe is a size 13 and the right is a size 13.5. They're detailed in the "Chicago" colorway - white, red, and black to match the classic Chicago Bulls jersey - that Jordan frequently wore after signing his shoe deal with Nike in 1984.

Aside from general signs of wear, the shoes were rated in "good overall condition" on the auction listing.

"There are black and red and white gashes, slashes, and markings on the uppers from wear which are consistent with what you would expect to find on a pair of Michael Jordan game-worn shoes from the era. The soles exhibit signs of wear," the provided condition report says.

"Many of the stars on the outsoles have worn off or are worn down from wear. With respect to the collars, they show no signs of cracking or chipping. The uppers are also in excellent condition and show no signs of abuse. The midsoles and outsoles are firm and intact with no separation. The rubber outsoles are still pliant."

The previous record for an auction involving sneakers was set in 2019 when the "Moon Shoe," a pair of rare 1972 Nike running shoes created for that year's Olympic Trials, sold for $437,500.