An Early Air Jordan 2 Prototype Is Currently Up For Auction

While the sneaker resale is a behemoth on its own, the sports memorabilia market is a whole different ball game. This year alone, Micheal Jordan’s signature shoes have broken records, as sports fans and sneakerheads alike attempt to get their hands on some serious sneaker history. The latest pair to appear at auction is this Air Jordan 2 prototype, which although never saw the light of day in the NBA, is still an important part of the Jordan Brand journey.

Following up on a shoe as iconic as the Air Jordan 1 was never going to be an easy feat, but footwear designers Peter Moore and Bruce Kilgore were never ones to stray away from a challenge. Though it was said that Jordan himself wasn’t a huge fan of the AJ2, this early example appears to borrow much more influence from the AJ1. Featuring a higher cut and moulded heel counters, the pair also utilises faux reptile skin leather and debuts the Jordan Wings insignia on the sidewalls.

Currently sitting at just over $1K, bidding is now open at Heritage Auctions, where it’ll close on June 21st. Given that MJ’s Last Dance Jordans recently sold for $2.2 million, this could be an easy route into copping those collectables.

What do you think of the early pair? Are they better than the final version of the AJ2? Let us know your thoughts, and in the meantime, check out these new looks at the Air Jordan 4 "Frozen Moments".