Could Michael Jordan's Game-Worn Air Ship's Be the Most Expensive Sneakers Ever?

Auction house Sotheby’s is no stranger to auctioning off rare sneakers, in fact it’s conducted some of the most high-profile sales of recent years. As part of the house’s latest “Icons of Excellence & Haute Luxury” sale, a pair of game-worn Nike Air Ship sneakers that belonged to Michael Jordan will be up for bidding. Sources state that these are in-fact the earliest MJ game-worn sneakers in circulation, as they were worn during his 5th NBA game as part of his rookie season in 1984.

The Nike Air Ship was designed by none other than Bruce Kilgore (also of AF1 fame) and was Jordan’s shoe of choice before his legendary Air Jordan 1 was ready. The pair are estimated to sell for around $1 Million to $1.5 Million dollars and could well be on track to becoming the most expensive pair of sneakers ever sold.

Brahm Wachter, Head of Sotheby’s Streetwear and Modern Collectables stated “Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand helped redefine what a signature line formed around an athlete could be. These sneakers are a crucial part of the genesis of that story. This pair, with provenance from Michael’s 5th NBA game really touches two worlds as the Nike Air Ship holds a special place in the hearts of sneakerheads as the precursor of the Air Jordan 1, but beyond that, it is also simply and incredible artifact that dates to the nascency of Michael Jordan’s rookie season. We are thrilled to unveil this astonishing piece worn by one of the best athletes to play any sport, as Sotheby’s continues to lead the sneaker and modern collectibles market”.

Alongside the Nike Air Ship’s, a “Player Sample” pair of AJ1s that were made for Jordan in 1985 will also be up for sale, although these were never worn and are in pristine condition - they’ve never even been laced up. Make sure to keep it locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all the latest updates on this auction and much more, and while you’re here check out the new Air Jordan 1 Mid “Smoke Grey”!