In a highly anticipated event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors, a stunning array of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is set to hit the auction block. These iconic pieces of sports history, previously held in private, are now ready to be sold to the highest bidder in a prestigious auction organized by Sotheby’s. Opening on February 2nd, this auction offers an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million for the collection.
Known as The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once treasured by a private collector who obtained them from Tim Hallam, the former public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their dominant era in the 1990s. This unique collection originated from a tradition where Jordan would gift Hallam one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, resulting in the assembly of this extraordinary collection.
The Dynasty Collection, showcased at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 to 1998. Every sneaker in the collection is personally autographed by Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
Sotheby’s fittingly named this collection The Dynasty Collection, as it features diverse models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore throughout his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by Jordan’s Porsche 911; the pioneering Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding; the Air Jordan VIII (1993) with its distinctive “x-strap” design; the iconic “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the remarkable “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), an early prototype reflecting his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this collection are a set of unique signed photographs, capturing Jordan immediately after each championship win, wearing only one sneaker while the other is in Hallam’s possession. This amusing yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam underscores the personal connection embedded within this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection serves as a testament to Jordan’s evolving style and the advancements in sneaker technology throughout the years. The authenticity and history of these sneakers have undergone rigorous verification procedures, involving meticulous certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other experts.
This auction follows the remarkable sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for $2.2 million. It remains the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection goes beyond being a mere sports memorabilia event; it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of basketball history that encapsulates the enduring legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.