Michael Jordan’s sneakers from 1998 NBA finals develop into costliest trainers ever bought

Basketball icon Michael Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 NBA finals have fetched greater than $2.2m (£1.8m) at public sale – making them the most costly pair of trainers ever bought.

The Air Jordan 13s have been worn by Jordan for the second recreation of the finals throughout his final 12 months with the Chicago Bulls – sometimes called The Last Dance and the inspiration behind the hit Netflix collection of the identical title.

The black and pink footwear, or Bred because it’s recognized within the Air Jordans vary, have been worn when Jordan scored 37 factors within the Bulls’ 93-88 victory over Utah Jazz.

The trainers have been among the many last public releases of an Air Jordan sneaker through the basketball participant’s profession with the Bulls.

The fancy footwear exceeded public sale data after the sale at Sotheby’s on Tuesday.

“Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations,” stated Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and fashionable collectables.

“Sotheby’s is extremely proud to hold the world record for most valuable game-worn sports memorabilia at auction and the most valuable sneakers ever sold, both of which – to no surprise – are directly tied to the global icon, Michael Jordan.”

The sneakers shaped a part of Sotheby’s Victoriam assortment, which is a two-part curated sports assortment showcasing memorabilia from previous and current athletes.

The Air Jordans beat the earlier file of $1.8m (£1.45 million) held by a pair of Kanye West’s Nike Air Yeezy 1s.

Jordan’s memorabilia is very valued and wanted at public sale as Sotheby’s additionally bought his jersey, which he wore on the first recreation of the 1998 NBA finals, for $10.1m (£8.1m) in September 2022 – making it the most costly game-worn sports memorabilia ever bought at public sale.