Jordan Rookie Sneakers Fly High
By Leila Dunbar | May 23, 2020
As a UNC alum who was there for the magic Michael Jordan years, I have followed his career avidly. Even if I wasn’t a Tar Heel, (whether you love him or hate him) Jordan was such a compelling player that he made his 1990’s championship runs with the Chicago Bulls must see TV.
This past week Sotheby’s sold a pair of Michael Jordan rookie season Nike custom basketball shoes (similar to those in the above photo) for $560,000, breaking the $437,000 record price paid for a pair of Nike prototype “Moon Shoes.” I find it fascinating, having been the director of Sotheby’s Collectibles from 1999-2008 until they discontinued the department, that the company best known for art and luxury goods is now back (very, very selectively) in memorabilia (Sam Simon and Robin Williams estates, Bob Dylan lyrics, etc). But some would consider Jordan an artist in his own right.
1985 Michael Jordan Game Worn And Signed Rookie Sneakers, Which Started The Basketball Shoe Revolution, $560,000, Sotheby’s
This caps off (so far) a year where Jordan memorabilia has been flying high (note that the Covid pandemic has not slowed down the collectibles market at all). The attention brought by ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary has brought out Jordan game used uniforms and shoes and cards out into the market. And the prices paid, like Jordan himself, tend to outscore all others.
“The Last Dance” also told the story that the NBA tried to ban Jordan’s revolutionary color coordinated shoes and that he was the player that jump started the basketball sneaker market. Jordan single handedly lifted Nike from a sleepy track shoe maker to a global entity, the ultimate assist.
In May Heritage Auctions sold a 1986 Fleer Jordan rookie card graded 10 (the highest grade) brought $96,000. And a pair of cleats Jordan wore during his 1994 season playing outfield for the Birmingham Barons crossed the plate at $93,000.
1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card, $96,000, Heritage Auctions
Right now Leland’s Auctions is selling pair of 1992 Jordan “Dream Team” worn sneakers from the Olympics. Current bid is $25,939 with nearly a month to go. Other “Dream Team” game worn sneakers from Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen are also up for sale and currently selling for a fraction of the Jordan pair, demonstrating Jordan’s greater collector popularity. Leland’s is also offering a pair of 1981-1982 Carolina (a glorious NCAA season!) worn and signed shoes, currently at $12,968, plus a 1982 UNC team signed basketball, at $1,074; and a number of Jordan basketball cards.
1992 Michael Jordan Olympic Game Worn And Signed “Dream Team” Sneakers
Finally, just a few weeks ago an Antiques Roadshow segment aired where I valued an Air Jordan sneaker display and discuss the history and impact of Jordan on the sneaker business. Here is a link: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/season/24/san-antonio-tx/appraisals/1993-air-jordan-sneaker-display–201902T26/
Because of this segment and the airing of “The Last Dance,” I have been getting numerous estimate requests for Jordan related items; and appraisal work for insurance coverage, etc. The best part is that it has brought back wonderful memories of crowding with thousands of fellow students (ah, the days before social distancing) on Franklin Street celebrating a Carolina win. The song really is true. “I’m a Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred and when I die, I’m a Tar Heel dead…”
