Jordan 1998 Finals Sneakers: $2.2M Record Sale
- A pair of Michael Jordan's game-worn Air Jordan 13 sneakers from the 1998 NBA Finals have become the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction.the iconic black and...
- The sale substantially surpassed the previous record of $1.47 million,set in 2021 by a pair of Nike Air Ships also worn by Jordan early in his career.
- Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables, noted the consistent high value of Jordan's memorabilia.
Michael Jordan‘s 1998 Finals sneakers shattered auction records, selling for an astounding $2.2 million! These iconic Air Jordan 13s, worn in Game 2 of the ’98 NBA Finals, represent history. This sale, far exceeding the previous record, solidifies Jordan’s lasting impact. The shoes, autographed and gifted by Jordan after the game, are a significant piece of sports history. News Directory 3 is following all of the latest developments in sports memorabilia. Collectors and fans alike are keenly watching the market. Discover what’s next for these high-value collectibles.
Michael Jordan’s Sneakers Fetch Record $2.2 Million at Auction
Updated May 30, 2025
A pair of Michael Jordan’s game-worn Air Jordan 13 sneakers from the 1998 NBA Finals have become the most expensive sneakers ever sold at auction.the iconic black and red shoes, worn during Game 2 of the Chicago Bulls’ final championship run, fetched $2.2 million at a sotheby’s auction in New York.
The sale substantially surpassed the previous record of $1.47 million,set in 2021 by a pair of Nike Air Ships also worn by Jordan early in his career. The Air Jordan sale occurred during what’s been dubbed “Jordan Year,” referencing his jersey number 23.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables, noted the consistent high value of Jordan’s memorabilia. He stated that items from his “Last Dance” season hold particular meaning, evidenced by the record-breaking sale of his Game 1 jersey in 2022 for $10.1 million.
Jordan scored 37 points while wearing the auctioned sneakers in Game 2 against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Bulls won that game 93-88. Sotheby’s reported that these were the last black and red Air Jordan 13s Jordan wore in an NBA game.
Following the game, Jordan autographed the sneakers and gave them to the visitor’s locker room ball boy, a common practice for him, according to Sotheby’s.
The Air Jordan 13 sneakers were featured in a “victoriam” sports memorabilia sale, which included items from athletes like Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, and Roger Federer. A game-worn 1998 Bulls jersey and a pair of 1985 Air Jordan 1s also sold for $508,000 and $127,000, respectively.
What’s next
The record-breaking sale underscores the enduring appeal and investment value of Michael Jordan memorabilia, suggesting continued strong interest in similar items at future auctions.