Michael Jordan is still a legend, and when he left the NBA, he left some pretty big shoes to fill. Now, sports fans and sneakerheads alike can get their hands on at least one of those pairs of shoes, thanks to an upcoming Christie’s auction that features signed Air Jordan “He’s Got Game” XIII sneakers.
Handbags x Hype: The Luxury Remix auction kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 24, and runs until Thursday, Dec. 9. The Air Jordans, which MJ actually wore during some of his professional games, will be previewed at Christie’s New York City saleroom on 20 Rockefeller Center from Dec. 3 to 7.
See also: Michael Jordan's 1984 Nike Air Ship Sneakers Break Record Sale at Sotheby's Auction
Jordan wore the style throughout his last season with the Chicago Bulls, known as the Bulls’ Last Dance. The Jordan XIIIs were the last Jordan sneakers to be released during the player's Chicago Bulls era.
During this 1997-1998 NBA season, Jordan averaged 28.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 82 games, played his twelfth All-Star games, and won his fifth MVP award, his sixth Finals MVP award, and his sixth NBA championship.
The shoes were shown in the recent The Last Dance Netflix documentary. The color scheme of white, true red and black was dubbed the “He’s Got Game” style after Jordan’s appearance in Spike Lee’s 1998 film of the same name.
Designed by sneaker legend Tinker Hatfield, the Air Jordan XIIIs were inspired by Jordan’s “Black Cat” nickname and the black panther, a vicious and competitive animal reminiscent of Jordan’s game play. The shoe’s upper heel features a holographic jewel and a curved outsole that allude to the animal’s eye and paw shapes.
This particular pair was worn on April 18, 1998 during a game against the New York Knicks in which the Bulls won 111 to 109. Jordan then gifted the shoes to his rival, Hall of Fame basketball player Isiah Thomas, who was commenting on the game that night. The pair was later passed on to Thomas’ son Joshua as a birthday gift.
The legendary sneakers are estimated to sell anywhere between $300,000 to $500,000. The sale will come with a Letter of Provenance from Joshua Thomas, a signature authentication certificate, a complete photo-match, and an analysis certificate with a multi-point, multi-photo match to the 1998 New York Knicks game.
The Handbags x Hype: The Luxury Remix auction also features a set of three George Condo skateboards, an array of rare Hermes handbags and more. Browse the auction’s online preview.
Photography by: Courtesy of Christie's
