The Air Jordan 13s introduced by Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA Finals became the most valuable sneakers ever sold – WhatsNew2Day

A pair of shoes worn and signed by Michael Jordan sold for a record-breaking $2.2 million at auction.

The Air Jordan XIII pair was worn by the basketball legend during the 1998 NBA Finals and broke the record previously held by a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1 prototypes, which fetched $1.8 million in a private sale.

The previous record for a pair of sneakers sold at auction was $1.472 million when Jordan’s Nike Air Ships regular season game was snapped up in 2021.

The cut places Jordan among the most expensive items ever sold after selling his NBA Finals Game 1 jersey for $10.1 million in 2022.

Both items likely grew in popularity thanks to the popular documentary “The Last Dance” which was largely watched on both ESPN and Netflix.

Jordan scored a game-high 37 points in Game 2 of the Finals as he wore the ‘Bred’ XIII sneakers

“Michael Jordan’s game-wear sports memorabilia has proven time and time again to be the most desirable and elite item on the market,” Brahm Wachter, head of streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, said when the piece went on sale.

“However, the elements from his final dance season are much larger and larger as we saw with our record sale of Game 1 jerseys in 2022.”

Jordan sneakers headlined a two-part sports memorabilia sale called Victoriam Parts I & II that allowed bidders to submit their bids online between April 3rd and April 11th.

The NBA legend scored 37 points in Game 2 when he donned the ‘Bred’ Air Jordan XIII in the second half of the victory.

The Bulls went on to claim the Finals trophy as Jordan took home his sixth NBA Finals MVP award.

The Air Jordan XIII was worn by Jordan during the 1998 Finals, which was won by the Bulls