The exact pair of Air Jordan 13 “Bred” that Michael Jordan wore during the 1998 NBA Finals went up for auction in March through Sotheby’s. The game-worn and autographed pair sold for a record-breaking $2.2 million (approximately R40 million in Rands).
“Another historic day at #SothebysNewYork! Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 2 Air Jordan 13s from the famous ‘The Last Dance’ season sold for $2.2 million, setting a new world record for the most valuable sneakers ever sold,” Sotheby’s wrote on social media.
During the ’98 finals (Game 2), Michael Jordan registered a game high 37 points over 40 minutes in a Bulls 93-88 victory over the Utah Jazz wearing the very same ‘Bred’ Air Jordan 13 sneakers during the second half of the game, on his way to his 6th NBA Championship and 6th Finals MVP award.
Per Sotheby’s:
Immediately following the game, the ball-boy responsible for the visitors’ locker room received a gift from MJ. The ball-boy had seen Michael during an earlier practice and found his lost jacket. After returning the jacket to Jordan he said, “Can I get your kicks after the game tomorrow?” Michael, having given pairs to the same ball-boy during prior visits, took his sneakers off in the locker room after Game 2, signed each sneaker, and handed them as a thank you for his services.
The sneakers feature large silver signatures on each toe-box.
