These Are the Most Expensive Air Jordan 11s Ever Sold!
Game-worn continue to fetch eye-watering prices at auction, and the latest is no exception, selling for a whopping $482,600 at Sotheby’s – nearly $100,000 more than its original estimate.
Laced by during the 1996 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Seattle Supersonics, the AJ11 ‘Bred’ is composed in a familiar mix of black, red and white. Emblazoned with MJ’s signature on the white midsole and ‘Sample FTPS’ interior coding, the sneakers were originally gifted to Supersonics ballboy Jesse Sluyter and his friend after Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Each received one shoe, but they have come together for the auction.
Sluyter said via Sotheby's, ‘Michael Jordan and I got along really well in the Finals and he was very humble and sincere in all of his interactions. Later on after Game 5, the equipment manager of the Chicago Bulls asked Michael Jordan who his shoes were going to, he said “That ballboy” (me) and my best friend. After Jordan took care of the media, talked to the coaches, and cared for a Make-a-Wish Foundation child, I asked him if he would sign the shoes. He did it with a smile and said “Have a good night”. I wished him good luck and finished up my work for the night,’ he continued.
The Chicago Bulls would eventually rout the Seattle Supersonics 4-2, with Michael Jordan securing his fourth Finals MVP.
The sale of these 1996 Air Jordan 11s makes them the 11th and the most expensive Air Jordan 11s ever sold individually. There was an Air Jordan 11 in the Dynasty Collection that sold for $8 million earlier this year; however, it was one of six in the sale so its individual value is not determined.