In an exciting event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors, a remarkable collection of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is set to be auctioned off. These iconic pieces of sports history, known as The Dynasty Collection, are making their public debut after being privately held. Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, will hold the auction starting on February 2nd, with the sneakers expected to fetch an impressive pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million.
The sneakers in The Dynasty Collection were once in the possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the former public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their dominant era in the 1990s. Jordan had a tradition of gifting Hallam one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, leading to the formation of this unique collection.
Highlighted at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection spans the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 to 1998. Every sneaker in the collection bears the personal autograph of Michael Jordan, the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
Sotheby’s aptly named the collection The Dynasty Collection, showcasing various models of Air Jordans worn by Jordan throughout his illustrious career. It includes the sleek Air Jordan VI (1991), inspired by his Porsche 911; the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding; the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the innovative “x-strap” design; the iconic “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) famous for its translucent sole; the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997); and the prototype-like “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), mirroring his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this collection are a set of unique signed photographs. These photographs capture Jordan in the moments following each championship win, wearing only one sneaker, while the other was already in Hallam’s possession. This playful yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam further emphasizes the personal connection embedded in this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection represents not only Jordan’s evolving style but also the advancements in sneaker technology over the years. The authenticity and provenance of these sneakers have undergone rigorous verification, involving detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation by CSG and other industry experts.
This eagerly anticipated auction follows the groundbreaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers worn during the 1998 Finals Game 2. Those sneakers set a historical record when they sold for a staggering $2.2 million, making it the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The upcoming auction of The Dynasty Collection represents much more than a sports memorabilia event; it offers a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of basketball history, encapsulating the enduring legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan.
