In a thrilling event for basketball enthusiasts and collectors alike, a set of six sneakers worn by the legendary Michael Jordan during his NBA championship-clinching games is about to hit the auction block. These iconic pieces of sports history, privately held for years, are now ready to be sold to the highest bidder in an upcoming auction organized by Sotheby’s. With a pre-sale estimate of $7 million to $10 million, this auction promises to be a major highlight for enthusiasts of Jordan’s era.
Dubbed The Dynasty Collection, these sneakers were once the prized possession of a private collector who acquired them from Tim Hallam, the former public relations director for the Chicago Bulls during their era of dominance in the 1990s. As part of a unique tradition, Jordan would gift Hallam one of his game-worn shoes after each Finals victory, leading to the formation of this extraordinary collection.
Displayed at the 2022 National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City, The Dynasty Collection covers the Bulls’ championship years from 1991 through 1998. Each sneaker in the collection bears the personal autograph of Michael Jordan, highlighting his status as the Finals MVP in each of those championship series.
The collection features various models of Air Jordans that Jordan wore during his illustrious career. It includes the Air Jordan VI (1991), which drew inspiration from Jordan’s Porsche 911, the groundbreaking Air Jordan VII (1992), the first model without Nike branding, the Air Jordan VIII (1993) featuring the iconic “x-strap” design, the famous “Bred” Air Jordan XI (1996) known for its translucent sole, the Nike Zoom Air-equipped Air Jordan XII (1997), and the “Last Shot” Air Jordan XIV (1998), an early prototype mirroring his Ferrari 550 Maranello.
Adding to the allure of this remarkable collection are a set of unique signed photographs, capturing the moments following each championship win, with Jordan humorously posing with only one sneaker—the other already in Hallam’s possession. This lighthearted yet historic exchange between Jordan and Hallam perfectly embodies the personal connection behind this collection.
Each sneaker in The Dynasty Collection not only showcases Jordan’s evolving style but also represents the advancements in sneaker technology throughout the years. The authenticity and historical significance of these sneakers have been vigorously verified through detailed certification processes and extensive high-resolution photographic documentation conducted by experts from CSG and other reputable sources.
This upcoming auction follows the groundbreaking sale of another pair of Jordan’s sneakers from the 1998 Finals Game 2, which set a record by selling for an astonishing $2.2 million—the highest price ever paid for game-worn shoes. The auction of The Dynasty Collection goes beyond being a sports memorabilia event; it presents a truly exceptional opportunity to own a tangible piece of basketball history, encompassing the legacy of one of the greatest athletes in the sport, Michael Jordan. From the historic moments on the court to the cutting-edge designs of the sneakers, this collection truly encapsulates the essence of basketball greatness.
