Original Air: Michael Jordan Game-Worn and Player Exclusive Sneaker Rarities

In a 1985 exhibition game in Italy, a promising young basketball player named Michael Jordan dunked a ball so hard that the backboard shattered. The American turned around and watched glass fall around his Italian opponents. Jordan would go on to win six NBA championships and six matching NBA Finals MVP awards, but that play is still remembered as an early sign of what was to come. In the upcoming sale of Michael Jordan game-worn shoes, Christie’s presents the pair of Air Jordan 1 shoes he wore during the “shattered backboard” game in 1985. The left shoe still has a glass shard from the backboard in its sole.

The timed Christie’s auction offers 11 pairs of game-worn Jordans from his career. Representing the early years is a pair of Nike Air Ships from 1984. Jordan only wore the Air Ships in the preseason before his rookie year and in his first few games. The auction house believes Jordan wore this particular pair against the New Jersey Nets in December of 1984. Collectors interested in Olympic memorabilia can consider a pair of Air Jordan 7s he wore as a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball “Dream Team.” The sneakers were given to a receptionist at the Ambassador Hotel as a thank-you for running errands for the 1992 gold-medal-winning crew. Those interested in the event can learn more about the featured lots in this Auction Daily article and register to bid on the Christie’s website.