Sotheby’s and Goldin Auctions have teamed up for an online sale of rare sports memorabilia spanning the past 100 years. The collection of goods, referred to as “A Century of Champions,” consists of more than 100 lots including jerseys, sneakers, trading cards, and other objects from revered athletes, led by a pair of Air Jordan 1s with a Dunk sole, worn and signed by Michael Jordan.
The shoes are from Jordan’s second season in the NBA, 1985-1986, and recognized as one of five pairs in existence and the first Air Jordan Dunk sole sneakers ever offered for public sale. They feature the classic black, red, and white color scheme, with a black Nike Swoosh on the side and the original Air Jordan Wings logo on the ankle.
Jordan wore the Air Jordan 1s with a Dunk sole coming back from injury, lacing up variations of the sneaker throughout the remainder of the season. Nike made three versions of the shoe, including one pair with a black strap and this pair with a Dunk sole.
The Jordan Dunk Soles, as some call them, are taller than the original Air Jordan 1 and incorporate the sole of the Nike Dunk, which is considered wider and softer. The pair has two Jordan Wings logos on the interior and exterior, as opposed to just one on the exterior, and a red and white Nike Air label sewn into the top of each tongue. The red soles are also branded with a Nike logo.
The Air Jordan 1s with a Dunk sole show unmistakable game use, with numerous scuffs and abrasions, cracked and chipped ankle padding, and loose threads throughout. The sneakers also feature a partially legible Nike code on the inside, referencing the “player sample,” as they were not designed for general release.
Sotheby’s and Goldin Auctions are expecting to fetch upwards of $800,000 for the Michael Jordan game-worn and signed Jordan Dunk Soles. The auction is currently open for bidding through December 7 via sothebys.com.
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