These are the most expensive tennis shoes in the world, sold at 1.5 million dollars

In the world of fashion, there are garments and accessories that can be worth millions due to the brand, the design or the exclusive materials used. But there are also cases in which the price is dictated by the story behind it, such is the case of the most expensive sneakers in the world.

The shoes in question are Michael Jordan's oldest known Nikes worn in the regular season. Its first use is credited to Jordan's fifth National Basketball Association (NBA) game, played on November 1, 1984.

Predating even the Air Jordan 1 in design, these sneakers sold for $1,472,000. The cost is already impressive, but it may have disappointed a little for sellers who were hoping to top $1.5 million.

This millionaire pair is a white and red Air Ship of the American number 13, signed by Michael Jordan. The signature of course gives it value, but the sneakers are also historic because it was a test that Nike did with the NBA star before launching them on the market.

According to the auction house itself, 1984 was the year that Nike gave Michael Jordan his own line of tennis shoes and sportswear, something essential for him to later agree to sign with the brand. It was the first time Nike had ever done anything like this and it paved the way for all the player collaborations since.

(Photo: Sotheby's)

Air Jordan or Air Ship

The term Air Jordan was later coined by Michael Jordan's agent, David Falk. Apparently, he came up with the name because Nike shoes had air in the soles to cushion falls and because, because of him, Jordan played basketball in the air.

The Nike Air Ship model is a key part of the genesis of what would become the Air Jordan brand, because when Michael joined the NBA, he preferred shoes with low soles so he could feel the court under his feet.

In the process of creating the Air Jordan 1, Nike supplied the player with a limited number of Nike Air Chips, some of which were embossed with “Air Jordan” or “Nike Air” on the heels. The sneakers that were sold at the auction have only “Air”, which is a rare example of this first batch.

(Photo: Sotheby´s)

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Designed by Bruce Kilgore, the “Air Ship” was originally released in 1984 and was the first basketball shoe worn by Michael Jordan as a professional in the NBA. In preseason and the first few games of his rookie year, Michael wore a white and red colourway, as well as a black and red (now known as “Bred”) that Nike designed exclusively for him.

Jordan's Banned Shoes

These black and red Jordan Air Chips became controversial after the NBA sent Nike a letter referencing a preseason game informing the company that the colorful Jordan's sneakers were a violation of the league's uniform clause.

Nike responded by creating an ad campaign around Jordan's “banned shoes”, as well as announcing the first Air Jordans, with the tagline: “the NBA kicked them out of the game, luckily the NBA can't stop you from wearing them ”.

The White with Red Air Chips that were sold are undoubtedly a notable item in sports and basketball history, and have been kept in excellent condition by the Denver Nuggets Ball Boy. ) Tommie Tim III Lewis, to whom Jordan gave them as a gift.

(Photo: Sothebys)

The sneakers are accompanied by a letter written by Lewis and a letter by MEARS Authentication, LLC, a company that evaluates collectibles. Also included is Lewis' personal Denver Nuggets 1984-1985 season pass.

Sotheby's auction house for its part did a proof of authentication with James Spence to confirm that the signatures were real. They also turned to Resolution Photomatching which identified a possible photographic match to the dates they were used, indicating a possibility that this pair was used in additional games before November 1, 1984.

A pair of sneakers with a great history, but an exorbitant price.

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