You’ve probably seen a pair of Jordan 1s at the mall for 180 bucks and thought, "That's a bit much for some sneakers." Well, hold onto your wallet. Because in the high-stakes world of elite auctions, that price tag wouldn't even cover the sales tax on a single shoelace. When people ask what are the most expensive jordans, they usually expect a number like five or maybe ten thousand dollars.
They aren't ready for the reality of seven figures.
Honestly, the market for Michael Jordan memorabilia has moved way past "sneakerhead culture" and straight into the realm of fine art. We're talking about shoes that sell for the price of a beachfront mansion in Malibu. It isn't just about the rubber or the Nike "Swoosh" anymore; it’s about a specific Tuesday night in 1998 or a piece of glass embedded in a sole from 1985.
The $2.2 Million Record Breaker: The 1998 NBA Finals Air Jordan 13
If you want the definitive answer to what are the most expensive jordans ever sold, you have to look at the "Last Dance." In April 2023, a pair of black and red (Bred) Air Jordan 13s hit the block at Sotheby’s. These weren't just any 13s. Michael Jordan wore them during Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals—his final championship run with the Chicago Bulls.
The final hammer price? A staggering $2,238,000.
Think about that for a second. Two million dollars for a pair of used gym shoes. But for the buyer, they weren't buying shoes. They were buying the physical manifestation of the greatest's peak. Jordan had given these specific sneakers to a ball boy after the game as a "thank you" for finding a lost jacket. That ball boy basically sat on a lottery ticket for twenty-five years without even realizing it.
The 13s are special because they’re one of the only "photomatched" pairs from a Finals game to ever hit the public market. Most of Jordan's championship gear is locked away in private museum-tier collections or owned by the man himself. When a pair like this leaks out, the billionaires come out to play.
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The Dynasty Collection: Six Rings, Eight Million Dollars
Wait, didn't I just say the record was $2.2 million? Well, sort of. If we’re talking about a single pair, it’s the 13s. But if we’re talking about a "set," nothing touches The Dynasty Collection.
Basically, this is a set of six individual sneakers—one from the clinching game of each of Jordan’s six NBA championships. Imagine owning the shoe MJ wore when he won his first title in '91, and the one from the '98 "Last Dance" finale, all in one display.
In early 2024, this set sold for $8,032,800.
It’s kind of a weird collection because they aren't even pairs. It’s six single shoes. After every title win, Jordan would sign one shoe and give it to Bulls PR executive Tim Hallam. It became a tradition. For decades, these sat as a legendary "unicorn" in the hobby. When they finally sold, it proved that the appetite for MJ’s legacy is basically bottomless. It’s the ultimate "flex" for a sports collector.
Shattered Glass and Broken Feet: The Jordan 1 Legend
Before the million-dollar 13s, the Air Jordan 1 was the undisputed king of the auction house. Specifically, the "Shattered Backboard" Jordan 1. No, not the orange ones you can buy on StockX. I’m talking about the actual pair Michael wore during a 1985 exhibition game in Trieste, Italy.
During that game, Jordan dunked so hard the entire backboard exploded.
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One of those original shoes actually has a tiny shard of glass still embedded in the sole. That specific piece of history sold for $615,000 at Christie's. It’s a bit macabre if you think about it—paying over half a million dollars for a shoe with broken glass in it—but that's the level of obsession we're dealing with here.
Then there’s the "Broken Foot" Jordan 1. In his second season, MJ broke a bone in his foot. Nike, panicking that their star might be done, created a "player sample" version of the Chicago 1 with a modified sole for more support. A pair of these sold for $422,000. It shows that even a "tragedy" in a player's career can be worth a fortune if the leather is right.
Why Do These Prices Keep Going Up?
You might be wondering if this is just a bubble. Honestly, it doesn't look like one. Several factors keep the prices for the most expensive jordans climbing:
- The "Last Dance" Effect: The Netflix documentary didn't just entertain people; it educated a whole new generation of wealthy investors on why Jordan matters.
- Scarcity: There are only so many games MJ played. There are only so many shoes he gave away. Unlike modern "limited" releases where Nike might make 50,000 pairs, there is only one "Game 5 Flu Game" pair.
- Authentication Technology: We now have "photomatching." Experts can look at high-resolution photos from 1987 and match the exact grain of the leather or a specific scuff mark on the toe. This gives buyers the confidence to drop millions.
The Outsiders: Solid Gold and Samples
Not every expensive Jordan was worn on a court. Sometimes, it’s just about the materials.
Take the Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan 10. Commissioned by Drake, these are made of 24-karat solid gold. They weigh about 50 pounds each. You can't wear them. You definitely can't hoop in them. But they’re worth an estimated $2.1 million based on the gold weight and the "6 God" association.
Then you have the "Friends and Family" or "Sample" sneakers.
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- Air Jordan 4 Eminem x Carhartt: Released for charity, these can easily fetch $30,000+.
- Air Jordan 1 x Dior (Friends & Family): While the retail version is pricey, the exclusive F&F pairs given to people like Travis Scott are legendary.
- Silver Shoes: Only 10 pairs of the "Solid Silver" AJ1 exist, gifted to Michael by his wife for his 32nd birthday. Good luck finding a pair of those for less than a mid-sized SUV.
How to Tell if You’re Looking at a "Grail"
If you’re hunting for the next big thing, or just curious about what are the most expensive jordans currently trending, keep an eye on "Player Samples." Look for the "999999" code on the interior tag. That usually means it was made specifically for a player, not for a store shelf.
Also, signatures matter, but only if they’re authenticated by Upper Deck (Jordan’s exclusive partner). A "fake" signature on a real shoe can actually lower the value because it ruins the "deadstock" (new) condition of the leather.
Practical Steps for Aspiring Collectors
If you're looking to get into the game without spending $2 million, here is how you start:
- Focus on the "Big Three": The Jordan 1, 3, and 11 usually hold value the best. They are the "blue chip" stocks of the sneaker world.
- Check the Year: An original 1985 Jordan 1 in "beater" condition is often worth more than a brand-new 2024 pair. Collectors love the "age" (the yellowing of the midsole is actually a good thing to some).
- Store Them Right: If you buy an expensive pair, don't leave them in a hot attic. The glue will dry out, the soles will crumble, and your investment will literally turn to dust. Use UV-protected cases and silica packets.
The sneaker market is volatile, but Michael Jordan is a constant. As long as people remember him flying through the air in 1988, these shoes will remain the gold standard of sports memorabilia.
To start your own collection, your first move should be researching reputable auction houses like Sotheby's or Christie's to see their upcoming "Modern Collectibles" catalogs. This gives you a baseline for what true "investment grade" sneakers look like compared to everyday retail pairs. From there, you can track realized prices on platforms like Heritage Auctions to see where the market is moving in real-time.