This Massive “Dare To Dream” Auction At Sotheby’s Features Over $2 Million In Rare Heat

Sotheby’s has become the end-all destination for the world’s rarest and most collectible sneakers thanks to some record-breaking sneaker sales that have shocked industry. With supremely rare listings under its belt like the Nike “Moon Shoe”that sold for $437,500 and game-worn Air Jordan 1s autographed by the GOAT himself fetching over half a mil, Sotheby’s has brought sneakers to a new demographic of high-end collectors across the globe. Now, they’ve partnered with one of the most dedicated buyers in recent years to present the “Dare To Dream” Auction event from May 31st through June 5th, which contains a combined value in excess of $2 million.

Canadian businessman Miles Nadal is the man behind this likely once-in-a-lifetime auction event. Over the years, he’s amassed an outstanding collection of sneakers that are both scarce and high in value; now, in partnership with Sotheby’s, he’s letting go of over 850 pairs from his personal collection that might just cover nearly every corner of demand in the sneaker market.

Miles Nadal “Dare To Dream” Collection Sotheby’s

Miles Nadal “Dare To Dream” Collection Sotheby’sMiles Nadal “Dare To Dream” Collection Sotheby’s

Miles Nadal “Dare To Dream” Collection Sotheby’s

Miles Nadal “Dare To Dream” Collection Sotheby’s

Miles Nadal “Dare To Dream” Collection Sotheby’s

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A staggering fact: about half of the $2 million evaluation of this auction is contained within ten pairs of shoes. This mighty group of ten includes the aforementioned Moon Shoe, Eminem’s Air Jordan 4, the light-up Nike Mags (the power-lacing 2016 pair), and a pair of the Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher”. If you recall, the “What The Doernbecher” was released exclusively through eBay via an auction; just 17 pairs released, with a total of $565,069.88 going towards the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. See that listing here.

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “What The Doernbecher” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

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Diving deeper into the category of  unthinkably rare gems is the Air Jordan 1 made in commemoration of Spike Lee being named the Jury President for the 73rd Cannes Film Festival. Featuring colors of the French national flag, these AJ1s feature Spike’s famed character Mars Blackmon on the left tongue, while Spike himself appears on the right donning his special purple/gold tuxedo for 2020 Oscars night. See the listing here.

Air Jordan 1 “Cannes Film Festival” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Cannes Film Festival” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Cannes Film Festival” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Cannes Film Festival” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Cannes Film Festival” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

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Equally rare and perhaps more obscure is the special Air Jordan 1 “Design Studio” that was rumored to be gifted to members of Jordan Brand’s design studio team. Created in 2018, this special edition of the AJ1 features the year in roman numerals (MMXVIII) on the multi-colored heel, while an “LA” tongue label appears on the left shoe. See the listing here.

Air Jordan 1 “Design Studio” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Design Studio” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Design Studio” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Design Studio” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

Air Jordan 1 “Design Studio” From the Sotheby’s “Dare To Dream” Auction Event

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The “Dare To Dream” Auction event will officially commence on May 31st at 10 AM ET. Every single lot in this event will be offered without a reserve, so there’s a great chance at copping a gem at a very reasonable price. Additionally, the top fifty pairs of sneakers are being offered live, while the remaining pairs are offered via an auction. The lots begin to close on June 5th at 11 AM ET, so be sure to check all the listings here during that crucial window.