Michael Jordan’s Game Worn Air Jordan 11s From The 1996 NBA Finals Sell For $482,600

Sold by a former Seattle Supersonics ballboy.

Andrew Rizzo April 18th, 2024 (updated)

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Look at the list of most expensive sneakers ever sold and you’ll see that it’s pretty much all game-worn Air Jordans. Mike’s shoes were some of the most sought-after collectors items when they hit the block in the 80s and nearly forty years later, that hasn’t changed. Sneakerheads with dough are willing to pay top dollar for Jordan grails, and we’re reminded of that once more by the sale of Bred 11s worn in the 1996 Finals for a whopping $482,600.

If you weren’t around to recall, Jordan and the Bulls won the 1995-96 NBA Finals over the Seattle Supersonics in six games, a year in which they also set a record with 72 regular season wins. Jordan wore the Bred 11s sold via Sotheby’s auction in game 5 of the series before signing and gifting one shoe each to a Sonics ballboy and his friend after the game. They reunited the left and right shoes to form the pair that was auctioned off.

Here’s the story from Jesse Sluyter: From 1994 to 2008 I worked as a ballboy for the Seattle SuperSonics. My best friend and I were lucky enough to work the NBA Finals game in the 1995-1996 season when the Seattle SuperSonics played against the Chicago Bulls. We worked every practice and Finals games 3,4, and 5. Michael Jordan and I got along really well in the Finals and he was very humble and sincere in all of his interactions … During Game 5 Michael gave me two tickets to one of the NBA Finals games and said bring your mom and dad. Later on after Game 5, the equipment manager of the Chicago Bulls asked Michael Jordan who his shoes were going to, he said “That ballboy” (me) and my best friend. After Jordan took care of the media, talked to the coaches, and cared for a Make-a-Wish Foundation child, I asked him if he would sign the shoes. He did it with a smile and said “Have a good night”. I wished him good luck and finished up my work for the night (Sotheby’s).

Enjoy detailed images of the shoes below, and on the off-chance Michael Jordan gifts you a pair of kicks, maybe ask him to sign them for you, too. Otherwise, check out our Jordan Release Dates 2024 page for a full preview of upcoming Jumpman deliveries.

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

: Michael Jordan Game Worn Jordan 11s (1996) Sotheby’s

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Written by

Andrew Rizzo, Junior Editor

Andrew Rizzo is an editor at Sneaker News based out of New York City. His primary interests include Air Jordan, Nike ACG, Nike Air Max, and New Balance footwear. Prior to joining Sneaker News, Andrew covered youth sports for several outlets and worked at one of the world’s top performance marketing agencies. He hails from Astoria, Queens and is a huge New York sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Knicks and Yankees.