While not every pair of sneakers is immensely valuable, sneakers can be collectible items. Around the world, limited edition pairs — or pairs that have been signed and/or worn by legendary athletes — are being bought and sold for eye-watering amounts of money. Few, however, for as much as USD$500,000, which is around AUD$745,000.
That was the price tag for a pair of Air Jordans recently sold, which means that with inflation over time, a similar pair is likely to be worth even more now. Enter the Air Jordan 1 Chicago 1985 – 1986. Released nearly 30 years ago, this is one of the most coveted styles today. Not only that, but this pair was worn in a game and signed by basketball great Michael Jordan himself. The shoes are a whopping size 13 and 13.5 mens US, to fit Jordan’s famously different-sized feet.
Now, you can see them for yourself at the eBay Museum of Authentics, Australia’s first-ever sneaker event. On from Sunday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 in Melbourne, the free event will showcase the Air Jordans along with a collection of other ultra rare shoes, including 14 from Melburnian sneaker collector Michael Fan’s 700+ collection. Also in the line-up are:
- College Dropout Bapestas 2007: Precursor to the YEEZY sneaker dynasty, this pair is the first sneaker designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed rapper, music producer and fashion designer, Kanye West.
- Nike Hyperdunk Back to the Future 2008: There were only 350 pairs of this sneaker. They pay homage to Back to the Future with a “Marty McFly” colourway. The exhibited pair is signed by Kobe Bryant.
- Pharrell x Chanel x NMDs 2017: Current listings price this pair, which blends luxury and streetwear, between AUD $12,000 to $18,000. Only 500 pairs were made.
- Air YEEZY 1 Zen Grey 2009: Nike’s first signature sneaker made in collaboration with a non-athlete. The pair debuted during Kanye’s 2008 Grammys performance before it was released to the public in 2009.
“We know the sneaker obsession across the globe hasn’t heeled,” joked eBay Australia’s sneaker expert Alaister Low. “The category has continued to grow on eBay Australia with triple-digit growth over the past three years. eBay’s Museum of Authentics will give sneakerheads a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most coveted sneakers in the world.”
The eBay Museum of Authentics is at Neon Parc, 15 Tinning Street, Brunswick from Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 from 10am-5pm.
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