This Never-Before-Seen Air Jordan Prototype Is Straight From the Stone Age
Stadium Goods has partnered with Christie’s for the company's largest sneaker auction ever, taking place from June 22 to June 30. Focusing on the legacy of Michael Jordan, the sale is titled “Original Air Takes Flight: The Evolution and Influence of Air Jordan Sneakers,” as it includes 90 pairs of Nike and Jordan Brand shoes, ranging from samples and prototypes, to rare exclusives, game-worn pairs, and more.
Leading the auction is a truly one-of-kind sneaker, a development sample of the Air Jordan 2 from 1985/1986 (see above), which is expected to fetch anywhere between $120,000 and $160,000. Created during the design process of Jordan's second signature shoe, as you can see, the prototype looks absolutely nothing like the Air Jordan 2, leading many to believe this iteration was made incredibly early on. Quite frankly, from the photo above, it looks as if it came directly from the Stone Age, especially in comparison to most Air Jordan silhouettes as we know them today.
Other highlights from the "Original Air Takes Flight" auction include an original 1985 Air Jordan 1, the Air Jordan 1 "Metallics," and for the first time ever, a complete set of Air Jordans 1 through 14. Pairs worn by MJ himself, as well as his teammates and competitors, will be available, too, featuring those donned by the likes of BJ Armstrong and Charles Barkley, just to name a few. Additional pairs worn by Jordan Brand athletes are included in the sale as well, with shoes coming from Derek Jeter, Russell Westbrook, Ray Allen, and Jimmy Butler.
The auction doesn't stop at player-worn exclusives, though. Interested buyers will also have the opportunity to secure highly coveted collaborations with brands and musicians, including colette, Eminem, and Drake.
You can go ahead and browse early highlights from “Original Air Takes Flight: The Evolution and Influence of Air Jordan Sneakers” here, before the complete list of shoes is posted on June 4. The auction will be open for bidding between June 22 and June 30, and you can see the entire collection on display at Christie’s New York from June 4 to June 9.
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