Michael Jordan's "Last Dance" sneakers sold for historic $2.2 million at auction

The holy grail of sneakers fetched a hefty sum.

© Anne Ryan-USA TODAY

Despite not playing since 2003, the demand for memorabilia of Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan remains strong. A pair of his game-worn "Last Dance" sneakers from 1998 sold for a record-breaking $2.2 million at an online auction, the highest ever paid for a pair of sneakers at auction.

Final season with the Bulls

The shoes fetched such an astronomic price primarily because His Airness wore them in his final season for the Bulls—also known as "The Last Dance," which was masterfully chronicled by ESPN in a mini-series in 2020. The recently auctioned-off Air Jordan 13s were the pair that Jordan wore in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Utah Jazz.

In that game, the Bulls recovered from a Game 1 loss with a 93-88 victory. Jordan had 37 points on 14-of-33 shooting to power Chicago to the victory. After the game, Jordan handed the shoe to a ballboy who took care of the visiting team's locker room. The Bulls eventually knocked off the Jazz in six games to capture their sixth title and complete a second "three-peat."

Demand for Jordan memorabilia remains sky high

Jordan's mythical status in the world of sports culture has only grown since he retired from the NBA, and his memorabilia is highly sought after by fans. In addition to the Air Jordan 13s, another pair of kicks worn​​ by His Airness—the Air Jordan Ships—sold for $1.472 million in 2021.

"Today's record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations," said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of streetwear and modern collectibles.