Nike Air Ship sneakers Michael Jordan wore on his fifth game fetched $624,000 at an auction

Michael Jordan memorabilia remains coveted in the market.

© Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

As evidenced by the sale of his Nike Air Ship sneakers, Michael Jordan's memorabilia continues to fetch a pretty penny at auctions. The shoes, which Jordan wore during his fifth game in the NBA, were sold for a staggering $624,000 at an auction

Nike Air Ships

Contrary to what some may think, His Airness didn’t wear the Air Jordan 1s early in his career. The sneaker that Jordan rocked in his first days in the Association was named the Nike Air Ship. According to Goldin Auction, the white and red, game-worn shoes that bore Jordan’s autograph were sold for a whopping $520,000, although the price eventually reached $620,000 because of the buyer’s premium that covered auction costs.

Just a few days left to bid on one of the biggest pair of sneakers #thehobby has ever seen!

Don’t miss out on these 1984 Michael Jordan Rookie Game-Used/Signed/Inscribed Nike Air Ship Sneakers - Earliest Known Jordan NBA Season Gamers 🏀

Bid now: https://t.co/XRl6Lo2zgx pic.twitter.com/dQsfalJVAB

— Goldin (@GoldinCo) September 11, 2023

Worn during a match vs. the Denver Nuggets

Goldin Auctions founder Ken Goldin verified the pair as the one that Jordan wore during a game against the Denver Nuggets on November 1, 1984. The game resulted in a 129-113 loss for the Bulls, and Jordan finished with an unremarkable 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

The game, though, was memorable for Nuggets ballboy Tj Lewis, who received the game-worn sneakers after the game. On one of the shoes, Jordan simply signed his name, while on the other, he inscribed "My Very Best To Tj Michael Jordan."

Sample pair of a game-worn Nike Air Ship by Michael Jordan from 1984 🤯 @SuplexPhilly pic.twitter.com/GA1SlqdvTJ

— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) May 4, 2020