Charlotte Hornets

Michael Jordan's game-worn rookie shoes auctioned for $71K

Published Apr. 29, 2015 4:33 a.m. ET

foxsports

How much would you be willing to pay for a pair of Michael Jordan's shoes that predate the very first Air Jordans? A pair of proto-Jordans, if you will?

For one collector, the answer was $71,533. The shoes, which are reportedly the oldest known shoes worn by Jordan in the NBA, were put up for auction in March, and the winning bid was announced on Sunday.

JORDAN: Pair of Air #Nike Ships worn by @Jumpman23 during his '84-85 rookie season sold for $71,533. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/rsUFpqlc27
— SCP Auctions (@SCPAuctions) April 27, 2015

The game-used shoes are signed by Jordan and were given to former Lakers ballboy Khalid Ali, who kept them for the past three decades before deciding to sell, according to the AP's initial report on the shoes being up for sale.