Rare 1984 Michael Jordan Sample Prototype Air Jordan Sneakers to Be Auctioned

FADED4U May 16, 2024

Rare 1984 Michael Jordan Sample Prototype Air Jordan Sneakers to Be Auctioned

Grey Flannel Auctions is thrilled to announce the upcoming auction of a truly iconic piece of sports history: the 1984 Michael Jordan Player Sample Prototype Banned Nike ‘Air Jordan’ Black & Red 1 sneakers. These sneakers, which played a pivotal role in reshaping sports marketing and launching the legendary Air Jordan brand. Bidding begins on May 20, 2024 and concludes on June 9, 2024. Interested bidders may participate in the auction online at www.GreyFlannelAuctions.com

A Game-Changing Moment

Michael Jordan, a rising star in the NBA, caught the attention of major shoe brands in 1984. While Adidas and Converse vied for his endorsement, it was Nike that took a bold gamble on the young basketball phenom. The result? A groundbreaking partnership that revolutionized sports marketing forever.

The Birth of Air Jordan

Nike designed the Air Jordan I based on the Chicago Bulls’ colorway, intentionally flouting NBA regulations that required shoes to be 51% white. The league responded by banning the sneakers, but Nike seized the marketing opportunity with an audacious “Banned” advertisement. The Air Jordan I became a cultural phenomenon, and the rest is history.

The Auction Details

Sneaker Details: The offered pair predates the iconic ‘Jumpman’ and ‘wings’ logos, simply marked ‘Air Jordan.’ The left sneaker is a size 13, and the right is size 13.5—custom ordered to Jordan’s unique specifications.

Provenance: Accompanied by a letter from the consignor, these prototype samples were gifted by Nike to a college basketball coach in Portland, Oregon, in late 1984. They have been meticulously preserved for 40 years and have never been displayed.