The $560,000 record for a pair of Air Jordans might be short lived.
News of another pair that will hit the auction block next week, with a better chain of custody, surfaced Friday.
The pair of Air Jordan I's, one shoe in size 13 and one in size 13.5, as Jordan wore throughout his entire career, was given to KABC Los Angeles broadcaster Rick Lozano by Jordan's teammate Gene Banks.
Jordan signed and inscribed the shoes "1st Pair" when Lozano saw Jordan at the 1991 NBA Finals. Lozano provided the video of the signing.
Banks confirms the details in a letter of authenticity for Goldin Auctions, which will put the shoes on sale in their Elite Auction that launches July 28 and includes an extensive Jordan collection.
While it's unclear exactly what game they are from, authenticator MEARS certifies that they are game-used and from Jordan's rookie season.
Banks came to the Bulls for the 1985-86 season, Jordan's second season, but Banks said he asked Jordan for a pair from his rookie year and received them before the 1985-86 season started. The manufacturer's date inside the shoes correspond to being made in January or February of 1985, Goldin says.
A pair of Air Jordan I's, used and signed by Jordan, owned by famed collector Jordy Geller, sold in May for $560,000 at Sotheby's.
Ever since "The Last Dance" documentary about the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season, Michael Jordan memorabilia has skyrocketed — and kept steady. Most notably, gem mint graded versions of his 1986 Fleer card shot up from $25,000 to $75,000 and beyond.
The Goldin Auction for the Air Jordan I's concludes on Aug. 22.
