A rare pair of sneakers is set to go under the hammer: a prototype sample of Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 1 “Bred” will open for bidding soon. This historically significant pair represents an early stage in the Air Jordan story and offers a window into the design process that launched Jordan Brand.
The Air Jordan 1, introduced in 1984, predates the Jumpman and Wings logos and originally featured simple “Air Jordan” lettering on the collar. That lettering appears on early campaign pieces and can be seen echoed in contemporary releases such as the Air Jordan 1 High OG “Black Toe” Reimagined. The prototype up for auction retains those early branding details, making it a noteworthy relic from the model’s formative years.
The pair is unusual in that the left shoe is a size 13 while the right is a size 13.5, reflecting a custom order made to accommodate Michael Jordan’s unique fit preferences. According to the consignor’s letter included with the lot, these samples were gifted in late 1984 by Nike to a college basketball coach in Portland, Oregon, who had allowed Nike’s Jordan shoe design team to test different styles on some of his players. The consignor states the sneakers have been carefully stored for roughly 40 years and have never been displayed publicly.
It remains unclear whether Michael Jordan himself wore this particular pair. Provenance in vintage sneaker auctions often hinges on documentation and firsthand accounts; while the consignor’s letter provides context, no definitive proof of Jordan wearing this sample has been presented.
The auction runs from May 20, 2024, through June 9, 2024, and the lot will be listed through Grey Flannel Auctions. Collectors and historians alike will likely follow the sale closely, as early Air Jordan samples—and especially variants in original condition—are highly coveted for their rarity and connection to the early days of Jordan Brand.
Beyond their collectable status, prototype samples like this illustrate the experimental nature of the design and testing phase at Nike during the mid-1980s. Early samples frequently reveal design choices that were later refined or replaced, offering insight into the development of silhouettes, materials, and branding that would go on to influence sneaker culture for decades.
For collectors tracking release news and auction updates, monitoring official auction listings and reputable sneaker outlets will provide the most reliable information. This sale adds another notable chapter to the ongoing market for vintage basketball shoes, where provenance, condition, and historical significance drive interest and values.
Below are images of the prototype Air Jordan 1 “Bred” sample included in the auction listing, showing the pair from multiple angles and highlighting the original lettering and construction details.
