NIKE, 1985

It started in 1985, when Michael Jordan and Nike combined forces to create the inaugural Air Jordan sneaker, marking the birth of the collectible sneaker market. Popularity spread, and before long the masses began wearing basketball shoes as a fashion statement off the court. Since then, the Air Jordan phenomenon has exploded, taking on a life of its own. More than thirty-seven years later, the Jordan brand is amongst the most relevant on the market, with new releases selling out within seconds to generations of fans.

The Air Jordan 1 was designed by Peter Moore and is unquestionably one of the greatest silhouettes in existence. Nike originally expected to sell 100,000 pairs of Air Jordan 1s in the line's first year, but ended up selling 500,000 in the first month alone. The Air Jordan 1s were so successful that Nike continued to make new signature Air Jordan each season, a tradition that continued beyond Michael’s retirement. Nike is currently on the Air Jordan 37.

The coding on the inside of the shoes states "850102 TYPS.” 850102 refers to the date of production. These shoes were made in 1985 between the months of January (01) and February (02). TYPS stands for “Tong Yang Player Sample” and means that the shoes are ‘Player Samples,’ produced from the 'Tong Yang' factory.

The Player Exclusive adjustments are the lower collar and the different sizing in line with MJ personal preferences. The right foot is a US13.5 and the left foot is a US13.

The shoe are accompanied by a MEARS LOA to highlight the item's moderate game wear. There is a slight black paint scuff on the outside of the left shoe, and a scuff on the back heel of the left shoe. MEARS indicates additional signs of game use, including court dust, a compressed left toe, heel compression in both shoes, and drooping laces.

The Air Jordan 1 TYPS Player sample is the pinnacle of Michael Jordan collecting and Christie’s is proud to bring an excellent game worn pair to auction.