This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2016
Michael Jordan was the catalyst of the modern era shoe craze. No longer just “gym shoes”, Jordan’s partnership with Nike launched a Billion Dollar empire. Shoe fans waited in anticipation for the newest style of “Air Jordan”, often causing riots on the day of the release.
This model, the Air Jordan VIII was released to coincide with the 1992–1993 NBA season. The eighth model of the Air Jordan was noticeably heavier than its predecessors. This shoe had a lot more detail than most of the earlier Air Jordan's such as two crossover straps on each shoe and a Jumpman. Thus the Air Jordan VIII model became known as the "Punisher" because of the advanced basketball ankle support and enhanced traction. This shoe contains a full length air sole, polyurethane midsole, polycarbonate shank plate, and two crossover straps (for added support and more custom fit).
According to our research, the Air Jordan VIII was originally released in 1993 (March).The first, white version is nicknamed the “Bugs Bunny” as Jordan wore these in the movie, “Space Jam”. By studying available image of Michael Jordan on the court, we created the following timeline of possible usage:
1. February 1993: Air Jordan 7
2. March 1993: Introduced Air Jordan 8, White Color Scheme
3. April 1993: Air Jordan 8, White Color Scheme
4. 1993 Playoffs-1st Round: Air Jordan 8, Black Color Scheme Introduced
5. 1993 Eastern Conference Semi Finals: Jordan 8, Black Color Scheme
6. 1993 Eastern Conference Finals: Jordan 8, Black Color Scheme
7. 1993 NBA Finals: Jordan 8, Black Color Scheme
Per our research of available images, this style of shoe was only worn during the 1993 Playoffs and NBA Finals. Jordan deputed the Air Jordan 8 during March of 1993, but the initial version was issued in white. During the playoffs, Jordan switched to the black color scheme. It should be noted that Michael Jordan’s father was killed on July 23rd, 1993, causing Jordan to enter retirement during October of the following season. This was the last style of shoe worn before his first retirement.
Although the shoes are verified as being worn during the Playoffs/Finals, we were unable to determine which playoff series they were worn. The shoes did originate from the collection of Al McGuire. This is only the third pair of this style we were able to determine that have entered the market, making these quite rare.
The shoes have been autographed, but were deemed as non-authentic by JSA, leading us to believe these were signed by a clubhouse source.
The shoes are properly tagged. Inside both tongues is the code, “930204pc8, size 13”. Shoes show solid game wear, consistent with the amount of wear you would expect to see on a pair of Jordan game worn shoes.
Final Grade (MEARS Authentic): After a complete review of the shoe, the model, available images, and game wear, MEARS is confident to conclude these were the type of shoes worn during the period of the 1993 Playoffs and NBA Finals. (89R0362)
(MEARS Auction LOA)