05/01/2020
Michael Jordan is red hot and I thought it would be a great time to share a very special pair of shoes that was evaluated by MEARS.
1985 (February – October 29th) Michael Jordan Nike Air Jordan 1’s Chicago Bulls Rookie Season Game Worn Shoes (MEARS Authentic)
Date: The shoes date to the 1985 timeframe based on the location of the inner liner below the ankle. This would be the 2nd half of the 1984-1985 season (1985 portion) or until the time of his injury on October 29th, 1985 which was the early part of his sophomore season. The overall style design of these shoes, Nike Air Jordan 1’s, were worn by Jordan during both the 1984 and 1985 seasons. The actual shoe coding narrows the dating range to 1985 only. With the manufacture dating of February – April 1985, we know these shoes were made at some point during that production range. Based on the color scheme and photo support of when the style of shoes being worn which was documented through October 29th, 1985, the shoes were worn at some point between February 1985 – May 29th, 1985.
Logo: Black Nike Swoosh
Color Scheme: Red, white, with black swoosh with red laces. The Jordan retail model shoes were found with black or white laces. Jordan occasionally wore red laces and those shoes are documented via available images. MEARS examined a pair of 1986 Nike Air Jordan’s (MEARS # 313394) which also contained red laces and had provenance. Inside Tongue Coding: 850204 TYPS. This refers to the date of production, 85=1985, 02=February, 04=April. Therefore, the shoes were manufactured by Nike between the dates of February-April 1985. TY (Tommy Yang) and PS (Player Sample). The Player Sample (PS) designation was found on Jordan game worn shoes exclusively and not available for the retail brands.
Material: Leather
The style of the shoe with red laces is supported by the following images:
Getty Image #863950
Getty Image #542753718
Size: Left 13, Right 13 ½. Each shoe has the size stamped in white inside each heal in white. Documented examples of Michael Jordan shoes from the era have entered the hobby and support size 13 (left shoe) and size 13 1/2 (right shoes).
They include:
MEARS #308625 (13 ½, 13)
MEARS #315001
Michael Jordan Foundation Pair (13 ½, 13)
Head Coach University of Maryland (13 ½, 13)
Heritage 2015 (13 ½, 13)
Therefore, the size is consistent with other examples which have entered the hobby.
Description of Game Wear: Moderate wear and abrasions to the toes consistent with game use. The leather on the uppers is soft and worn. The toes are creased in a manner consistent with legitimate game wear. The suppleness of the leather is apparent from the creasing. There are black and red and white gashes, slashes, and markings on the uppers from wear which are consistent with what you would expect to find on a pair of Michael Jordan game worn shoes from thee era. The soles exhibit signs of wear. Many of the stars on the outsoles have worn off or are worn down from wear. With respect to the collars, they show no signs of cracking or chipping. The uppers are also in excellent condition and show no signs of abuse. The midsoles and outsoles are firm and intact with no separation. The rubber outsoles are still pliant.
Autograph: Yes, inside of the right ankle in black marker and were authenticated by PSA/DNA.
Provenance: No provenance provided
Style Match: Getty Image #863950, Getty Image #542753718, Getty Image #86547594, Getty Image #51790720, Michael Jordan 1985 Interlake Bulls Chicago Bulls
Final Grade: Authentic
Questions may be directed to Troy R. Kinunen at [email protected]
