The auction for a pair of sneakers worn by the late basketball player Kobe Bryant, believed to be the Los Angeles Lakers star’s first Nike (NKE) shoe, is almost over. The current highest bid is 24,000 Swiss francs (£19,470, $26,072).
According to the Sotheby’s website, where the item is listed, the shoe is expected to fetch between 26,000 and 35,000 francs.
Bryant signed a contract with Nike in the summer of 2003. The Air Zoom Huarache 2K4 was a variation of the original Huarache shoe from 1991 and was worn by Bryant in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004 at the Staples Center in California.
The new version “embodies the style, comfort and performance” of the original, Sotheby’s listing says, and “brings back classic basketball design principles in a very modern way.”
“He (Bryant) left an indelible mark on basketball and on the hearts and minds of fans. With his passion and dedication, he brought a unique approach to the game that earned him five NBA championships, four NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, two NBA Finals MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals,” the listing said.
The sneakers come with a certificate from the MeiGray Group confirming the authenticity of sports memorabilia.
Bryant died on January 26 last year in a helicopter crash that also killed all eight other people on board, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. He leaves behind his wife Vanessa and his daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri.
Bryant had his own sneaker line with Nike that was incredibly popular, but last spring, Nike and Vanessa announced they would be going their separate ways after the shoe giant’s contract with the late player ended.
Production delays have occurred before and now Kobes are no longer being produced, meaning the most popular sneaker among NBA players is also the hardest to get.
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Several players have told ESPN they spent more than five figures to purchase Kobe supplies on the secondary market.
Last month, The Guardian newspaper said “old sneakers appear to be the new Picassos” after a pair of white and red leather Nike high-tops once worn by basketball star Michael Jordan sold for around $1.5 million (£1.1 million).
