Sotheby’s is Auctioning Off the Real Shattered Backboard Air Jordan 1s With Glass Still in the Sole

When most sneakerheads hear the name Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard, they think of a black and orange Jordan 1 High inspired by the time Jordan broke the glass on the backboard during a 1985 exhibition game in Italy. Jordan’s exhibition team was wearing orange and black uniforms, so Jordan told the story in orange and black, with plenty of references since. When Jordan really broke the backboard in Italy, though, he was wearing an OG pair of Chicago 1s, and now, one lucky sneakerhead can own that exact pair, complete with backboard glass still stuck in the sole.

The Air Jordan 1 High Chicago from the ‘85 Italy game is being auctioned off by Sotheby’s as the star of the famed auction house’s upcoming ASCENSION: Sneakers and Modern Collectibles sale. After Jordan broke the backboard at the Italy game, he took his shoes off, signed them, and gifted them to the Italian hoops star Gianni Bertolotti. They eventually left Bertolotti’s possession for the auction block, but have been “conclusively photo-matched to the game,” as a guarantee to potential buyers.

In addition to the Chicago pair from the Italy game, the sale includes a set of Jeremy Lin Linsanity Hyperdunk PEs, a pair of sample Encore Eminem x Air Jordan 4s, Larry Bird Dream Team Converse Weapon PEs, and a handful of similarly rare and iconic NBA sneakers.

The Sotheby’s Ascension auction will be open from December 5, 2025 to December 15, 2025, with prices on the shattered backboard pair expected to garner bids as high as $700,000. We don’t have that much in the piggy bank, but catch us starting the bid at a couple hundred and hoping for a system crash. For all the latest rare sneaker news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com