NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s announced that we will offer a deadstock pair of President Barack Obama Player Exclusive Nike Hypderdunks - designed by Nike exclusively for the 44th President of the United States, the present Hyperdunks are considered one of only two pairs known to exist, with the other specially made for President Obama in 2009.
On offer for $25,000, the pair will mark the first major drop in Sotheby’s online Buy Now platform – a new and immediate way to purchase fine art, fashion and collectibles, design and antiques, and exquisitely crafted jewelry and watches. Featuring rare pieces for every collector, The Sneakers Shop synchronizes into one singular store modern sneakers, vintage sneakers and memorabilia sneakers.
In honor of the 44th President of the US, the pair will be available for purchase on 12 February starting at 4:44 PM – coinciding with the start of President’s Day Weekend – and will be on view by appointment in our York Avenue galleries beginning today.
Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Director of eCommerce Development, commented: “Leading into Presidents Day weekend to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the 44th US President Barack Obama, we are excited to drop these unique player exclusive sneakers at 4:44PM EST this Friday, February 12th. One of just two pairs made by Nike in celebration of Mr. Obama, the sneakers feature incredible details, including the Seal of the President of the United States, the number ’44’ embroidered on each sneaker, and ‘1776’ written on the insoles. It’s a pleasure to bring such a unique item to market. This will mark our first major sneaker drop on the Sotheby’s new Buy Now Sneakers Shop. We hope it will be a slam dunk.”
Created in Men’s US Size 12.5, this pair was Nike’s only confirmation sample and have been kept in pristine condition over the last 12 years.
With President Obama’s well-known love for the game, a performance basketball shoe was the natural choice, and the Hyperdunk was a fitting model as it was created for and worn by players on Team USA at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. The style was part of the ‘United We Rise’ collection of USA Olympic sneakers.
Obama’s personalized Hyperdunk resembles the ‘United We Rise’ version with white leather uppers, blue Swooshes and visible Flywire technology. Custom details include the official Presidential Seal and embroidered ‘44’s to commemorate the 44th President of the United States of America. The insoles are printed with patriotic graphics including bald eagles with the date ‘1776’ – the year of Americas founding.
The former President’s history with Nike dates back to his days on the J.V. and Varsity basketball teams at Hawaii’s Punahou School, where he won the state championship in 1979 wearing his Nike Blazers. Obama and Nike have partnered in many ways, from political initiatives during Obama’s presidency, to last year’s $5 million donation by Nike to the Obama Foundation for the creation of a public space to promote physical activity at the planned Obama Presidential Center on the south side of Chicago.
