The launch of the eBay Museum of Authentics welcomes a line-up of some of the world’s rarest sneakers and brings an Australian-first sneaker event curated by eBay to Melbourne.

Opening on Friday, the eBay Museum of Authentics will exhibit some of the the world’s rarest sneakers over three days including:

  • Air Jordan 1 Chicago 1985 – 1986: Game-worn and dual signed by basketball player, Michael Jordan.Following its release nearly 30 years ago, this is one of the most coveted sneakers today. The shoe is in a size 13 and 13.5 to fit Michael Jordan’s famously different shoe sizes.  A similar pair was last sold for around AUD $745,000.
  • College Dropout Bapestas 2007: Precursor to the YEEZY sneaker dynasty, this is the first sneaker designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed rapper, music producer and fashion designer, Kanye West.
  • Nike Hyperdunk Back to the Future 2008: There were only 350 pairs of this sneaker released that pays homage to Back to the Future with a “Marty McFly” colourway. The exhibited pair is signed by Kobe Bryant.
  • Pharrell x Chanel x NMDs 2017: A limited release blending luxury and streetwear with only 500 pairs created. Current listings price it between AUD $12,000 and $18,000
  • Air YEEZY 1 Zen Grey 2009: Nike’s first signature sneaker with a non-athlete, which debuted during Kanye’s 2008 Grammy performance before releasing to the public in 2009.

The eBay Museum of Authentics will demonstrate how eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee gives customers confidence when purchasing luxury items. Each shoe is meticulously inspected by expert authenticators including logo placement, stitching, leather quality and even smell. Genuine pairs are then shipped to the buyer with an NFC tag containing an encrypted digital authentication certificate.

eBay Australia sneaker expert, Alaister Low – who will be featuring several items from his personal collection, including Shaquille O’Neal signed Shaq Attaqs and vintage Jordan 1 High Breds – said, “We know the sneaker obsession across the globe hasn’t heeled. The category has continued to grow on eBay Australia with triple digit growth over the past three years.

“eBay’s Museum of Authentics will give sneakerheads a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most coveted sneakers in the world, while knowing they’re getting the real deal thanks to our Authenticity Guarantee.”

Melburnian sneaker collector Michael Fan will display 14 incredibly rare sneakers from his collection of close to 700 sneakers. In addition, YEEZY Footwear Innovation designer, Cesar Idrobo, has created an exclusive sneaker prototype that will be on display.

Each day, the first 100 visitors to the eBay Museum of Authentics will be gifted a limited edition candle specially developed by eBay to recreate the scent of new sneakers. It mixes notes of soft leather and a touch of glue.

The eBay Museum of Authentics is at Neon Parc, 15 Tinning Street, Brunswick from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May from 10am-5pm.