Sneakerheads have been left baffled after a bloke with an impressive trainer collection appeared on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and shared the wild price tag attached to a pair of iconic Nike Air Jordan trainers.
When you think of antiques, you’re drawn to the likes of priceless family heirlooms, stunning works of art and even ornate furniture items.
It’s fair to say that one wouldn’t typically class an extensive trainer collection in the category of antique.
However, on Saturday, 20 May, an episode of Antiques Roadshow aired, starring a man who had brought in his shoes to be valued by vintage experts.
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At Belmont House in Kent, the guest divulged the details of his 850-strong sneaker collection to presenter, Mark Hill.
About a pair of Reeboks, he said: “These are one of the oldest pairs in my collection.
“These Reeboks are a collaboration with McLaren so they were worn in the ‘92 champions races. There was only around 42 made for the pit crew,” he added.
Elsewhere, he showed off another stunning collectable - a pair of vintage Nike Air Jordan trainers.
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He said: “If you are US-based you might know Jordans. Here I have a pair of Bred Jordan 1’s.
“Back in the day the NBA only allowed you to wear certain colours and these were brought out to catch people’s eye and break the rules.”
He explained further to Hill that when Michael Jordan wore the shoes, he was reportedly fined by basketball governing bodies.
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“So that’s why people want the shoe,” he stated. “New, I bought them for £120, now they would go for around £850.”
After discussing the trainer collection, the 48-year-old host asked the guest: “Do you think they are the antiques of the future?”
The sneaker reseller replied: “Absolutely, and they very rarely come down in price. This group would go for around £3-4K.”
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However, BBC viewers have been quick to jump on social media to discuss whether the Reebok trainers and retro Nike’s can truly be classed as relics of the past.
One watcher wrote: “Trainers on Antiques Roadshow?! What next? An old Dominos Pizza box?!”
Another said: “Oh god, a collection of trainers has made it onto Antiques Roadshow. Collecting trainers is such a red flag for me.”
A third tweeted: “Trainers on the Antiques Roadshow! Good lad.”
Ella Scott