The

Air Jordan XIII

1997–1998
Air Jordan XII

Air Jordan XII, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was introduced in the fall of 1996 and worn by [Michael Jordan during the opening of the 1996–97 NBA season. Early production examples reflect the model’s transition into full use following Jordan’s return, with consistent deployment across both home and road uniforms throughout the early portion of the season.

The Air Jordan XII marked a shift toward a more structured and durable construction, featuring stitched leather paneling and a reinforced outsole suited for continuous in-game use. Jordan wore the model extensively through the 1996–97 season, including during the postseason, with multiple pairs documented across regular season and playoff play.

Model Summary

Air Jordan XIII

Audit in Progress
Total Documented Examples
3
Publicly Sold Examples
3
Privately Held Examples
0
Archive Updated April 3, 2026
Methodology & Identification

Air Jordan XIII, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was introduced in late 1997 and worn by Michael Jordan during the 1997–98 NBA season. Internal production coding on early examples indicates manufacturing dating to mid–late 1997, preceding the model’s full rotation during the opening months of the season.

Jordan first wore the Air Jordan XIII in the early portion of the 1997–98 preseason, while in Paris. The model remained in consistent rotation throughout the regular season and playoffs, including during the 1998 NBA Finals, with multiple pairs documented across sustained in-game wear during this period.

Documented Examples

Known Air Jordan XIII Record

The following entries represent documented Air Jordan XIII examples associated with Michael Jordan across the early development, promotional, charitable, and competitive use phases of the model. Each record combines construction details, sale history, and archive research.

1998 Air Jordan XIII - White | Red

Game DateFebruary 2, 1998
OpponentDenver Nuggets
UsageRegular season
VerificationPhoto Matched
Public ExampleYes

Air Jordan XIII worn by Michael Jordan.

Archive ReferencePair A
Production Code339069 Y3
Size13.5 L / 13.5 R
A gift to long time referee Jimmy Butler, Jordan penned the inscription "Give me Calls!"

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Goldin Auctions
  • Sale Date: November 23, 2024
  • Lot #: 1
  • Sale Price: $54,240

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: Yes
  • Games Photo-Matched: 1
  • Photo-Matched By:SIA
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from Jimmy Butler, former NBA referee. Michael Jordan signed and inscribed the shoes personally to Jimmy after the Denver game.
  • They have been in Butler's possession since that night and until this sale.

1998 Air Jordan XIII - Black | Red

Game DateJune 5, 1998
OpponentUtah Jazz
UsageFinals
VerificationPhoto Matched
Public ExampleYes

Air Jordan XIII worn by Michael Jordan.

Archive ReferencePair B
Production Code341548 Y3
Size13.5 L / 13.5 R
Worn during game 2 of the Last Dance Finals verse the Jazz.

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Sotheby's
  • Sale Date: April 11, 2023
  • Lot #: 1
  • Sale Price: $2,238,000

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: Yes
  • Games Photo-Matched: 1
  • Photo-Matched By:MeiGray
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from Preston Turner, former ballboy for the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan signed this pair in the locker room after game 2 on June 5.
  • The shoes were worn during the second half of the game, a common for this particular Last Dance season.

1998 Air Jordan XIII - Black | Red

Game DateJune 3, 1998
OpponentUtah Jazz
UsageFinals
VerificationPhoto Matched
Public ExampleYes

Air Jordan XIII worn by Michael Jordan.

Archive ReferencePair C
Production Code341548 Y3
Size13.5 L / 13.5 R
Worn during game 1 of the Last Dance Finals verse the Jazz.

Public Sale

  • Auction House: Mile High Card Company
  • Sale Date: August 06, 2013
  • Lot #: 41
  • Sale Price: $117,644

Photo Match Details

  • Photo-Matched: Yes
  • Games Photo-Matched: 1
  • Photo-Matched By:SIA
Research & Provenance
  • Provenance comes from former ballboy for the Utah Jazz, Jared Fawson. Michael Jordan signed this pair in the locker room after game 1 on June 3.
  • The shoes were worn during the second half of the game, common for this particular Last Dance Finals.