Even before the Bulls championship dynasty began Michael Jordan had alreadyestablished himself as the world’s best player. Heading into the 1989-90 seasonthe promotion of Phil Jackson to head coach along with the additions of ScottiePippen and Horace Grant to complement MJ laid the foundation for Chicago’sreign of six titles in eight years. Presented here is a pair of Nike Air JordanIV's worn by their namesake that season as he posted a league-leading 33.6points per game—his fourth straight scoring title. Wearing the black version ofthis model during the ’89 playoffs “His Airness” nailed that famous hanging jumperover the Cavs’ Craig Ehlo better known as “The Shot.”

Another creation from famed designer Tinker Hatfield the AJ IV isconsidered among the more comfortable in the series. The Jumpman logo made itssecond appearance on the tongue with the word “Flight” added below it. Thesculpted midsole and visible Air unit were carried over but the sneaker worldwas introduced to Nubuck (leather) uppers and mesh to increase breathability. Italso featured plastic heel tabs labeled “Nike Air” and triangular plastic piecesattached to the Nubuck. Mars Blackmon returned to the ad campaign to increase marketabilityand make it among the most revered of all Air Jordan models.

This particular white-bodied style exhibits solid game use with appropriate creasingto the Nubuck and consistent scuffing throughout. The soles display light crackingto the rear cushioning material and the interior shows ample sock sweating. TheBulls superstar has beautifully signed the lower outside ankles of each sneakerwith “Best Wishes Michael Jordan” in thick 8/10 black marker. The shoes areproperly tagged by Nike on the interior with Jordan’s size 13 and “890708FT2”manufacturer date coding. The white laces and black insoles appear to be theoriginals. MJ wore this colorway consistently into February of the 1989-90season. The sneakers were obtained at a Nov. 15 1989 charity auction inChicago meaning they had to be worn within the first 7 games of the season.Aside from the minor cracking mentioned they present in outstanding conditioncompared to other examples with all structural elements well-preserved andfirmly intact. In most cases the outsoles are heavily deteriorated and the plasticpieces have broken off.

2 Full LOAs from PSA/DNA one for each shoe.

Provenance: 11/15/1989 letter from The Rainbow House ArcoIris a shelter for abused women and children to Michael Jordan (c/o a Bullsemployee) thanking him for donating his shoes.