Zion Williamson’s blown-out shoe, a piece of torn rubber and synthetic leather, may look worthless. Yet it has significant value. This particular Duke-specific Nike PG 2.5 has been estimated to be worth $250,000, according to auctioneer Ken Goldin.
“It’s definitely a six-figure, iconic piece. It is the most famous pair of sneakers in the world,” Golden told TMZ in a recent interview. “If it ever went up for auction, it would be a fight between Nike and a collector. … This is something that was nationally televised, very famous and before he became a pro. It happened on a national stage. It does not get bigger than that. … It would not surprise me if it topped $250,000.”
Golden spoke to TMZ about the blown-out shoe’s worth after TMZ suggested the sneaker’s whereabouts were unknown. TMZ’s claim hasn’t yet been substantiated. Williamson told TMZ to “ask coach” when asked where the sneaker was. The Duke athletic department was also unaware of the shoe’s location.
Williamson’s shoe fell apart during a game against UNC on Feb 20. He left the game with a knee injury due to the sneaker’s explosion, and missed a few weeks. The Duke freshman is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His Blue Devils are still pursuing a national championship in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. A win could add to his legacy and, in turn, the value of the shoe. And if he enjoys a successful NBA career — which many expected him to do — the shoe’s value would probably appreciate even more.
