Eminem's Personally-Signed "Encore" Air Jordan 4s Are Up For Auction

Long before Kanye West, Travis Scott, and J Balvin took center stage in the world of footwear collaborations, another hip-hop legend had already left an indelible mark—Eminem.

With a relationship that spans over a decade, Marshall Mathers, better known as Eminem, has played a pivotal role in shaping the sneaker culture, particularly with Nike and Jordan Brand. Among his remarkable contributions, one pair is an iconic masterpiece—the legendary Air Jordan 4 "Encore."

Fast forward 18 years from its original release in 2005, and this vibrant blue pair of kicks is once again in the spotlight, captivating sneaker enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. But owning a piece of this hip-hop and sneaker history comes with a hefty price tag. Sotheby's, the renowned auction house, is hosting an auction for this highly coveted colorway, with an estimated sale price between $40,000 to $60,000.

The backstory of these sneakers adds to their mystique—rumored to be limited to just 50 pairs, they were initially created for friends and family. However, a select number of sizes were made available to the public through a contest, adding to their exclusivity.

Eminem's first collaboration with the Air Jordan 4 resulted in an exquisite work of art. Featuring a vibrant blue nubuck upper adorned with striking red, grey, and brown details throughout, these sneakers are a testament to his unique vision. What makes this pair even more extraordinary is the silver metallic Sharpie signature by Slim Shady, proudly displayed on the midfoot overlay alongside the colorway's release year.

Collectors have a rare opportunity to own a piece of hip-hop and sneaker history. The Eminem x Air Jordan 4 "Encore" in men's size 10.5 is currently available for bidding, with the auction concluding on December 18th. Head over to Sotheby's official listing here to catch a detailed glimpse of these legendary kicks and participate in the auction.