Nike Hyperdunk designed for Barack Obama, set to go on sale for $25,000, withdrawn

 

A pair of Nike sneakers designed for former President Barack Obama set to go on sale for $25,000 have been withdrawn from sale with no explanation.

In 2009, the sneaker brand designed an exclusive pair of Nike Hyperdunk basketball shoes for the 44th president in honour of his documented love of basketball.

While the former president has one pair, another pair of the shoes also exist, according to Sotheby’s, which notes on the item's listing that the sneakers up for sale are “considered one of only two pairs in existence”.

“They were designed exclusively for the 44th President of the United States,” the auction house states, adding that this “particular pair – while not worn by Mr Obama – was Nike’s only confirmation sample and have been kept in incredible condition over the last 12 years”.

The rare sneakers, which feature the number “44” embroidered on each toe and “1776” written on the insoles, as well as the official Presidential Seal, were modelled after the “United We Rise” Hyperdunks that Team USA wore for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

In addition to the presidential details, the sneakers also include design choices such as white leather uppers, blue swooshes, which are outlined in silver, and visible Flywire technology.

Although Mr Obama did not own the pair of sneakers in question himself, Sotheby’s expected the shoes, which are a size 12.5, to fetch the high price of $25,000 12 February.

The lot was taken down by the person or company that provided them to the auction house, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.

“I can confirm the item was withdrawn from sale at the request of the consignor,” Derek Parsons, a spokesperson for Sotheby’s, told CNN in a statement Friday.