How much would you pay for a pair of secondhand shoes?
Well, someone just spent more than $200,000 on a pair of old Birkenstock sandals owned and worn by the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs — setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a pair of sandals at auction, according to the auction house.
The tech pioneer’s brown suede Arizona sandals, which were expected to make $60,000, sold for an astonishing $218,750 when they went under the hammer at Julien’s Auctions, accompanied by an NFT.
Prior to the sale, the Californian auction house said the sandals, described as “well used” but still “intact,” were a wardrobe staple for Jobs in the 1970s and ’80s. Jobs died in 2011 from complications from pancreatic cancer.
“The cork and jute footbed retains the imprint of Steve Jobs’ feet, which had been shaped after years of use,” the auction house said on its website.
“Steve Jobs changed the world not only with his revolutionary innovations but with his business leadership style and fashion in wearing sandals,” Darren Julien, CEO and founder of Julien’s Auctions, told CNN in a statement. “These beloved Birkenstocks were worn by Jobs as he made history in the making of the Apple computer and were the tech icon’s signature staple.”
I – Word Understanding
Staple – something that is constantly used
Wardrobe staple – a piece of clothing that is regularly used
Jute – rough fiber made from jute plant
II – Have Your Say
1, Birkenstocks are known for providing comfort and simplicity. Made of premium materials, Birkenstocks are quite pricey. When you buy shoes or footwear, what factors do you consider? (price, quality, style, comfort, etc)
2, What do you think about buying second hand items?
3, What qualities do you like about Steve Jobs? What do you think of his chosen daily outfit of black mock turtleneck, blue jeans and sneakers?
4, If you were to wear the same clothing everyday, what would it be?
924 Someone just paid more than $200,000 for Steve Jobs’ old Birkenstocks
