The black loafers Michael Jackson used to perform his signature moonwalk are going up for auction, according to CNN. The King of Pop wore them the first time he ever did the iconic dance: during the rehearsal for his first performance of “Billie Jean” for the “Motown 25” TV special in 1983.
The LA-based GWS Auctions are putting the shoes and a few other Jackson pieces for auction on May 26. The Florsheim Imperial leather shoes are expected to be sold at the “very conservative estimate" of $10,000.
"Anything related to Michael Jackson is extraordinary, and to have something so incredibly historical as these shoes worn by Michael when he first did that now famous moonwalk is beyond special," Brigitte Kruse, owner of GWS Auctions told CNN. "We are so very honored to be able to offer them at auction."
The shoes are owned by choreographer and dancer Lester Wilson, who says that the superstar gave him the shoes after a rehearsal for the special. They may also be the shoes he wore during the performance. According to the letter of authenticity, Jackson had referred to this pair of loafers as his “magic shoes.”
"These shoes are in wonderful condition for their age, with evident signs of use to the soles," the auction house’s catalog description reads.
The shoes are marked “Motown 25,” for the show, and also signed by Jackson on the soles in blue marker. One of the loafers is designated “Michael #2.” Other Jackson items that are going up for auction include his red Christian Dior cardigan and his Swarovski-studded riding helmet.
