In a remarkable display of the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson, a single sock once worn by the King of Pop fetched a staggering €7,688 (approximately $8,822) at an auction in Nîmes, southern France. The item, heavily stained and faded with age, was originally expected to sell for €3,000–€4,000, but exceeded expectations after a bidding frenzy by collectors and fans worldwide.
The sock in question, an off-white athletic style adorned with rhinestones, was worn by Jackson during a stop on his legendary HIStory World Tour in July 1997. According to auctioneer Aurore Illy, the sock was discovered near Jackson’s dressing room by a stage technician shortly after the concert. “It really is an exceptional object — even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans,” Illy said.
Though weathered by time, the sock remains a coveted piece of pop culture history. Its rhinestones have yellowed, and the fabric is stained, but its symbolic value has only increased. Jackson famously wore such socks while performing “Billie Jean,” his moonwalk-inducing hit that became a signature moment in his career.
The sale, handled by the Nîmes auction house, is the latest in a long line of record-setting sales of Jackson memorabilia. A glittery glove worn by Jackson during his debut moonwalk performance in 1983 fetched an astonishing $350,000 in 2009, purchased by a Macau casino. In 2023, one of his iconic fedoras sold for over $80,000 in Paris.
What makes this particular sock unique is not just its connection to Jackson’s famous wardrobe but also its “lost and found” journey. The item remained out of the public eye for decades until it resurfaced this year in time for the 15th anniversary of the singer’s death.
Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 due to an accidental overdose of the anesthetic propofol. Despite ongoing controversy and allegations that have emerged both before and after his death, his cultural and musical influence remains unparalleled.
The high-profile sale of Jackson’s sock underscores a broader trend: the growing value of celebrity memorabilia. According to data from Julien’s Auctions, the global market for entertainment collectibles is worth billions, fueled by nostalgia, fandom, and the rise of online bidding platforms.
JExperts suggest that items tied to cultural icons like Michael Jackson often become more valuable over time, especially when they are associated with pivotal performances or historic moments. “It’s not just a sock — it’s a fragment of musical history,” said music historian Laurent Perrot.
Fans of Jackson have taken to social media to express a mixture of awe and amusement. While some are amazed by the high bid for a used sock, others see it as a testament to Jackson’s lasting impact. “Only Michael could make a dirty sock worth nearly $9,000,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Collectors, meanwhile, consider the acquisition a wise investment. With interest in Jackson’s career seeing a resurgence due to documentaries, tribute shows, and an upcoming biopic slated for release in 2026, his memorabilia continues to appreciate in value.
The sale of Michael Jackson’s rhinestone-studded sock serves as a poignant reminder of how cultural icons leave behind more than just music — they leave artifacts that carry stories, memories, and a piece of history. For fans and collectors alike, owning such a piece is akin to holding a tangible fragment of the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.