Image: The Realest

New Balance and authentication platform The Realest have officially launched the live auction for Shohei Ohtani’s game-used and signed New Balance Ohtani 1 sneakers. Worn by the four-time MVP during the opening game of the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series, the historic pair represents a rare intersection of baseball history, Japanese sports culture, and modern sneaker collecting.

A Historic Player Exclusive

The one-of-one Player Exclusive (PE) model features a highly customized design created specifically for Ohtani’s historic homecoming in Japan. Among its most distinctive details is artwork inspired by Ohtani’s beloved dog, Decoy (Deko-pin), incorporated throughout the upper.

As a genuine piece of game-used memorabilia, the shoes still carry authentic infield dirt collected from the playing surface at the Tokyo Dome, further connecting the pair to one of the most-watched baseball games in Japanese history.

Certified Provenance

The sneakers also mark the first item introduced under The Realest’s new “Certified” pilot program. Ohtani personally signed the pair using his rare Japanese Kanji signature and added a handwritten “GU” (Game Used) inscription, reinforcing the shoes’ authenticity and collector appeal.

Combined with the platform’s authentication process and documented provenance, the pair stands as one of the most significant pieces of active-player baseball memorabilia to reach the public market.

Auction Details

Collectors interested in owning the historic New Balance Ohtani 1 can place bids through The Realest, with the live auction running until August 16, 2026.

For baseball fans and sneaker collectors alike, opportunities to acquire a game-used signature model worn by one of the sport’s greatest active players are exceptionally rare.