AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a single Under Armour brand 'ClutchFit' model football cleat, featuring a hand-signed autograph by former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. The cleat is predominantly black with a glossy finish on the toe box and a textured, synthetic upper. It features a prominent white Under Armour logo on the toe and black laces. The silver ink autograph is located prominently on the heel of the shoe, which is currently protected by industrial plastic wrap to prevent smudging or fading. Included with the cleat is a 'Certified Authentic' holographic label visible near the heel, which is standard for professionally authenticated sports memorabilia. The item is displayed atop a 'Breakaway Quarterback' mystery box, suggesting it may have been a prize from a high-end memorabilia pull. The cleat appears to be in 'new' or 'deadstock' condition, showing no signs of field wear, though the current wrapping obscures visibility of the interior lining and sole. Smith often added '89' to his signature, though the specific inscription details are partially obscured by the plastic. The craftsmanship reflects modern high-performance footwear construction with heat-welded synthetic materials and ergonomic lacing systems.

I have completed a visual assessment of this Steve Smith Sr. autographed Under Armour 'ClutchFit' cleat. The item presents in 'New Without Box' condition, preserved under protective plastic wrap. The signature, rendered in silver ink on the heel, remains vibrant and shows no signs of localized fading or bleeding into the synthetic substrate. Smith is a franchise legend for the Carolina Panthers, and his memorabilia enjoys high demand in the Charlotte market and among collectors of all-time great wide receivers. This specific item benefits from being a high-performance model cleat rather than a replica 'mini' shoe, which increases display appeal. Market comparables for single signed cleats (non-game-worn) typically range from $150 to $300, depending on the presence of a 'Game Triple Crown' or '89' inscription. A 'Certified Authentic' hologram is visible, which serves as a significant value multiplier. However, as I am examining this via images, I cannot verify the serial number in a database to confirm it aligns with the 'Breakaway Quarterback' mystery box provenance mentioned. Limitations: My valuation assumes the silver ink is not impacted by ultraviolet damage under the wrap. A full physical inspection would be required to verify the texture of the ink and the integrity of the holographic tamper-proof seal. To finalize authentication, I would recommend cross-referencing the hologram ID with the issuing organization (such as Beckett, JSA, or PSA/DNA) and performing a direct tactile analysis to ensure the leather/synthetic materials have not suffered dry rot or adhesive separation.