The Air Jordan 3 “Reimagined” returned to social media virality this week after appearing on clearance shelves at Ross. However, the March 2023 release wouldn’t be the last Jordan 3 found in an obscure environment amid December as Spike Lee’s highly-coveted Air Jordan 3 from the 2019 Academy Awards recently surfaced in a Portland Rescue Mission donation bin.
According to the New York Times, the $10,000 pair was donated to the nonprofit organization in April 2023. After confirming the pair’s authenticity at a local sneaker store, Portland Rescue Mission contacted the model’s famed designer, Tinker Hatfield. When the longtime Jumpman designer showed up to the organization, Hatfield brought along a replacement box and a framed design graphic – which he signed after further confirming the model’s legitimacy with only four to five pairs ever created.
The regal Jordan 3 was originally crafted for the acclaimed film director and producer to wear to the 2019 Oscars, where Lee debuted the shoes while taking home the award for best-adapted screenplay for the 2018 film “BlacKkKlansman”. The mid-top trim served as a hallmark point in the two’s long-standing relationship that dates back to Lee’s “Mars Blackmon” commercials with Jordan followed by the launch of the Jordan Spiz’ike in 2006.
Coated in a premium gold foil, the noteworthy colorway sports “University Red” and jet-black accents at the inner lining and midsole with a completely translucent tread underfoot. Appearing with stitched profile Swooshes – a staple for Hatfield’s recent wave of AJ3s – the right heel tab sports the logo of Spike Lee’s 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks production company.
Spike Lee’s Air Jordan 3s are currently up for auction at Sotheby’s in a men’s size 12.5 alongside a current bid of $13,000 – as of Sunday afternoon. The lot officially closes on December 18th at 9:50 am PT with an estimated sale ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. In the meantime, the pair can be seen ahead in detailed imagery.
