In Portland, Oregon, a remarkable discovery at a charity donation center led to an unexpected windfall. A pair of unique Nike Air Jordans, crafted specifically for the iconic filmmaker Spike Lee, were uncovered in a donation bin at the Burnside Shelter, part of the Portland Rescue Mission. These sneakers, distinguished by their gold-painted leather and adorned with emblems from Lee's production company and an enlarged Jumpman logo, fetched an impressive $50,800 at a Sotheby’s auction. The proceeds from this sale entirely benefited the Portland Rescue Mission, aligning with the spirit of the season.
These exclusive shoes, known as the "Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Spike Lee Oscars'", debuted on Lee's feet at the 91st Annual Academy Awards in 2019, where he later received an Oscar for "BlacKkKlansman". The sneakers, which were never commercially released, are rare, featuring Lee’s autograph and that of designer Tinker Hatfield.
The journey of these shoes to the auction block is a tale of serendipity and sharp recognition. Found in near-mint condition by a member of the Mission's long-term shelter program, they were initially assumed to be replicas. However, after being taken to a high-end sneaker resale shop in Portland, their authenticity and value became evident. Following consultations with Hatfield, who authenticated the shoes and contributed additional memorabilia, they were auctioned by Sotheby's. The sale not only offered a substantial contribution to the charity but also highlighted the incredible story behind these unique sneakers.
Selena Mattei