The Air Jordan 3 "Reimagined" made a comeback in the world of social media this week, gaining viral attention after being spotted on clearance shelves at Ross.
Surprisingly, this release in March 2023 would not mark the end of the Jordan 3's appearance in unusual settings during the month of December. Spike Lee's highly sought-after Air Jordan 3, famously worn at the 2019 Academy Awards, has recently emerged in a donation bin at the Portland Rescue Mission.
In April 2023, the nonprofit organization received a generous donation of a $10,000 pair. To ensure its authenticity, Portland Rescue Mission consulted a local sneaker store and then reached out to the renowned designer behind the model, Tinker Hatfield.
Hatfield, the mastermind behind numerous Jumpman designs, personally visited the organization. Along with a replacement box, he also brought a framed design graphic, which he signed after verifying that only a handful of these models were ever made.
The illustrious Jordan 3 was initially designed with the intention of being worn by the esteemed filmmaker and producer at the 2019 Oscars. This is where Lee proudly showcased the shoes while accepting the coveted prize for best-adapted screenplay for his film "BlacKkKlansman".
The mid-top style of the sneakers marked a significant milestone in the enduring bond between the two, which began with Lee's iconic "Mars Blackmon" commercials for Jordan and was further solidified by the introduction of the Jordan Spiz'ike in 2006.
Featuring a luxurious gold foil coating, this eye-catching design showcases a striking combination of "University Red" and sleek black details on the lining and midsole. The transparent outsole adds a unique touch. The profile Swooshes are stitched, a trademark of Hatfield's recent AJ3 creations, while the right heel tab proudly displays the emblem of Spike Lee's renowned production company, 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks.
At Sotheby's, Spike Lee's Air Jordan 3s, sized for men at 12.5, are currently being auctioned. As of Sunday afternoon, the bidding has reached $13,000. The auction will officially end on December 18th at 9:50 am PT, with the estimated sale price ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. Detailed images of the shoes can be viewed in advance.
Days ago, Eminem x Air Jordan 4 'Encore' is up for auction at Sotheby, too.