Air Jordan 3 "Reimagined" went viral on social again this week after appearing on Ross's clearance shelves. However, the March 2023 Air Jordan 3 wasn't the last Jordan 3 to be found in an obscure setting, as Spike Lee's high-profile Air Jordan 3 at the 2019 Oscars was recently featured in the Portland Rescue Corps' donation box.
According to the New York Times, the $10,000 pair of shoes was donated to the nonprofit in April 2023. After confirming the authenticity of the shoes at a local sneaker store, the Portland Rescue Group contacted Tinker Hatfield, the shoe's famous designer. When the longtime Jumpman designer showed up at the organization, Hatfield brought a replacement box and a framed design graphic – which he signed off on after further confirming the legitimacy of the model, as only four to five pairs had been produced.
The palatial Jordan 3 was originally made for the acclaimed film director and producer to wear to the 2019 Oscars, which Lee debuted when he won the award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the 2018 film Black Gangsters. Mid-top tailoring is a hallmark in the duo's long-standing relationship, which can be traced back to Lee's "Mars Blackmon" campaign with Jordan, as well as Jordan's Spiz'ike in 2006.
The notable colorway features high-quality gold foil, "University Red" and deep black tones on the lining and midsole, and a completely translucent tread underfoot. Stitched swooshes (a staple of Hatfield's latest wave of AJ3s) on the right heel are stamped with Spike Lee's 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks production company logos.
As of Sunday afternoon, Spike Lee's Air Jordan 3 Men's 12The size 5 shoes are currently being auctioned at Sotheby's, with a current bid of $13,000.