Most of the shoes that one finds in charity bins are partially used but recently, a charity in the USA found a pair of rare Nike Air Jordans that are valued between 15,000 – 20,000 USD (Rs 12 lakh to Rs 16 lakh). Portland Rescue Mission, a nonprofit that aids people struggling with homelessness and addiction, found a pair of custom golden Nike shoes that were made especially for director Spike Lee by designer Tinker Hatfield. Lee wore these shoes to the 2019 Academy Awards ceremony. Now this pair of shoes is being auctioned by Sotheby’s, a fine arts company and auction house. The sale price will be utilized by the non-profit.
As per Sotheby’s auction note, the shoes named “Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro Spike Lee Oscars,” were found in a donation bin back in April 2023. The volunteer who was sorting through the items in the bins noticed the shoe’s striking appearance and put them on the side. The staff at Portland Rescue Mission then contacted Tinker Hatfield, an American shoe designer who has designed several Nike athletic shoe models, to see if these shoes were original.
Hatfield quickly authenticated the shoes and told the Portland Rescue Mission Staff, “I’m thrilled the shoes ended up here. It’s a happy ending to a great project.” Hatfield also gave the non-profit a replacement box for the shoes and a signed frame that detailed the shoe’s design. It is still unclear who put these shoes into the donation bin.
The current bid for the “Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro Spike Lee Oscars” is listed as 7,000 USD (approximately Rs 6 lakh). The bid closes on December 18.
The product catalog explains the shoes as, “The premium leather is decorated in an eye-catching metallic gold masking over the Swoosh, elephant print, and tongue, which is contrasted by black, white, and icy blue accents topped with a red liner. The heel comes equipped with bespoke logos that portray Spike’s 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks Production Company and an oversized Jumpman insignia.”
Nike Air Jordans have long been associated with Academy Award winning director Spike Lee who featured Air Jordans in his movies like Do The Right Thing, She’s Gotta Have It, He Got Game, and School Daze. Lee was also featured in an ad for Air Jordan IV in 1988.