Spike Lee’s Gold-Painted ‘Oscar Sneakers’ Sell for $50K After They Were Found in Donation Bin

Allie Fasanella
·2 min read
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A rare pair of Nike Air Jordan sneakers designed for Spike Lee fetched $50,800 at auction. The gold-painted Jordan 3s were dug out of a donation bin at the Portland Rescue Mission in Portland, Oregon earlier this year.

Sneakerheads and fans of the renowned film director may recognize the Air Jordan 3 Retro “Spike Lee Oscars” from when he wore the shoes with a purple suit at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. Lee accepted an Oscar for his film “BlacKkKlansman” that night. The model sold at auction was never worn by Lee himself.

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Spike Lee, winner of Best Adapted Screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman,” poses in the press room after the Oscars in Hollywood, California on February 24, 2019. Getty Images

According to Sotheby’s, the Jordans are crafted from premium leather, with a flashy metallic gold finish, and are embroidered with Lee’s signature as well as the signature of their designer, Tinker Hatfield. The heels also feature an oversized Jumpman insignia and logos of Lee’s production company, 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks. Hatfield’s iconic elephant print, icy blue accents and a red liner complete the shoe.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) Spike Lee accepts the Adapted Screenplay award for "BlacKkKlansman" from Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson onstage during the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Spike Lee accepts the Adapted Screenplay award for “BlacKkKlansman” from Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson onstage at the 2019 Oscars. Getty Images

They were found in April when someone sorting through items at the transitional shelter program spotted them at the bottom of a large donation bin. The donor remains anonymous. After landing in the hands of the program director Ed Holcomb — who recognized them but believed they were counterfeit — Tinker Hatfield was eventually contacted and authenticated them.

Spike Lee's custom Air Jordan 3s on the red carpet at the Oscars in 2019
A view of the heels of Spike Lee’s custom Air Jordan 3s on the red carpet at the Oscars in 2019.Getty Images

The legendary shoe designer visited Portland Rescue Mission, confirmed they were genuine, and brought with him “additional design paraphernalia, including a replacement box and a framed design proof, which he signed.” Sotheby’s also revealed he told the staff, “I’m thrilled the shoes ended up here. It’s a happy ending to a really great project.”

The full hammer price went to benefit the Mission

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