Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Spike Lee Oscars' with Tinker Hatfield Signed Box and Design | Size 12.5

With an ongoing love affair of all things Nike and Jordan Brand – and often receiving special models – Spike Lee originally made an appearance as ‘Mars Blackmon’ in the now-iconic “Spike and Mike” Jordan ads, which started with the Air Jordan 3. This began a relationship between Lee and Jordan, resulting in a unique model, dubbed the Jordan Spiz’ike, in 2006. The Spike Lee Air Jordan 3 ‘Oscar’ model made its debut on Spike Lee's feet at the Academy Awards in 2019.

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. This pair was not released to the public. 

Offered in this lot is the Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro 'Spike Lee Oscar' with a unique story. 

Since 1949, Portland Rescue Mission has been serving people struggling with homelessness and addiction in Portland, Oregon. They provide emergency food, shelter, and clothing to people in need along with long-term, addiction recovery programs. The downtown Burnside Shelter serves as a central location for individuals from across the city to receive immediate help. Thousands of pounds of clothing and shoe donations are received from the public every year, which are then distributed to those in need.

In April of 2023, a participant in the transitional shelter program at the Burnside Shelter was organizing the contents of the large bins that hold recent clothing and shoe donations received through their "donation chute." As they sorted through the items, a pair of gold Nike Air Jordans was discovered near the bottom of the bin. Recognizing their unique appearance, the participant set the sneakers aside for staff to examine, as they were in pristine condition.

Tinker Hatfield was notified of the anonymous donation and visited Portland Rescue Mission bringing along additional design paraphernalia, including a replacement box and a framed design proof, which he signed. Tinker quickly authenticated the shoes as genuine and told Portland Rescue Mission Staff, “I’m thrilled the shoes ended up here. It’s a happy ending to a really great project.” 

Accompanying the lot is a letter of provenance from the Portland Rescue Mission. Sotheby’s obtained photo evidence of Tinker Hatfield’s signing(s) at the Portland Rescue Mission. Additionally, the lot is accompanied by a letter from James Spence Authentication in regards to the signatures. 

100% of the Hammer Price will be remitted to The Portland Rescue Mission. The Buyer’s Premium and Overhead Premium will be retained by Sotheby’s. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible.