Home / Arts and Entertainment / Gold Air Jordans Found in Donation Bin Fetch $50K
Gold Air Jordans Found in Donation Bin Fetch $50K
1 Oct
Summary
- Rare gold Air Jordan 3 sneakers were donated anonymously.
- Shelter staff initially suspected the shoes were counterfeit.
- The custom sneakers sold at auction for $50,800 in December 2023.
In April 2023, a remarkable discovery was made at the Portland Rescue Mission when a pair of striking gold Nike Air Jordan 3 sneakers appeared in a donation bin. Initially suspected to be counterfeit by staff, these unique shoes were anonymously donated and found by James Free, a participant in the shelter's long-term program. The unusual appearance of the sneakers eventually led staff to seek expert verification.
These custom-made Air Jordan 3s were created in 2019 by Nike designer Tinker Hatfield for filmmaker Spike Lee and his close associates. One heel featured the iconic Jumpman logo, while the other bore the mark of Lee's production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. The donated pair, a size 12½, differed from Lee's personal size 9½, indicating they belonged to someone within his inner circle, with only four or five such pairs reportedly made.
Intrigued, shelter director Erin Holcomb took the sneakers to Index, a local consignment shop, expecting confirmation of their fake status. Instead, co-owner Terrance Ricketts authenticated them, estimating their value between $15,000 and $20,000. This revelation shifted the Mission's approach; they partnered with Sotheby's to auction the rare footwear.
Tinker Hatfield himself became involved, authenticating the sneakers and providing additional auction items. Sotheby's handled the sale, waiving its fees to maximize the benefit for the Portland Rescue Mission. In December 2023, the bidding concluded, with the final sale price reaching an impressive $50,800, far exceeding initial estimates. The funds raised will directly support the shelter's vital work with individuals experiencing homelessness.
