Nike

The Air Jordan 3 is credited with keeping Michael Jordan at Nike after the original Air Jordan designer Peter Moore left the company. Tinker Hatfield designed the shoe in close collaboration with Jordan, addressing the player’s request for a more lightweight modern shoe. The Air Jordan III, notably, is the first Air Jordan to feature ‘Visible Air’ in the form of an air pocket under the heel. Though just in the beginning of his career Hatfield would become one of the most influential sneaker designers of all time. One of the most notable features of the Air Jordan III is the iconic Air Jordan ‘Jumpman’ logo on the tongue.

With an ongoing love affair of all things Nike and Jordan Brand – and often receiving special models – Spike Lee originally made an appearance as ‘Mars Blackmon’ in the now-iconic “Spike and Mike” Jordan ads, which started with the Air Jordan 3.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

The premium leather and breathable mesh upper is decorated in an eye-catching metallic gold hue 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 his 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks production company and an oversized Jumpman insignia. This pair was not released to the public.