Nike Officially Introduces the 2018 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection
Six new designs from patients of OHSU Doernbecher.
After receiving a closer look at the Nike Zoom Fly SP “Doernbecher,” the sportswear giant has officially unveiled its 2018 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection.
The six new models have been designed by patients of OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, which has been an ongoing collaboration with Nike for 15 years. Envisioned by former Nike creative director Michael Doherty’s son Connor, the program has been able to raise nearly $20 million USD for the hospital thus far and has allowed patient-designers to bring their creative vision to a Nike model during the months of February till October of each year.
Six children were chosen to create a sneaker design from beginning to end; Chloe Swientek (10, Portland, Oregon) – Nike Air Force 1 Low; Donovon Dinneen (11, Riddle, Oregon) – Air Jordan XV; Joey Bates (12, Scappoose, Oregon) – Nike SB Dunk Pro Low; Kirsten Brown 916, Salem, Oregon) – Nike Air Max 97; Aiden Barber (9, White City, Oregon) – Nike Air Max 270; Payton Fentress (12, Portland, Oregon) – Nike Zoom Fly SP. Each sneaker features unique designs and cues from their personal lives. Check it out below.
Swientek’s used her Air Force 1 Low design to stay determined when it comes to fighting her cystic fibrosis. On the right cupsole “Cure” can be found while “CF” is found on the left.
Dinneen’s Air Jordan XV showcases his love of anime having been crafted from black suede and embossed with a golden dragon-scale pattern.
Bates’s Nike SB Dunk Pro Low is inspired by his prize possession, a turtle figurine from Hawaii. The faux turtle print can be found on the Swoosh brandings. Finally his love of chicken appears as a small logo on the lateral heels.
Brown’s Nike Air Max 97 places her heart transplant date, 5-18-16, on her shoe along with SRVVR graphics.
Barber’s Nike Air Max 270 camo’d out print is a shout out to his cousin who serves in the military.
And lastly, Fentress’ Nike Zoom Fly SP shows his love of Chicago Cubs seeing baseball emblazoned tongues and the Sports Illustrated‘s cover for the Cubs 2016 World Series win found on the insole.
The Nike Doernbecher Freestyle 2018 collection will release on December 14 on Nike SNKRS, nike.com and at select retailers; the matching apparel will drop on the following day. 100% of the proceeds from the sales will go towards OHSU Doernbecher.
For more sneaker news, Nike’s Air Force 1 “Cocoa Snake” returns this winter.