Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII Collection is Officially Unveiled

First surfacing back in 2004, Nike’s Doernbecher initiative has been popular ever since and has raised a total of nearly $31 Million USD for the OHSU Doernbecher children’s hospital. As part of the ongoing initiative, the Doernbecher Freestyle program allows patients at the hospital to create their very own Nike sneakers, which are later auctioned off to charity, with a small number of pairs making their way to a public release. The patients are assisted by Nike’s Employee Design team, and now the collections even feature apparel and accessories to match the sneakers.

For the 18th rendition of the program, Nike has enlisted the help of six young designers to work on popular silhouettes: Dario Villaseñor Valdivia, Kylee Young, Riddhi Mahajan, Emerson Harrell, Coley Miller and Jaren Heacock. The six have all injected their personal inspirations into the designs, with the collection now being showcased at Portland Art Museum, with the first in-person auction in three years to take place soon.

First up is a fresh take on the Nike Air Huarache by 13-year old Dario Villaseñor Valdivia. Inspired by his favourite food (oranges), the kicks boast furry panels alongside an “Always Strong” motto on the outsoles. Kylee Young’s Air Presto is decked out in pink and depicts her perfect day, going on an adventure with her family. Our first trio is rounded off with Riddhi Mahajan’s AJ1 Low, featuring her very own “Brand New Day” motto.

The Air Max 90 also features in the collection, with Emerson Harrell’s “Bear Down” pair decked out in light blue, white and red. Coley Miller’s Nike Air Foamposite is inspired by her favourite sport, basketball, while also paying homage to her Klamath Tribe heritage. The collection is completed with the popular Nike Air Zoom Vomero 5 by Jaren Heacock, with interchangeable patches that nod to his Chinese heritage.

As it stands, the in-person auction is ongoing, but it’s worth noting that the entire Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII collection will arrive at Nike and selected retailers in limited numbers at some point this year. In the meantime, keep it locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all the latest sneaker news and updates, like your first look at a potential ALD x New Balance 860v2!