The long-standing partnership between Nike and the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital unveils its latest chapter with the Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection, featuring a diverse range of sneakers packed with rich storytelling details that empower kids through their creativity. Since its inception in 2004, Nike and the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital have raised over £30 million, all of which go directly to the further development of the hospital. Headlining the lone Air Jordan model in the collection, the Jordan 3 Doernbecher “Hugo” by 14-year-old Hugo “Juice” Covarrubias Molina celebrates the essence of being unique.
The annual showcase of sneakers designed by young patients from the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is one of the most highly anticipated collaborations at the tail-end of each year, thanks to the wealth of creativity and empowering messages that inspire other children with illnesses. Tinker Hatfield’s legendary AJ3 returns to the Doernbecher lineup following Cole Johanson’s highly coveted iteration in 2010, eventually rereleased in 2013. This Air Jordan 3 rendition flaunts a stunning colour palette inspired by Hugo’s favourite American football team, the Seattle Seahawks.
The shoe has a navy blue leather base with greyscale elephant print overlays on the toe and rear. Meanwhile, vibrant green accents boast a drip effect on the eyestay and collar, while glittery gold speckles deliver a luxe design approach. The gold-plated “H” hangtag, which also functions as a pendant for necklaces, is a tribute to Hugo’s love for gold chains. Navy blue Jumpman logos adorn the tongue, while the translucent TPU heel panel serves as a window to the green “H” initial and gold-plated “Juice” label. The grey two-tone laces have glow-in-the-dark details to complement the bright green hues. A semi-translucent green rubber outsole showcases Hugo’s handwritten “It’s OK to be different” catchphrase to complete the eye-popping and encouraging design of this AJ3. Like the previous year's Doernbecher collection, the pair arrives in the special "Freestyle" edition light-blue lid box which will remain instantly recognisable within your rotation.
Dropping alongside matching apparel, the Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection lands on 2nd December 2023 via Nike US SNKRS. Find out how to get your hands on the Air Jordan 3 Doernbecher “Hugo” by keeping it locked to The Sole Supplier and downloading our App!
