Dating back to 2004, Nike and Doernbecher have been able to raise nearly $31 million dollars together, for the OSHU hospital. Both Oregon natives, they continue their partnership with the unveiling of the Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII Collection, featuring six silhouettes designed by six OSHU patients.
Included in the latest Nike DB Collection is the Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG, Air Foamposite One, Air Huarache, Air Max 90, Zoom Vomero 5, and the Air Presto. Each pair was designed during a nine month process, where the patients worked side-by-side with Nike design volunteers to bring their stories to life. Riddhi Mahajan, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, shares her journey through the AJ 1 Low OG. Inspired by her charisma and positivity, the sneaker features an embroidered daisy on the heel, the phrase "Brand New Day" across the toe, and custom branding. This is all highlighted by a multi-colored design.
For the Nike Air Foamposite One, Coley Miller got the nod. Suffering from chronic kidney disease, the 11-year-old is looking to take over the world, new kidney and all. Drawing inspiration from her Native American culture, the sneaker features a custom basketweave graphic that incorporates a quail plume design. In addition, these Foam's also sport a galactic backdrop, a nod to her mother, the phrase "ho mas gi" on the outsole, which means "Just Do It" in Klamath, and custom branding throughout the blue-based kicks. Next we have the classic Air Huarache, designed by Dario Villasenor Valdivia. Suffering from juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, Dario's inspiration comes from his friends and family, as well as his comedic humor. The orange-based design comes from his love of eating oranges, while the brown furry material represents a plush toy his sister gave him after his hospital stay. The stick figures on the toe box represent his passion for animation, while custom labeling throughout finish things off.
Emerson Harrell, suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, got his own Nike Air Max 90. Inspired by his dreams of becoming an investor, this blue-based Air Max features US currency graphics via the Swoosh on the sides, his first initial reimagined as a dollar sign on the tongue and back heel, and GPS coordinates of his home on the sockliner. The Nike Zoom Vomero 5, designed by Jaren Heacock, honors his Chinese roots as well as his inventive spirit. The dragon-inspired by design can be seen throughout, which also represents the year Jaren was born. Fireworks representing the Chinese New Year along with the names of his siblings complete the look. Rounding out the latest Nike DB Collection is the Air Presto, designed by, Kylee Young. A survivor of hemolytic uremic syndrome, Kylee tells her story through her love for art and fashion. The pink-based sneaker features graphics such as a friendly sun, spring flowers, and raindrops, representing her love for being in nature. Her nickname can also be found on the back heel, finished off by a glittery outsole. Apparel and accessories have been created alongside each sneaker for the ultimate hook-up.
The Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII Collection is set to release on February 25th, 2023. It will be available at Nike, SNKRS, and select retailers both in-store and online. All pairs will come in extended men's sizing, with pricing varying between each silhouette. Keep it locked to our Twitter andMobile App to stay up to date on future releases.
Images via Nike
Riddhi Mahajan x Air Jordan 1 Retro Low OG DB
Coley Miller x Nike Air Foamposite One DB
Dario Villaseñor Valdivia x Nike Air Huarache DB
Emerson Harrell x Nike Air Max 90 DB
Jaren Heacock x Nike Zoom Vomero 5 DB
Kylee Young x Nike Air Presto DB
In this article
Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
