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Imagine the chance to make your personal shoe dreams come true. Every year, six kids at the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland get to do just that.
Nike’s partnership with the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital began in 2003 as a vision from former Nike creative director Michael Doherty’s son, Connor. It has since created 85 shoe designs and raised almost $20 million to date for the hospital, according to a press release on Nike.com.
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Each year, the collection features six Nike silhouettes and apparel designed by six different children. The patient-designers work with teams from Nike to make their visions come to life. This year, the designers ranged in age from 9 to 12, and the designs were inspired by the kids’ real-life heroes, favorite animals, and hobbies.
Chloe Swientek, 10, designed an Air Force 1 Low to help her stay determined while fighting cystic fibrosis. “Cure” is written on the right cupsole, and “CF” on the left.
Donovon Dinneen, 11, came up with an Air Jordan inspired by his love of anime. The suede upper features a dragon scale pattern, with golden dragons on the sockliner and details about his family throughout the shoe.
Joey Bates, 12, created a Nike SB Dunk Pro Low, and drew on inspiration from his prized possession, a turtle figurine from Hawaii. That’s why the swoosh is faux turtle print. You can spot his favorite animal, a chicken, as a small logo on the heels.
Kirsten Brown, 9, created a Nike Air Max 97. She included her heart transplant date on the shoe, which showcases a large “SRVVR” graphic on the lateral side.
Aiden Barber, 9, designed a Nike Air Max 270 in camo print as a shoutout to his cousin who serves in the military. His personal motto, “Always Believe,” is featured prominently.
Payton Fentress, 12, based the design of his Nike Zoom Fly SP on his perfect day—playing baseball. The shoe has a baseball stitch graphic on the sockliner and the back, and gives nods to some of his favorite sports teams.
The 2018 Doernbecher Freestyle collection will launch December 14 on Nike SNKRS and Nike.com, with the full apparel collection following on December 15 on Nike.com and at select Nike retail and partner stores. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Doernbecher hospital.
