NIKE and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital unveil the highly anticipated 20th Doernbecher Freestyle collection, marking two decades of empowering young patient-designers through footwear and apparel. Since its launch in 2004, the collaboration has raised over $37 million for the hospital, providing essential support for patient care, specialized treatment, and innovative pediatric research.
SNEAKERS
The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection features six new footwear silhouettes, each brought to life by patient-designers working closely with Nike’s volunteer product experts. This year’s styles reflect the designers’ personal interests, passions, and medical journeys, infusing elements inspired by basketball, soccer, dragons, cats, and music. Alongside the Nike Doernbecher shoes, a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie featuring design elements from each patient’s shoe offers a unifying touch to the collection.
Celebrating 122 kids who have contributed their creativity to the program over the years, this milestone collection introduces a limited-edition Doernbecher Air Jordan XX. Designed with laser graphics commemorating the collection’s history, only 20 numbered pairs will be available at Sotheby’s auction, running from October 21 to October 30. Each auction winner will receive the exclusive Air Jordan XX, accompanied by a Nike Tech Fleece bomber jacket and a T-shirt featuring matching laser print designs. Bidding begins at $1, with all proceeds going directly to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
The six silhouettes in the Doernbecher collection include the Air Jordan 6 Retro, Nike Sabrina 2, Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41, Nike Air Max DN, Nike Air Max SNDR, and Nike Air 180. The highlight of the collection is the Jordan 6 Doernbecher 2024 by Jillian Beagley, a liver transplant recipient who has expressed her gratitude and love for sports through a custom design. The designs will be packaged in custom split-open boxes that showcase the creative essence of each patient’s work.
The full Doernbecher Freestyle 20 collection will be released globally this winter on SNKRS, nike.com, and select retail partners. Each purchase will contribute to funding care for families in need and advancing pioneering research at Doernbecher, ensuring the program’s impact extends far beyond footwear.
To learn more about the 2024 patient-designers and their inspiring stories, visit the gallery below for an inside look at their creative process and designs. For those interested in participating in the auction, visit sothebys.com/DB20 for more details.
