The Nike "Doernbecher Freestyle" 2019 Collection
Published:February 12, 2019
An annoying life saying that challenges our patients are “Good things come to those who wait”.
The question that always came to mind is what if your time is limited? Since 2004, Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital came up with a way to speed up the process for some special patients (pun intended). Nike gives kids an opportunity of a lifetime to design a signature shoe from the brand's illustrious history.
SB Zoom Janoski RM
The Nike “SB Zoom Janoski RM” (designed by Desiree Castillo, 12) has a velvet blue upper, with a soft teal midsole with her family members listed around the shoe. Lavender makes an appearance at the tip along with her shoe tongue. Miniature blood drops symbolizing how she monitors her blood sugar is found on the bottom outsole.
React Element 55
The Nike “React Element 55” (designed by Kahleah Corona, 11) has a plethora of color choices to reflect her vibrant personality. Her family’s team “K STRONG” is found near the toe, while her favorite emoji is placed on the midsole. Each shoestring loop has a capital letter to symbolize each member of her lovely family. Topped off with a neon green ribbon in remembrance of her brain injury.
Air Jordan XIV Retro
The Air Jordan “XIV Retro” (designed by Ethan Ellis, 16) pays homage to his favorite college team TCU Horned Frogs. With 6 heart surgeries under his belt, the #6 under the Jumpman represents his journey to recovery. The most intricate feature is a list of all of the hospitals that gave him treatment on his shoelaces.
Air Max Triax 96
The Nike “Air Max Triax 96” (designed by Bransen Fernando, 13) chose kidney print for his sock liner to display his appreciation for the new kidney. To commemorate such a miraculous surgery, the date of transplant is listed on the tongue. Accents of red/blue/black stripes and specked dots cover the shoe. His nickname “BOOM” placed on the outsole ironically explains the impact of this collection dropping.
Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2
The Nike “Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2” (designed by Sawyer Miller, 12) has a snazzy animated Panda nibbling on the also cartoon swoosh. The entire shoe is forest green with accents of black/royal blue/white featured throughout the runner. The royal blue paw print is sketched to honor his pet dog, Izzy. With drawn acrobats and Zoom X technology, the shoe is ready for any activity.
Air Force 1 LV8
The Nike “Air Force 1 LV8” (designed by Zion Thompson, 14) decided to go the elegant direction with all-white embossed leather. Pretty Pink grace the midsole stripe, swoosh border, and heel. Creative doodles engraved on the toe, while embroidered roses across the swoosh are symbolic of her cancer treatment.