The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection features noteworthy kicks by youth sneaker designers
Product news
These unique sneaks help kids step up their creativity.
- Since 2004, Nike has partnered with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children's Hospital on a fundraising programme supporting children's creativity and health.
- Each year, six hospital patients design shoes through the programme as part of a Doernbecher Freestyle Collection. These shoes are then auctioned off or sold. Sales have raised $37 million for the hospital as of October 2024.
- The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection, marking 20 years of the programme, includes six striking sneakers and a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie featuring elements from all the footwear. For the first time, the shoes will be packaged in a custom, split-open box revealing the unique designs. In winter 2024, the collection will be available globally on SNKRS, Nike.com and at select retailers.
- In addition, a limited run of specially designed Air Jordan XX 'Doernbecher Freestyle' sneakers was sold in an online auction from 21–30 October 2024.
You'd never know Jillian Beagley, 14, received a liver transplant when she was 11. Since then, the upbeat teen has earned a state basketball title and designed a unique version of the Air Jordan 6 Retro sneaker. Her shoe, along with footwear from five other patient-designers from Doernbecher Children's Hospital, is included in the Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection.
This collection is the twentieth in a fundraising programme run by the hospital and Nike, Inc. since 2004. Each year, six patients at the hospital work with Nike volunteer product experts to design shoes. Then, the shoes are sold, and all profits go to the OHSU Foundation, benefitting the hospital. As of 2024, 122 kids and 330 Nike product experts had participated, raising $37 million.
The new Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection salutes the lives and passions of Beagley and five other patient-designers. These courageous kids have channelled their experiences and passions (for basketball, football, dragons, cats and songwriting) into reimagining six Nike silhouettes: 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. Featuring intricate details, hidden messages and unexpected colour palettes, the shoes are striking, inspirational and unique.
Along with these six sneakers, the collection includes a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie representing all the designs. Plus, the shoes are packaged in a custom, split-open box for the first time. As of winter 2024, you can find these items globally on the SNKRS app, Nike.com and at select retailers. In the meantime, you can get to know the kids and their innovative footwear.
The shoes, commemorating 20 years of the programme, come with a T-shirt and Nike Tech Fleece featuring special-edition laser graphics.