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Nike and Oregon Health and Sciences University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital have a long-standing partnership that spans decades. The Doernbecher Freestyle initiative – an annual fundraising project started by the two entities – has been going strong since its inception in 2004. It has raised nearly $31 million for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital since then.
The program allows six Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patients to show the world their creativity. Each patient is paired with Nike Design employees and volunteers to bring each child’s footwear, apparel, and equipment designs to life. The design process spans nine months, and in that time, Nike employees work with the patient-designers on color combinations, materials, and messaging for their collections. The finished collections are then auctioned and sold, with all sales benefitting the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
This year’s Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Collection sees personalized takes on familiar models, including the Air Jordan 1 Low OG, designed by Riddhi Mahajan, the Air Max 90, designed by Emerson Harrell, the Air Foamposite One, designed by Coley Miller, the Air Huarache, designed by Dario Villaseñor Valdivia, the Air Presto, designed by Kylee Young, and the Zoom Vomero 5, designed by Jaren Heacock.
Each Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Collection sneaker allows the wearer to learn a little about the designer through the vibrant colors, printed phrases, playful graphics, and unique materials used on each release.
The Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Collection will be available in-store at DTLR on February 25th.
Last year, it was announced that NBA’s All-Star Weekend would be held in Indiana. Immediately, I knew that I would be watching the festivities from the comforts of my couch. Fast forward to a global pandemic that made a year feel like a Thanos finger snap, uncertainty loomed around the half-season extravaganza. With a successful NBA bubble under the belt, making away is the attitude of the league. Indiana is a state that had more restricted protocols that prevented an event of such from happening.
Throughout the country, there were a select amount of states that were open to the public like normal. Specifically, the peachy state of Georgia was down to hold the game. As countless people are dying due to the virus, LeBron, Giannis, and other Nike signature athletes had reservations about playing during trying times. Ultimately, all parties came together in celebration of Black History by receiving southern hospitality through song selections by Gladys Knight and Aleesia Cara. Vividly, the shoes Black influence is felt in this fresh new colorway.
The overall color scheme is a blend of Black and Barley Green shiny shell finish, equipped with a ridge-laden upper. A White liner is a sleek trim down the lined pull tabs and forefront. Embroidery stitched mini swooshes is a specialized touch near the lateral foot. What’s cool is the holographic logo on both heels replacing the signature 1/2 cent logo secured with a glow-in-the-dark semi-translucent rubber outsole. Last but not least, NBA insignias commemorated in All-Star official text.