The Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle Collection Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Kids Through Design

This year marks a significant milestone as Nike commemorates two decades of its heartfelt collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital through the Doernbecher Freestyle program. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the program continues its tradition of pairing young patient designers with Nike's creative forces to craft unique footwear that tells personal stories of resilience and courage.

Since its inception in 2004, the Doernbecher Freestyle collection has showcased the creative talents of its young designers and played a crucial role in fundraising for the hospital. To date, the program has raised an impressive $37 million, with all profits benefiting the OHSU Foundation. These funds aid in covering care costs for families, supporting specialized treatments, and fueling groundbreaking pediatric research.

This year's collection introduces six new designs, each a vibrant expression of its creator's passions—from sports like basketball and soccer to personal interests in dragons and music. These shoes are intricately detailed with elements that reflect the designers' life experiences and medical journeys, offering more than just style but a narrative of personal triumph.

Adding to the uniqueness of the 20th anniversary, the collection will feature an innovative packaging design: a custom, split-open box that dramatically presents the shoes. Moreover, the release includes a special Nike Tech Fleece hoodie designed with elements from each shoe, tying the entire collection together.

The full Doernbecher Freestyle collection will be available globally this winter via SNKRS and select retailers.