Nike Unveils the 2026 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection

Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital are continuing one of the brand’s longest-running charitable projects with the 22nd Doernbecher Freestyle collection, giving six young patient-designers the chance to turn their stories, interests, and personalities into footwear.

Since launching in 2004, the program has paired Doernbecher patients with Nike employees to create one-of-a-kind sneakers that are later auctioned and released at retail, with proceeds benefiting the hospital. More than $44 million has been raised through the program to date, helping support patient care, research, and specialized treatment.

For 2026, all six silhouettes are making their Doernbecher Freestyle debut, including the Nike Air Max 1/97, Structure Plus, Air Force 1 Mid, ACG Rufus, G.T. Future, and Air Jordan 11 Low IE. Each pair is packed with personal references, from favorite sports and hobbies to important dates, family connections, and details tied to each designer’s medical journey.

Owen William Flint — Nike Air Max 1/97

Owen William Flint, 11, takes on the returning Nike Air Max 1/97, using the shoe to highlight his love of superheroes, baseball, and dirt biking. The colorful brushed-leather upper nods to the superhero fandom he shares with his brother, while his baseball number 88 lands on the midsole. A spinning-wheel dubrae, biker keychain, and mud-splatter toe complete the design.

Aurora Loss — Nike Structure Plus

Nine-year-old Aurora Loss gives the Nike Structure Plus a colorful kawaii-inspired makeover. Fluffy pink fur, cherry blossoms, and an anime-style character cover the shoe, while a detachable charm bracelet and removable hair bow add to the playful design. Aurora received a kidney transplant at age five and worked her personality and interests directly into the pair.

Charlye Cosgrove — Nike ACG Rufus

Charlye Cosgrove, 15, turns the Nike ACG Rufus into a personal tribute to her journey and the Pacific Northwest. Pink camouflage references shoes she wore as a baby, while fuzzy green accents mimic moss. The upper is also UV-reactive, revealing additional colors and hidden graphics in sunlight, while June 11, 2025 — the day she completed treatment for bone cancer — is tucked beneath a stitched tag.

Kamoryn Marshall — Nike G.T. Future

Basketball player Kamoryn Marshall, 17, brings one of the collection’s most unusual stories to the Nike G.T. Future. Goldfish graphics reference visions he experienced while coming out of anesthesia following hip replacement surgery, while a chrome Swoosh on the right shoe nods to his titanium hip. Stitching hidden inside references his surgical scar, and “if you see this, you’re too late” appears underfoot.

Avery Wilson — Air Jordan 11 Low IE

Thirteen-year-old Avery Wilson fills her Air Jordan 11 Low IE with hand-drawn characters and personal references. One of those characters is Greg, a British alien created by Avery, while “neurospicy” appears on the upper as a playful reference to her experience with OCD. A license-plate-inspired pin honors her grandfather, while 143 represents the number of letters in “I love you.”

Royce Short — Nike Air Force 1 Mid

Royce, 12, rounds out the collection with the Nike Air Force 1 Mid. The Oregon native is passionate about football, basketball, and rodeo, and hopes to one day become a professional bucking bull stock contractor. His participation completes a six-designer lineup built around each child’s interests, experiences, and personality.

The collection debuted at auction in Portland on October 16 and will release in the U.S. through SNKRS and select retailers this winter.

Keep it locked on the House of Heat° App for further updates.