Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Collection at Select SNIPES Doors

Doernbecher Children’s Hospital – the premier pediatric care facility of Portland, Oregon – offers over 150 outreach clinics, more than 80 clinical trials, and the only pediatric residency program in the state to provide top quality support for families in Oregon and southwest Washington. This well-known hospital is changing the way we think about pediatrics and has received many awards and accolades since opening their doors in 1926. Recognizing the work that Doernbecher does to change children’s lives for the better, Nike began the Doernbecher Freestyle Program in 2004 and has raised over $30 million for the hospital to continue bringing breakthrough treatments to kids in the Pacific Northwest. This unique design program gives young patients the chance to blueprint their own shoes and apparel items from concept to creation. This emphasis on education and empowerment shines a spotlight on individual health concerns and inspires children on a global scale that have experienced or are currently going through similar challenges in their lives. SNIPES is carrying pieces from the Doernbecher collection for the first time in 2022 and will feature the eclectic footwear and apparel assortment exclusively in our Barclays, NY, Spanish Harlem, NY, and Redford, MI stores.

Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski “Doernbecher” – This iconic SB model and the signature shoe of American skateboarder Stefan Janoski gets a fresh re-work from Catalina Vazquez, a 16-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL), a rare genetic disease that causes tumors to grow in multiple organs in the body. The nature of this disease and Catalina’s love of drawing inspired many of the shoe’s details including the double helix design throughout, the butterfly and heart logos at the toe, and the VHL Alliance slogan, “The Cure is in Our Genes,” printed on the midsole. The teal colorway represents healing and Catalina’s unbeatable attitude as the ultimate VHL warrior.

Air Force 1 Fontanka “Doernbecher” – In 2018, 16-year-old Cidni O’ Brien collapsed on the soccer field and received CPR from her mother on the sidelines before paramedics arrived. Cidni was rushed to Doernbecher and was later diagnosed with anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery, a rare condition that prevents the heart from getting the oxygen it needs to function properly. Cidni’s redesign for this popular women’s AF1 silhouette features the soccer team’s colors on the synthetic suede and leather upper with subtle soccer ball detail on the Swoosh. Names of Cidni’s pets are visible on the laces and the outsole includes a tribute to shrimp pasta, her favorite food. After Cidni’s successful open-heart surgery, she is back on the soccer field with a focused demeanor and positive outlook.

Lebron 19 “Doernbecher” – 14-year-old Sam David Phelps was born with Spina Bifida, a condition that affects the spine and creates difficulties with walking and getting around. Through the Nike Doernbecher program, Nike gave Sam the opportunity to design his own LeBron 19 sneakers, a project fitting for the young wheelchair basketball player. Sam’s shoe displays his name on a metallic gold panel, features lightning bolt detail throughout, and calls attention to his go-to motto “Never Back Down!” at the heel to inspire others to keep going and never give up on their dreams. Now that Sam has successfully created his original design based off his favorite athlete’s signature shoe, he hopes to one day play for the U.S. Men’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team and tear up the court just like his idol.

Blazer Mid ’77 “Doernbecher" – Born in Kenya, Ayman Wamala was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at an early age and struggled with the pain in his body brought on by a shortage of red blood cells. The Wamala family moved to Oregon in 2018 to receive high-level care from the doctors at Doernbecher. 13-year-old Ayman was chosen for the Doernbecher Freestyle program in 2022 and created new design features for a classic basketball sneaker. Ayman’s Blazer Mid ‘77 glows in the dark, presents a powerful phrase at the midsole, and features his own superhero alter-ego at the tongue. Ayman is a true hero who enjoys watching anime, cooking in the kitchen, and hopes to one day become a professional actor.

With SNIPES gaining the opportunity to promote the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle collection and highlight these inspiring creations, we hope to spread awareness for the rare diseases that Catalina, Cidni, Sam, and Ayman live with and enlighten those who may not know what it takes to overcome these conditions. While proceeds from the collection will help the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and it’s patients in many ways, additional contributions will be accepted here. You can stay in the know with the latest SNIPES news and sneaker/streetwear releases by following us on our Instagram reading up on our blog posts, and downloading the mobile app.