Nike's New Dazzling Doernbecher Sneakers Are Extra Special
Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle collection is turning 20 in 2024. The sportswear label and Doernbecher Children's Hospital has delivered an extra special (and sparkly) lineup to celebrate the major milestone.
Nike's 2024 Doernbecher Freestyle includes six bold new patient-designed sneakers, including a Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41, Nike Sabrina 2, Nike Air Max SNDR, Nike Air 180, Nike Air Max DN, and Air Jordan 6 Retro.
Each sneaker from the Doernbecher Freestyle line pays homage to the designers' interests and medical journeys. Take the Jillian Beagley's Air Jordan 6 sneaker, for example.
The 14-year-old chose a basketball model, nodding to her love of the sport. Jillian's Jordan 6 sneaker also features interchangeable patches of her favorite things, like cucumbers, lacrosse, and, of course, basketball.
She added an embroidered "Give Life" to the toe box to honor her liver donor. Meanwhile, a "Gold" joins the Jumpman on the heel, speaking to her belief that everyone shines as their most authentic selves.
If this is your first time hearing of Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle collection, it's a yearly charitable initiative that allows six patients at the Doernbecher Children's Hospital to design their dream sneakers.
The sneakers are then auctioned off as part of a fundraising effort. Since its inception two decades ago, the program has raised $37 million for the hospital.
On top of the sneakers, the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle gets a special 20th-anniversary add-on treat: a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie. The hoodie incorporates elements from each of the sneakers on the sleeves, alongside all six of the designers' names embroidered on the back of the garment.
The Nike and Doernbecher team is taking the celebration a step further by auctioning off a limited run of Air Jordan 20 "Doernbecher" sneakers to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the line.
Twenty pairs of laser-engraved graphic sneakers will be available at Sotheby's, with the auction opening on October 21. Each auction winner will receive a Nike tee and Tech Fleece bomber jacket featuring laser prints.
Oh, and it gets better: all proceeds from the Jordan 20 sales will benefit Doernbecher.
