[Update 22 Nov 2023] It’s official: the entire Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection 2023 will be released on 2 December. Keep a lookout for them at Nike’s brick-and-click stores!

The Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection is a project between the sportswear giant and the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. It showcases six unique designs created by the hospital’s inspirational young patients.

The collection reimagines six iconic silhouettes: the Nike Air Jordan 3, Nike Air Max 1 ’86, Nike Dunk High, Nike Cortez, Nike Go FlyEase, and the Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low. Each one telling their unique story of resilience and hope, with all proceeds from the sales going directly to support the hospital.

At present, they’ve raised over US$33 million with the funds supporting the Area of Greatest Need, which ensures that hospital leaders have the flexibility to allocate resources precisely when and where they are needed the most.

In this ongoing partnership, young patients play an integral role in the design process, working closely with Nike visionaries to bring their ideas to life, creating pairs both personal and meaningful.

Nike Air Jordan 3 by Hugo Covarrubias Molina

Hugo “Juice” Covarrubias Molina’s Nike Air Jordan 3 reflects his journey toward embracing his individuality. The shoe’s green and blue color scheme pays homage to his favorite football team, the Seattle Seahawks, and its gold hangtag is inspired by his love of gold chains.

The inner tongue features woven patches of his personal heroes, his parents on one side, and the other blank for wearers to honor their own heroes.

His handwritten motto, “It’s OK to be different”, takes the spotlight on the transparent outsole, with his logo and nickname on the heel tab. Bold green drips and glow-in-the-dark laces introduce a playful touch, with the motif replicated on the accompanying apparel.

Nike Air Max 1 ‘86 by Hailey Leyva

Having had five surgeries to fix the valves of her heart, Hailey’s journey to recovery and unique personality is told through her heart-inspired Nike Air Max 1 ’86.

The logo on the tongue and sockliner is a replica of her heart, and the shiny gold accents reflect her sparkle. The mix-and-match charms represent Hailey’s favorite things, like ice cream and rainbows, which can be worn on the shoe or as a bracelet. Her spirit extends to the accompanying hoodie and backpack’s design.

Nike Dunk High by Macey Bodily

Macey Bodily, a determined young lady who survived brain cancer, baked a sweet surprise into her flower-powered shoe: the recipe for her world-famous chocolate chip cookies.

The grey ribbon on the upper of the shoe represents her strength and perseverance, while the phrase “She believed she could, so she did”, her north star, is prominently displayed on the lateral heel of the midsoles.

Nike Cortez by Sydney Little

Sydney Little, a talented artist and competitive swimmer with arthritis, designed a vibrant shoe that celebrates her passions and inspires others to overcome challenges.

The shoe features her hand-drawn artwork and interchangeable heel patches for personalized style. Resin dots and glow-in-the-dark lines on the heel mimic water droplets and pool reflections, respectively, a nod to Sydney’s favorite activity, swimming.

“Keep swimming,” Sydney advises anyone facing a challenge. “You’ll get through it.”

Nike Go FlyEase by Christopher Musquiz Jr.

Christopher Musquiz Jr. may have lost his leg in a car accident one morning while riding his bicycle to school, but he’s never lost his positive spirit. One now embodied in his Nike Go FlyEase.

His take on the contemporary silhouette features a wave pattern inspired by classic Japanese art, a kimono-inspired wrap design, and a graphic of Mt. Fuji on the tongue. And as a bit of surprise, the insoles hide a friendly panda hanging out with Chris on the beach, his favorite animal and happy place.

Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low by Garrett Amerson

Garrett Amerson was born 15 weeks prematurely, weighing at just one pound, seven ounces at birth. Fourteen years later, he’s become a thriving teen with a proclivity for science, chess, and collecting historic hats.

For his Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low, he takes inspiration from the Pacific Northwest with its trees and mountains adorning the profiles, and a waterfall cascading down the tongue. Not forgetting, mud splatter prints are integrated onto the sole unit to deepen the homage.

Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection Release Details

The Nike Air Jordan 3 will bear a price tag of US$210; the Nike Air Max 1 ’86, US$150; the Nike Dunk High, US$125; the Nike Cortez, US$90; the Nike Go FlyEase, US$130; and the Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low at US$150.

The collection is projected to arrive sometime in December 2023 at Nike SNKRS and select physical stores. Although a firm release date hasn’t been disclosed, it should emerge in the coming weeks so stay tuned!

Elsewhere under the Nike umbrella, check out the preview of the Swoosh’s 2024 Footwear Lineup.