Meet The Six Silhouettes That Make Up Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII Collection for 2023

Good name and fame should also be used for good causes. Nike sets the perfect example as it works with OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. In 2004, the team raised USD 31 million for the hospital. For starters, the main source of the duo’s partnership is the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Program. What is more interesting is that the designers of the silhouettes are the patients, so the sentimental value behind each pair is immeasurable! Each year, a small team of OHSU Doernbecher patients teams up with Nike Employee Design volunteers. The result: inspiring footwear, apparel and equipment designs. Afterwards, the pairs are up for auction and sold to the public in limited quantities. In this read, Meet The Six Silhouettes That Make Up Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII Collection for 2023.

Let us start with the introduction of the six talents who are behind the masterpiece designs! This year, Dario Villaseñor Valdivia, Kylee Young, Riddhi Mahajan, Emerson Harrell, Coley Miller and Jaren Heacock share their journeys and passions with each design.

Nike Air Huarache by Dario Villaseñor Valdivia

Firstly, the 13-year-old Dario Villaseñor Valdivia reworks the Nike Air Huarache with references to several of his favourite things in life. For example, the orange colourway, creating stick animation for his YouTube channel. Besides, his long-haired plush toy also makes it to his inspirations. Conversely, pants and a long-sleeve tee featuring a shoe skeleton also add to the design. On the other hand, the “Siempre Fuerte” text at the outsole translates to “Always Strong.” As a result, it nods to Dario’s approach to life as he battles juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia.

Nike Air Presto by Kylee Young

Next, 12-year-old Kylee “Cookie” Young applies her favourite colour, pink, on the Nike Air Presto. Kylee says seeing her family and going on adventures is her ideal perfect day. Well, thank you, Kylee. You make us want to have your definition of a perfect day with this pair.

Air Jordan 1 Low by Riddhi Mahajan

Thirdly, 15-year-old Riddhi Mahajan inputs her endless radiating positivity with her designs. Even after struggling with cystic fibrosis, Riddhi lives by the phrase “Brand New Day” to keep her mindset positive. However, with this fresh-looking pair, Riddhi will forever bring us smiles and positive energies!

Nike Air Max 90 by Emerson Harrell

On the contrary, Emerson Harrell is expanding his sneaker collection. Although he has been fighting inflammatory bowel disease, his creativity knows no bound. For this pair, he draws inspiration from his love for video games, sports and his dream of becoming an investor.

Nike Air Foamposite One by Coley Miller

For the next pair, 11-year-old Coley Miller pays homage to her Klamath Tribe heritage, featuring a basketweave graphic that showcases a quail plume and the Klamath mountains. Conversely, the phrase “ho mas gi” in the Klamath language translates to “Just Do It,” further connecting her culture with the project.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 by Jaren Heacock

Lastly, 10-year-old Jaren Heacock, a creator, coder and robot builder, installs his inspirations in the pair. For example, his brother and sisters, who he names in the design. Additional detailing includes interchangeable patches and a nod to his Chinese heritage.

In conclusion, Meet The Six Silhouettes That Make Up Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII Collection for 2023 and find your style! Besides, be a hoarder of these beauties by getting them from the top UK and European shops via our where-to-buy section. More news on all the exclusive sneakers is also available on our Facebook and Twitter handles, so follow us!

Image Credit: Google