Nike x Doernbecher Childrens Hospital

Today sees the release of Nike's annual collaboration with the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Oregon. For the fundraiser, a number of silhouettes designed by kids from the hospital are presented with all proceeds going towards helping the hospital fulfill its mission statement.

As mentioned, all the shoes in the collection are designed by patients at the hospital and portray each individual's story in the design. The shoes featured are the Shox NZ, Free Run +2, SB V-Rod, Air Max 95, Air Jordan IV, and a Dunk. 

The inspiration for each shoe is as follows:

First Up is a Shox NZ designed by Dacia Kassanga inspired by her love of water and is presented to us in a blue tie-dyed palette and spiral design to represent courage. The Lace stays feature the initials KG standing for the Kassanga Girls, being Dacia's mother and sister.

The next design we see is an Air Max 95 from Daniel Bair who, being visually impaired, decided to use red as the predominant colour as it is the easiest for him to see. The words 'Be Brave' feature in braille alongside the tongue and laces of the shoes, the sole unit shows off some of Daniel's favourite things in the form of piano keys, musical notes and wii boxing gloves.

Isaiah Scott's design for his Jordan IV is dope and was chosen because of his love of basketball. After beating leukaemia, Isaiah used the Superman logo on the tongue to represent his strength, his lucky number 7 features on the outsole and a kryptonite green colorway is used just like the kicks of his favourite basketball player Nate Robinson.

Warang McManus designed the Dunk High Skinny to represent her Pacific island roots. A whale tail is embroidered across the back of the shoe and her brother's tribal tattoo pattern is used on the sock liner. Tropical flowers and stones are seen on the bottom of the outsole representing the islands she haisl from and a group of turtles represent her family.

Skateboarding fan Anthony Roletto's hero is Paul Rodriguez so it was natural for his pro line to be used for Anthony's shoe. Drawings of kidneys and some mean looking triangles, which are his interpretation of the cancer he battled tell his story.

Finally Mackenzie Short designed her Free Run +2 featuring a liner printed with all her favourite things; basketballs, volley balls and cupcakes. The tongue has a hologram of her best friend Maddie's name and Presto laces which reveal hearts and flowers in the sunlight.

This has to be one of the choicest collaborations Nike participate in. As mentioned previously all the proceeds go to help the Doernbecher, all the shoes are available now through nike.com.