Nike’s philanthropic — and fan-favorite — Doernbecher Freestyle program is back with a new collection for fall ’17.
This year, Nike worked with six Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patients to reimagine classic and soon-to-be-classic sneakers from the brand’s archive. The footwear collection will launch Nov. 18 from nike.com/snkrs, while an apparel capsule will drop at select retailers.
The 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle range comprises 15-year-old Tyler Hibbard’s SB Zoom Stefan Janoski, 15-year-old Andrew Merydith’s Air VaporMax, 11-year-old Brody Miller’s Air More Uptempo, 9-year-old Carissa Navarro’s Air Jordan 12, 11-year-old Amiyah Robinson’s Air Max Thea Ultra Flyknit and 13-year-old Brayden Sparkman’s Air Huarache Run Ultra.
Inspired by his love for fishing, Hibbard chose a nautical inspiration for the Zoom Stefan Janoski.
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![Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nike-2017-doernbecher-freestyle-sb-zoom-stefan-janoski.jpg)
Merydith’s take on the Air VaporMax uses vibrant colors inspired by BMX jerseys and his favorite sports teams.
![Nike Air VaporMax 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nike-2017-doernbecher-freestyle-air-vapormax.jpg)
Miller created his own comic book superhero known as Generator Man to help design his Air More Uptempo style.
![Nike Air More Uptempo 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nike-2017-doernbecher-freestyle-air-more-uptempo-2.jpg)
Navarro had a number of inspirations for her Air Jordan 12 design, including her twin sister, favorite sports teams and one of her favorite foods: pizza.
![Air Jordan 12 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nike-2017-doernbecher-freestyle-air-jordan-12.jpg)
Robinson chose the Air Max Thea Ultra Flyknit, which takes cues from her hometown of Oklahoma as well as her current residence, Oregon.
![Nike Air Max Thea Ultra Flyknit 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nike-2017-doernbecher-freestyle-air-max-thea-ultra-flyknit.jpg)
Sparkman’s Air Huarache Ultra design takes heavy inspiration from his favorite baseball and football teams.
![Nike Huarache Run Ultra 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle](https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/nike-2017-doernbecher-freestyle-huarache-run-ultra.jpg)
Since 2003, Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle collections have allowed young hospital patients to create their own unique visions of popular Nike sneakers. Each year, the shoes are released as limited-edition styles with proceeds benefiting Portland’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. In its 14 years, the program has raised a total of $17 million.
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