A History of the Doernbecher Freestyle Project

One of the most benevolent projects in sneaker history.

What Is the Doernbecher Freestyle Project? - The Doernbecher Freestyle Project is a design initiative by Nike to help raise money for the children's hospital in the Oregon Health and Science University. (Photo: Doernbecher Freestyle)

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What Is the Doernbecher Freestyle Project? - The Doernbecher Freestyle Project is a design initiative by Nike to help raise money for the children's hospital in the Oregon Health and Science University. (Photo: Doernbecher Freestyle)

Photo By Photo: Doernbecher Freestyle

Who Started the Doernbecher Freestyle Project? - In 2004, Michael Doherty — Nike's Creative Director of Global Brand Presentations and Doernbecher Foundation board member — came up with the initiative after conversations with his son. Doherty would eventually flesh the idea out with designer Marcus Tayui, who made the suggestion that the patients be the ones to design the shoes.

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Who Started the Doernbecher Freestyle Project? - In 2004, Michael Doherty — Nike's Creative Director of Global Brand Presentations and Doernbecher Foundation board member — came up with the initiative after conversations with his son. Doherty would eventually flesh the idea out with designer Marcus Tayui, who made the suggestion that the patients be the ones to design the shoes.

What Is Doernbecher Children's Hospital? - Doernbecher Children's Hospital specializes in world class treatment for children with all types of debilitating illnesses. Founded in 1926, it has always been affiliated with the Oregon Health and Sciences University Hospital and continues to serve the Portland, Oregon community.  (Photo: Laura Zeigen/Doerbecher Childrens Hospital)

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What Is Doernbecher Children's Hospital? - Doernbecher Children's Hospital specializes in world class treatment for children with all types of debilitating illnesses. Founded in 1926, it has always been affiliated with the Oregon Health and Sciences University Hospital and continues to serve the Portland, Oregon community.  (Photo: Laura Zeigen/Doerbecher Childrens Hospital)

How to Rock: Kicks, Jazzy, SlamXHype, Mr. Flawless, Sneakerheads, Sneakers, Kicks

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How Long Has the Doernbecher Freestyle Project Been Around? - The program has been going strong for the last 12 years and has helped raised over $11 million for the hospital. These funds go toward clinical programs and hospital construction to provide assistance for uninsured children. (Photo: Nike)

All Types of Designs - Doernbecher sneakers are considered quite valuable on the sneakerhead market. Often they are purchased as collector's items. One of the most recent releases were these Air Jordan V's that offered an "all-over" design by one of the patients. (Photo: Nike)

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All Types of Designs - Doernbecher sneakers are considered quite valuable on the sneakerhead market. Often they are purchased as collector's items. One of the most recent releases were these Air Jordan V's that offered an "all-over" design by one of the patients. (Photo: Nike)

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No Signs of Slowing Up - Back in June 2015, Nike developed a "What the Doernbecher" concept for a series of Nike Dunks. The auction of these sneakers raised close to $140,000. (Photo: Ryan Unruh/Nike)

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No Signs of Slowing Up - Back in June 2015, Nike developed a "What the Doernbecher" concept for a series of Nike Dunks. The auction of these sneakers raised close to $140,000. (Photo: Ryan Unruh/Nike)

Works of Art - As the program reaches its 12th year, preparation is already underway for the latest installation. In October, the hospital will showcase the Doernbecher Freestyle XII at the Portland Art Museum. We can only imagine what amazing designs will be on deck for the world to see. (Photo: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation)

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Works of Art - As the program reaches its 12th year, preparation is already underway for the latest installation. In October, the hospital will showcase the Doernbecher Freestyle XII at the Portland Art Museum. We can only imagine what amazing designs will be on deck for the world to see. (Photo: Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation)