Nike Doernbecher Freestyle 2026 Revealed: Air Max 1/97, AF-1 Mid & More

All signs point to 2027 being a huge year for the NIKE, Inc. institution. One such project that'll help usher in what'll be the company's 63rd anniversary is the Doernbecher Freestyle 22 Collection developed in partnership with patient-designers from the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

According to Sneaker News, the 2026 range includes the following five releases:

• Nike Air Max 1/97
• Air Jordan 11 IE Low
• Nike Air Force 1 Mid
• Nike Structure Plus
• Nike ACG Rufus

Since 2004, both parties have come together for a great cause: raising money for the Children's Hospital by auctioning off limited-edition Doernbecher shoes architected by patients of the Hospital and brought to life with the help of NIKE, Inc. personnel. Thus far, 128 sneakers have been developed through the Doernbecher Freestyle program, raising over $44 million for the life-changing institution.

The OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Nike have confirmed that their latest installment of the Doernbecher Freestyle collaboration will be unveiled on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Portland Art Museum. Sponsored by Shoe Palace, the unveiling event will also double as an auction for the Doernbecher Freestyle 2026 range.

Additionally, the six patient-designers of the "Limitless" lineup have been disclosed by the partnership.

The six minds behind the limited-edition capsule for a cause are:

Aurora, Age 9

• Hometown: Longview, WA
• Diagnosis: Bilateral dysplastic kidneys
• Favorite athlete: Anyone on the Seattle Seahawks
• Favorite activity: Dance
• Inspiration: Watching people who never give up

Avery, Age 13

• Hometown: Tualatin, OR
• Diagnosis: Obsessive compulsive disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Favorite sport: Ballet or baseball
• Perfect day: Spending time in Paris with her friends, family and Taylor Swift
• Future goal: To change the world for the better

Charlye, Age 15

• Hometown: Vancouver, WA
• Diagnosis: Osteosarcoma
• Favorite activity: Swimming and tanning at the beach or pool
• Favorite athlete: Shaedon Sharpe
• Future goal: To become a traveling pediatric oncology nurse

Kamoryn Age 17

• Hometown: Dallas, OR
• Diagnosis: Hip osteoarthritis
• Favorite hobby: Playing video games with his siblings
• Favorite outfit: Sweatpants and a hoodie
• Future goal: To become an architect

Owen, Age 11

• Hometown: Creswell, OR
• Diagnosis: Chronic kidney disease
• Favorite hobby: Riding dirtbikes
• Inspiration: His Mom, Dad and siblings
• Favorite meal: Bean and cheese burritos

Royce, Age 12

• Hometown: Irrigon, OR
• Diagnosis: Tracheoesophageal fistula
• Favorite sports: Football, basketball and rodeo
• Future goal: Become a professional Bucking Bull Stock Contractor
• Heroes: His friends, family and Dr. Krishnaswami

Neither Nike nor the Children's Hospital has shared which patient-designer has worked on which product as of writing. In any case, the return of the Air Max 1/97 hybrid design famously launched by Sean Wotherspoon in November 2017 has gotten savvy fans excited for the next Doernbecher drop.

It's very likely that the sneaker's return will usher in the 30th anniversary celebration of the Air Max 97, the model referenced for the AM1/97's upper.

Another surprising, albeit more divisive, inclusion in the 2026 Doernbecher Nike Collection is the Air Force 1 Mid. People either love or hate the mid-top, which launched in 1994. Its appearance in the limited-edition lineup is likely meant to help energize the Air Force 1 franchise in 2027, as it celebrates its 45th anniversary.

All pairs included in the Doernbecher Freestyle 22 range are expected to include bold color schemes, hand-drawn elements, meaningful symbols, and a heartwarming narrative inspired by the six brave, inspiring patient-designers joining the 22-year program.

Stay tuned for firm Nike SNKRS launch details for the 22nd Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle collaboration.

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