Doernbecher Freestyle 10 // Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering

The 2013 Doernbecher Freestyle collection continues with a special Nike Free Run 5.0 designed by 8-year-old Jake Dering.

Doernbecher Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering

words // Brennan Hiro Williams

The 2013 Doernbecher Freestyle collection continues with a special Nike Free Run 5.0 designed by Jake Dering, a young patient at the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon. 

At only eight years old, Jake Dering has shown toughness beyond his years, enduring 19 surgeries to treat a rare genetic condition known as Otopalatodigital Syndrome type 2. Known as a "smooth operator on the dance floor," young Jake brings his creative talents to the Nike Free Run 5.0, dressing the shoe with colors and materials made for standing out.

Jake's Free Run 5.0 features a mix of lenticular materials to give it the appearance of constant motion. Jake's words of wisdom shine through on the sockliners, which read "Be Brave" and "Never Give Up," and around the collar, which reads "I WASN'T MADE TO FIT IN, I WAS MADE TO STAND OUT."

“I just really want to be free of all this stuff,” Jake explained. “No halo, no cast, no crutches.”

Jake is scheduled to have another surgery next May. Until then, he’ll continue rocking his own pair of custom Nike Free Jakes.  

Take a look at Jake Dering's design below, and pick up your pair at Nike.com and select Nike retail locations on Saturday, November 9. All proceeds from the sale of the Doernbecher Freestyle 10 collection benefit the Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Doernbecher Freestyle Jake DeringDoernbecher Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering basketball

Doernbecher Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering details

Doernbecher Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering Free Jake

Doernbecher Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering Be Brave sockliner

Doernbecher Nike Free Run 5.0 by Jake Dering Made to Stand Out message