words & images_Nick DePaula
Nike has once again unveiled their latest series of Doernbecher Freestyle sneakers for charity, designed by former patients of the Portland-based Doernbecher Children’s Hospital with the help of Nike designers and developers. The first sneaker of five that we’ll be detailing is the Doernbecher Freestyle Air Jordan 1 High, designed by Tony Taylor Jr, or as his friends and family call him, “Mr. Boober.”
It was an opportunity of a lifetime for Mr. Boober, a 16 year old from Portland, Oregon, as he was given the chance to design his very own Air Jordan 1 after battling Nephrotic Syndrome and overcoming a kidney transplant over a year ago. A Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patient who received his transplant on April 4th, 2007, Tony first learned about the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle project after he noticed his doctor’s cool shoes one day in her office. “Sweet kicks!” said Tony, an avid sneaker fanatic with a collection of over one hundred pairs of Air Jordans. As his doctor began to tell the story of how her former patient had designed them with the help of Nike, she mentioned that Nike was looking for more young designers to participate. Tony wasted no time to interrupt her, simply saying, “Pick me! Pick me!”
Sure enough, Tony was one of five Doernbecher patients chosen to design his very own shoe for the 2008 release, and he teamed up with Jordan Brand Senior Designer Jason Mayden and Developer Estelle Maranan to work on an Air Jordan 1 High from scratch. Aesthetically, there’s surely more going on with this Air Jordan 1 than ever before with the model, but it’s Tony’s detailed backstory and inspiration for every facet of the sneaker that make it so special. The shoe’s upper (with the true original High top cut!) is comprised of a gradient fading patent leather, and is actually just two pieces, a first for the normally multi-paneled silhouette. The seamless toe cap extends into the tongue, and the forefoot support overlay begins the rest of the upper piece extending to the heel of the shoe. According to Tony, the fade from black to blue signifies his triumph over kidney disease.
The shoe’s yellow contrast stitching and outsole, along with Tony’s number 15 along the heel, are all inspired by one of his favorite athletes, Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. Just under his favorite number is the date he received his transplant, as well as a sequence of four stars, representing the Generals, his Grant High School mascot. With his extensive Air Jordan collection, Tony is known at his Grant High School as quite the sharp dresser, always matching head to toe and rotating his many shoes with a crisp pair every day. He likes the Air Jordan V’s and XI’s most, and Tony says the one phrase that best describes him is simply, “I’m Fresh.” Designer Jason Mayden helped him out by including a cartoon character of Tony along the tongue tag, with his nickname Mr. Boober and his defining phrase all included.
Tony’s family also plays a major role in his life, as he credits them with keeping his spirits high during his hardest times while at Doernbecher. His nickname, Mr. Boober, was the result of his mother ReEtta and her friends constantly joking about how mature and grownup he acted, and Tony jokes that he’s had his mustache since he was a kid. The name has stuck for years, and his mom says kids at his school might not even know his real name, as to everyone he’s just Mr. Boober. He’s closest to his mother, and she rightfully headlines a list of his “Angels” along an affixed dog tag that also includes the names of his siblings, Aunt and Uncle and two Doernbecher doctors. He takes the angel theme even further, as large angel wings help tell his story along the upper. Also at the heel, you’ll notice several Palm trees, which represent the calm and tranquil islands of the Bahamas. Tony hopes to one day take his mother there for a much deserved vacation, where the two can relax and reflect over the hardships and scary times they conquered together.
Aside from all of the extensive details and inspiration making up Tony’s Freestyle Air Jordan 1, he was also presented with a special pair for his own collection, as well as an extra pair in his size 7 to wear. The pair he was first presented with includes a wooden box specially laser etched by Jordan Brand Creative Director Mark Smith just for Tony. The box includes the 5th Year Doernbecher Freestyle Anniversary logo along the top, which is actually Smith’s handprint with a Roman Numeral V. Inside you’ll find the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital logo as well as Tony’s name also lasered into the wood, making for an intricate package and keepsake. The added touch is also Tiger Woods’ signature along the left toe cap, as Tiger and his wife Elin are avid supporters of the Doernbecher and Nike Freestyle project. They both take the time to learn every year about each young designer and former Doernbecher patient and also collect the shoes from the series.
While the joy in the project is certainly seeing young kids like Tony beaming at their designed shoes, the Nike and Doernbecher Freestyle series is also a great charitable event that helps raise money for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The shoes will be sold at retail at Niketown stores as well as on Niketown.com on November 14th, with all of the procesds benefiting the hospital. Each year, each shoe is also auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Doernbecher to help buy supplies and new medical equipment, as well as pay for research grants and also provide funding help for families in need. Last night, Tony’s “Fresh” Air Jordan 1 went for $12,500, further helping the Doernbecher Foundation provide future medical care to children in need! There is also an anonymous donor who has stepped up to match every auction’s ending price, helping the Freestyle project in its quest to beat last year’s raised donation of $850,000.
Keep checking back for more details and pictures of the four other Doernbecher sneakers that are set to release November 14th. For designer interviews, further auction results and extensive coverage of this year’s five Doernbecher shoes as well as all past Doernbecher shoes, be sure to check out Issue 25 of Sole Collector! In the meantime, enjoy a first look at Tony’s “Fresh” Air Jordan 1. Good job Mr. Boober!
Air Jordan 1 Retro High Doernbecher by Tony Taylor Jr.
Release Date: November 14th
Price: $125
Available at: Niketown.com & Niketown locations
Tony’s shoe even comes with its very own Retro Card, full of the shoe’s details and inspiration.
Tony’s nickname, Mr. Boober, adorns the tongue tag along with a cartoon of Tony drawn by Jason Mayden. You’ll also find the one line that Tony says sums him up best: “I’m Fresh.”
Tony’s Angels: mother ReEtta, sister Sierra, Aunt Vivian, brother Twandre, Uncle Marshall and the two Doernbecher doctors that helped him through his kidney transplant, Dr. Al-Uzri and Dr. Rozansky.
Tiger Woods signed the left side of each designer’s Doernbecher shoe.
Tony, his parents and grandmother discuss the shoe’s details.
Mr. Boober!
September 21st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Another HUGE win for everyone involved. Such a great charity and the kicks… the pics speak for themselves. At least two pairs will be copped. I would have paid extra for the wooden box….
September 21st, 2008 at 4:57 pm
i love what the kicks stand for they’re very creative the white wings on the sides top it all off
September 21st, 2008 at 5:30 pm
The concept behind the whole design is amazing. I will be a proud supporter and actually get a pair if I can get my hands on them..
September 21st, 2008 at 6:02 pm
This is dope as hell when nike does things of this nature expect to get linked nick lol
September 21st, 2008 at 8:02 pm
damn those are so amazing.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I haven’t been a fan of the Dorenbecher’s that released in the past, but these are different. Its always good to see the money go to charity, but its hard to find a pair to go to charity and a good looking shoe as well, but it was accomplished here.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:19 pm
where can these be copped
I would love to support the charity
and also get these kicks added to my collection
September 21st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
simply amazing. Much props to Tony for coming up with such a dope design. Glad to see Jordan’s continue in the Doernbecher Charity series. Very dope shoe, this is always one of the best ways to give money to charity and i’d be more than happy to for a few of these.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Those are seriously dope man. I would not mind copping for a good cause.
The Tongue tag itself is ill.
September 21st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
wow. amazing. i would def. cop these. where can i buy these?
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:03 am
niketown.com^
anybodi know around how much these will cost?
does anybodi also know if they’ll come w/ that
box or will it be the a regular JB box
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
Those are I wolud say the dopest pair of AJI I have seen since the orginal pair. Great job Mt. Boober and Nike. I can’t wait to get a pair even if it wasn’t for the hospital I have 2 get them for my collection. Lauren579
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:25 am
Congrats, Mr. Boober!
Awesome work by dude–and besides, he’s a transplant recipient like me, so it’s hard for me to hate on him! We probably take the exact same anti-rejection meds.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
I got charity 2′s & the 95′s so I’m more than willing to donate again tony your a genius hopefully getting these are as easy as it was last year….
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
O.K. BOOBER I SEE YOU… FRESH 1′S.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
i’m not even into j’s like that, but i gotta get a pair of these…damn
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Anything that helps a charity is awesome but to help with a slick Jordan 1 is even better, a great way to raise money!! Now need to figure out how to get a pair to the UK!!!
September 24th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Great shoes for a great cause. Love the colors main!
September 24th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Damnnnn . Them shoes is hella cuteeeeeeee . Omgggggggg . I got to haveee ` em . I think im in loveeeeeeeeee .
September 25th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
were r dey ganna sell these shoes. they r sexi
September 26th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Damn………when can i get???
September 26th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Bring this shoe to The Netherlands!! Please!!
Good job Mr. Boober!
September 27th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
O YEAH!! THEESE R FRESH!!! A MUST HAVE!!!
October 1st, 2008 at 12:50 am
When Tony gets better and older, Jordan Brand should think about hiring Mr. Boober full time, cause this kicks are hot!!! Word up baby!
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
How many are they making, Cause’ I’m missing school to come get these and if I’m gonna have to wait in line I need to know, these are too fresh, and for a good cause it doesn’t get any more special.
October 4th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Yup Yup IM Getting These Bitchs
October 5th, 2008 at 12:54 am
dese is on da money n its around my b day im gonna get my hands on dese
October 6th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
never thought id buy two pairs of any shoes in my life, especially at that price, regardless of the fact it supports the hospital which is amazing in itself, these shoes are the ONLY amazing pair of 1s out there, the only 1s to stick out this muc hwere the olympics version and they sucked, cant wait, but is it niketown.com? cause soem sites were saying nike.com, dont wanna mess somethin up and miss my chance on these :]
October 10th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
IM GETTIN DESE 4 MY BDAY
October 13th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
where can i get these. i want em baddd.
October 18th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
great story for tony, and especially fresh shoes, definitely going to get a pair!
October 23rd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Man I read this story and it is one amazing story Im glad it turned out so good for the kid and I give him mad props on these shoes what a fly lookin shoe cant wait to support them cause I will be forsure
October 25th, 2008 at 1:09 am
$125!!!! Thats amazing and they might be available @ niketown online? Coppin those 4sho
October 25th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
i wonder if it comes wit dat box..im gettn those fasho….
October 27th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Shout out 2 ma dude BOOBER u no I’m gettn des
October 27th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
You know who said it first
October 28th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Go get em’ Tony! We are all so thrilled with your excellent work. As always we think about you and wish you well. When you told Simon about this over the summer he was so excited and I know he can’t wait to see them in the stores. Hugs to you and your mom! Danny, Susan, Simon and Samara. Members of the OK Club!
October 31st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Mark your calendars for Nov. 14th — they’ll be at nike.com and Niketowns nationwide.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
just a little bit of info….the box, yeah-its amazing, HOWEVER, not to but anyones bubble- it was a special one of a kind box made ONLY for Tony…thats the word from a nike rep…i must say this is a disapointment-
November 9th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
its gunna be a misson trying to get this..since i cant go to a niketown im gunna stay up and wait for them to come out online..
November 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
MAnnnn dunt forget da retro card…haha
November 12th, 2008 at 4:49 am
DEY LIVE!!! DA BIGGEST SIZE I CAN WEAR IS A 7…WILL DEY ALSO MAKE DEM IN KID SIZE TOO? N IF SO WILL DA PRICE STILL B 125? OR WILL IT B LOWERED?
November 13th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
OMG THOSE THINGS ARE GUN THICK I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO COPP THOSE TOMORROW I FELL SO IN LOVE WITH THOSE SHOES BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY WITH THE STORY BEHIND THEM THIS IS WATSUP A GOOD WAY TO HELP OTHERS SIGN ME UP FOR A 7 1/2 HOLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 14th, 2008 at 12:42 am
its aightttttttttt. adidas can do better.
November 14th, 2008 at 12:46 am
forreal my fellas
this shoe is CRACKKKKKINNNNNNNN
holy shizzzzzz
November 14th, 2008 at 3:13 am
yo is anybody waitin for these lik i am? lol
November 14th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
do these shoes run big if i wear a 9.5 and i buy a 9 are they going to feel bigger or smaller
November 14th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
WHERE CAN I COP THESE?????
December 10th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
i want that WOODEN BOX, but the ones i see for sale its just a jordan box
December 13th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
jus copped my joints and these is fire!!!!!!! too bad they didn’t come wit the wooden box but the tiger woods signature is the bomb thanx mr. boober!!!
December 16th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
i finally saw tem in person on some dudes feet. completely amazing
thse are deff. jaw droppers.
December 26th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
I go to these dudes school. not kidding.And these shoes are totally awesome. I wish I could but a pair though… =(
December 28th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
i already copped the 1st day…….u go to his skewl and cant even get a pair…wata bumb
December 31st, 2008 at 6:00 pm
COPPPEDDD .. THERE ACTUALLY PRETTY NASTYY IFFF UR TRYNA ROCK
January 1st, 2009 at 5:25 pm
i need em hit me up if yu got sz 10 – 11 10.5 preferred!
January 27th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I collect alot of the ones…But where the hell do you get these!
Too Sick i want em!!!
February 20th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
these are some I L L ass kicks.