SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words by Steve Jaconetta

In just one short day, Nike will release the Doernbecher Freestyle 5 Series. This marks the fifth year that Nike has teamed up with the Doernbecher Foundation to help out kids in need. This year we will see six shoes ranging from Air Maxes to Air Forces and much more.

First up we have the Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘07 LE which was designed by Colin Couch. This shoe features an all white leather upper with a unique laser print detailing that wraps around the toe box, laces, and heel. The designs in the laser print all showcase different things about Colin. They also feature a nice volt yellow colorway found on the sockiner as well as stitching on the midsole. Finishing it off is a nice icy blue clear gum sole that when turned over depicts Colin’s paint pallet that he often uses while at home .

The second shoe in this series has been discussed by our own Nick DePaula here. It is an Air Jordan 1 Retro High and was designed by “Mr. Boober” Tony Taylor Jr. The upper of the shoe is black-based and features a gradient fading patent leather. The shoes fade from black to blue which Tony says is to signify his triumph over kidney disease. The maize colored sole and contrast stitching along with accents are inspired by one of his favorite athletes in Carmelo Anthony.

Next we have the Nike Women’s Air Zoom Vomero+ III which was designed by Staci Wright. This unique looking running shoe features Nike Plus technology. There is a nice metallic silver colored upper that also features mesh. The mesh includes unique deisgns detailing icons that represent Staci. The midsole which is mostly blue fades into white in the center of it on both sides.

The Nike Women’s Free Mary Jane SI was designed by Emily Giersch. A hybrid of sorts, this slip-on shoe features a nice Nike Free sole with design patterns found all over the upper symbolic to Emily. A nice blue color is found on the toe cap which fades to brown as it reaches the back of the shoe. The strap in the center aims to keep your foot from slipping in and out and is blue with the lining of the shoe in red.

Last but certainly not least, we have another Air Force 1. This Nike Women’s Air Force 1 Low ‘07 LE was designed by Brandi Berger. It features a white-based leather upper with a black Swoosh on the sides. University blue is the color that is found on the toe box, side panels and sockliner. The laser print design on the heel represents Brandi, and the clear blue gum sole when flipped over showcases this icon as well.

Now even though the Freestyle 5 collection features five strong-hearted kids, Nike designer Mark Smith also contributed to this years series by designing a shoe of his own to pay homage to this great cause. A Nike Air Max ‘90, it features a nice all white upper made up of pebbled leather and mesh. The multicolored graffiti-like jungle pattern on the sole is a nice touch, and includes colors from every past Doernbecher shoe.

To find out more information on this cause or to help out visit these links (here and here). The Nike Doernbecher Freestyle 5 Series will be released nationwide exclusively at all Niketown locations as well as Niketown.com on Friday, November 14th.

Check out the detailed pictures for each model below, and click on the pics for all the tech info on each release. As always stay tuned to SoleCollector.com and our forums for all the latest news and updates on the Doernbecher Freestyle 5 Series as well as all future Nike releases.

Colin’s Air Force 1 Low ‘07 LE:

Tony’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High:

Staci’s Nike Women’s Air Zoom Vomero+ III:

Emily’s Nike Women’s Free Mary Jane SI:

Brandi’s Nike Women’s Air Force 1 Low ‘07 LE:

Mark Smith’s Nike Air Max ‘90:

Keys: Nike shoes, Jordan shoes, Doernbecher Freestyle 5 Collection, Doernbecher Charity shoes