Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher” 2007

Almost two decades later, the Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher” sneakers are still gorgeous and deserve another moment in the spotlight.

Nike’s ongoing Doernbecher Freestyle programme with Oregon Health & Science University’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is one of their most amazing collaborations, and it continues to make gorgeous sneakers. Given that children are each fighting their own battles with life-threatening diseases, from congenital diseases to different forms of cancer, each pair that is created is gorgeous and has an even more stunning meaning behind it. Let’s go back in time and spotlight the gorgeous Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher” sneakers from 2007.

Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher”

Before we look at the colourway, each pair of Doernbecher sneakers has a meaningful inspiration, so we’ll dive into that first. In 2007, Lance Dillon was undergoing treatment and chemotherapy for leukaemia when he was allowed to participate in the Doernbecher Freestyle programme.

Fighting any form of cancer is a terrifying battle for anyone, let alone a child, and it’s no wonder that we dub those suffering from this condition warriors, which inspired many elements of these gorgeous sneakers.

Now that we know more about the brave young man who inspired the sneakers, let’s look at the gorgeous pair of Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher” sneakers.

The sneakers sported a gorgeous black, olive grey and deep green colourway, with elements of the sneaker interchanging between the shades.

Starting from the bottom, the outsole and midsole were one solid unit of black rubber, setting an attractive and anchored base for the rest of the sneaker.

The upper then transitioned to black leather and green suede, both of which featured a graffiti-inspired design. Motivational words like “fight,” “fight like hell,” “power,” “love & light,” and “warrior” were displayed in contrasting colours throughout the sneakers. Accents throughout the sneaker, like the heel tab, Nike Swoosh, laces, inner lining, and a healthy majority of the text on the sneakers, are all created with a lighter shade of green.

What we like about them

Here at Sneaker Fortress, we often cover Doernbecher sneakers and maintain the opinion that collaboration is one of the most beautiful concepts Nike has ever developed. Not only are the sneakers gorgeous, but they also give children dealing with an awful situation an opportunity to make something unique from them.

A percentage of the proceeds from the initial sales also goes to the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, which supports both the research and treatment of the children recovering there. What better reason could there be for purchasing sneakers? Unfortunately, the resale market isn’t able to continue this practice, but it was still a reason to love the original release.

Not to mention that the colourway and look itself is a gorgeous testament to sneaker and skateboarding culture. There is plenty to love about these sneakers.

Where to buy the Nike SB Dunk Low Doernbecher

While these gorgeous sneakers were first released in 2007, they also saw a brief re-release in 2013 but haven’t been officially released by Nike. That being said, the sneaker community is filled with amazing sneakerheads who buy pairs to stay in circulation on the after-sale and pre-owned markets.

There are plenty of ways that you can find your own pair of gorgeous Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher” sneakers, such as individual sellers like @sacred.sneaks on Instagram and sites like StockX, GOAT, and even Sotheby’s Online Auction outlet.

As coveted as they are, these sneakers cost between $1,050 and $2,400, well over their original retail price of $110.

What is your take on the Nike SB Dunk Low “Doernbecher” sneakers? Would you add them to your collection?