Silhouette: Nike Air Huarache Doernbecher Kumquat
Colorway: Kumquat/Cinnamon-Starfish/Rough Green
Release Date: February 25, 2023
Style Code: FD9712-800
Retail: $150
This year marks the 18th anniversary of Nike’s collaboration with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. This initiative began in 2004 as a fundraiser for the hospital. It was an immediate hit with Doernbecher raising $31 million dollars. This annual fundraiser gives six children undergoing treatment an opportunity to design their own sneakers.
After learning the story behind this collaboration I was happy to see all six styles sell out. The lineup this year delivered some heat that included the Air Foamposite, Air Max 90, Air Jordan 1 Low, and the pair I picked up the Air Huarache.
These Kumquat Huaraches were designed by Dario Villasenor Valdivia. Darion was diagnosed with Leukemia seven years ago. A bone marrow transplant causes his body to attack the donor’s cells leaving his lungs severely damaged. Through all of the adversity, Dario remains strong. Dario designed this Huarache with inspiration from his favorite things. The long hair inside the shoe and on the mid comes from the love of his long-haired plush toy.
The upper and toe are wrapped in kumquat orange pebbled leather. The midsole is done in a rough green which is a nice contrast to the bright sneakers. The strap and toe box represent Dario’s passion for creating stick animation. The toe box sports a stick character while the strop dons icons that are used by Youtube users. Dario completes his design with the words ‘Siempre Fuerte’ (‘Stay Strong’) on the outsole. Stay tuned for more sneaker reviews and check out more images below.
