Double Tap to Zoom

Nike ACG's Rufus mules just got their coolest makeover yet, thanks to a Doernbecher patient-slash-designer.

Yes, the Rufus has joined the Doernbecher Freestyle 22 lineup, marking the ACG model's debut appearance in the collection. Actually, every Nike and Jordan model featured this year will be Doernbecher first-timers, which is cool. It also makes the collection even more special.

Charlye, a 15-year-old who finished her bone cancer treatment in 2025, took Nike's ACG Rufus slippers for a spin. She gave them pink camo uppers, fluffy mossy green touches, and a UV-activated finish that cleverly reveals a new design. There's also a tab on the heel that features her name and the date she rang the bell.

It not only speaks to her medical journey but it's also inspired by her hiking adventures in the Pacific Northwest. A girl who loves the outdoors designing one of the best-looking all-conditions mules? Sounds like the perfect match to me.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

The rest of the Doernbecher Freestyle 22 collection includes a Nike Air Max 1/97, Structure Plus, Air Force 1 Mid, GT Future, and Air Jordan 11 Low IE, all designed by the hospital's talented kids.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

As usual, Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle 22 sneakers will first go up for auction. Then, the collection will get a wider release on Nike's website sometime this winter.

Nike's Doernbecher Freestyle hits for a couple of reasons. For one, it's all for a good cause, with proceeds going directly toward the hospital's families and research. Secondly, the sneakers are genuinely great. Over the years, we've seen some super impressive designs like food-inspired Forces (complete with their own utensils) and "fire-breathing" Vomero 5 sneakers, which now fetch up to $1,000 on StockX, depending on the size.

The 2026 drop only brings more patient-designed bangers.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.

We Recommend
  • Nike’s Fanciest Forces Refuse to Clock Out
  • Nike’s Ruggedized Air Max Is a Military-Minded Gem
  • Nike's Insane ACG-Hoops Crossover Returns to the Streets
  • Nike’s Wheat Air Force 1 Sneaker Channels 2016 Nostalgia
  • Nike Built an All-Weather Recovery Sneaker for Hikers
What To Read Next
  • Human Made's Flagship is 2000s-Era BAPE Made Modern
  • All-Black Winterwear Doesn't Have To Be Boring
  • AURALEE and Tekla Made the Most Aspirational PJs Ever, Again
  • State of the Art: Who Are All These Fashion-Funded Magazines For?
  • Model's Own: The Louis Vuitton Talent Whisperer Whose Bag Probably Weighs 10 Kilos
  • When Is a Monastery Like a CK Store? When John Pawson Gets to it