Ayman Wamala’s Mind-Reading Alter Ego Inspires His Nike Blazer Mid ’77 “Doernbecher”

For years the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Collection has remained a fan favorite as the series gives back to a good cause and spawns some of the most creative sneakers on the market. The 2022 collection features a Nike Blazer Mid ’77 “Doernbecher” designed by Ayman Wamala, who was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at a young age. 

“When it was really bad, it felt like I was getting hit with a sledgehammer all over my body,” said Ayman Wamala. Thankfully the doctors at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital have helped the 13-year-old to feel stronger so he can continue acting, playing soccer, and cooking.

Ayman Wamala’s mind-reading alter ego inspires his version of the Nike Blazer Mid ‘77. This mysterious persona has a hypnotic attraction that is represented in the sneaker’s iridescent Nike Swoosh. This reflective element shines against the black grid upper that features a variety of different finishings. Stripes appear on the forefoot and toebox, while the heel counter has a triangle structure. More triangle details can be seen on top of the purple eyestays. The black laces are woven with metallic thread, giving the laces a silver shine. A portrait of Ayman Wamala’s alter ego can be seen on the front of the tongue, which is adorned with cryptic initials. The sneaker is finished with an inspirational adage that reads, “Life is uncertain…make fast decisions in tough situations.”

The Nike Blazer Mid ’77 “Doernbecher” drops on April 30th via SNKRS for $100. Check out the sneakers below and stay tuned to our Sneaker Release Dates page for upcoming drops.