Grateful Dead and Nike pay tribute to the University of Oregon with a, let’s just say, ‘psychedelic’ Air Max 90. In celebration of the “Grateful Ducks” game taking place on October 25th at Oregon’s home field, Nike and the Grateful Dead have teamed up once again. The band has had deep ties with the city and its university for decades, making this collaboration a natural fit.
The Air Max 90 and accompanying apparel collection pay tribute to the rich history, music, and culture of Eugene, the hometown of the University of Oregon.
Grateful Dead en Oregon
The Grateful Dead share a special connection with Oregon — and especially with Eugene. Since the 1960s, the group, led by Jerry Garcia, has performed more than twenty shows in the college town. According to archivist David Lemieux, the university even became the band’s “home away from home.”
Plenty of reason, then, for an ode to this iconic city.
For the release, Nike and the Grateful Dead go all-in with a tie-dye Air Max 90 full of neon details. The choice of model is no coincidence; it nods to the band’s legendary early ’90s shows at Autzen Stadium, where Garcia himself was often seen wearing the Air Max 90.
The sneaker is packed with standout features. The Swoosh comes in fuzzy material as a nod to the iconic Grateful Dead Bears, while the heel panel swaps the classic Nike logo for green and yellow Dead emblems. Rainbow stitching runs across the upper, tying the look together.
On the tongue sits the University of Oregon logo, and a lace charm set references the school’s beloved mascot, The Oregon Duck. Co-branding on the insoles and tongue adds the final touch.
Release
The 'Grateful Ducks' collection, featuring the Nike Air Max 90 and matching apparel, drops on October 24th, 2025, via Nike SNKRS. Note: Unfortunately, this release will be exclusive to the US.
Check out the official images of the collaboration below, and stay tuned to the Sneakerjagers news page for more stories like this.
