Nike’s latest three-way link-up taps two of the most recognizable cultures in America: the kaleidoscopic world of the Grateful Dead and the bold identity of the University of Oregon Ducks. The result is the Air Max 90 “Grateful Ducks”—a vibrant ode to gig posters, campus color, and the enduring legacy of Tinker-era Air Max design. With a release set for October 24 at €145 / £130 / $145, most stores are opting for raffles due to demand. Miss retail and you could be staring at a spicy resale tag.

Design

The “Grateful Ducks” wears its influences on the sleeve, but the shoe succeeds because it filters loud references through the Air Max 90’s clean geometry. The base shows up in Sail—a soft neutral that lets the palette pop—while the model’s famous mudguard acts as a moving canvas for a multi-color, tie-dye style print that runs from toe to heel. It’s a swirling mix of greens, purples and pinks that feels straight off a parking-lot tee, yet it stays contained within the AM90’s structured panels so the look reads deliberate, not chaotic.

Over that canvas, Nike layers hits of Green Shock and Yellow Strike, the most direct nod to Oregon. The eyelets and midsole wedge pick up bright yellow, echoed by the visible Air cassette, while the Air Max badge and Swoosh outline reach for punchy green. The lateral Swoosh is especially fun: a textured, shaggy execution that channels the Dead’s beloved fuzzy iconography without turning the shoe into a costume. Around back, circular heel medallions seal the story—one stamped “Grateful Dead 1990,” the other “Grateful Ducks 1990,” flanking the lightning-bolt skull and bridging band lore with Duck fandom.

Details continue on the tongue where a “It Never Rains™” callout nods to the oft-repeated line at Autzen Stadium. The rest of the upper blends woven textile with smooth overlays, keeping weight down and making colors sit sharply. Underfoot, the Air Max 90 stays true to form with a foam midsole, encapsulated Max Air, and waffle-inspired rubber traction. The ride is familiar—supportive at the heel with a stable forefoot—and the shoe breaks in quickly thanks to the soft Sail base.

History & name

Nike and the University of Oregon go way back—Phil Knight’s alma mater has shaped the brand’s identity for decades, and the Ducks’ green-and-yellow is as intrinsic to Beaverton as the swoosh itself. The Grateful Dead, meanwhile, have become unlikely style muses in sneakers: tie-dye, dancing bears, lightning bolts, and a community spirit that mirrors sneaker culture’s own. The “Grateful Ducks” name fuses the two worlds into one playful banner.

The “1990” timestamp on the heels nods to an era when the Dead were touring hard and Eugene’s music scene overlapped with campus life. It’s a subtle way of grounding the colorway in a specific cultural moment without shouting dates across the upper. For Nike’s design team, placing that badge on the Air Max 90—a model that itself turned 30 in 2020—makes for a tidy, cross-generational conversation: classic band, classic school, classic Tinker silhouette.

On-foot notes & sizing

The Air Max 90 remains a true-to-size shoe for most feet. If you have wide feet or prefer a little more room, half-up is a common play, but the Sail textile base here should ease the break-in. The tie-dye mudguard is printed on durable material, so color holds up; use a gentle cleaner on the Sail portions and spot-treat scuffs to keep the contrast crisp.

Why the hype is real

You’re looking at the perfect storm: a beloved heritage model, two powerful fan communities, and a color story that photographs incredibly well. The heel badges alone will make collectors smile, and the Oregon cues give the pair regional pride without alienating non-Ducks. Add in the late-October date—the heart of fall sneaker season—and it’s no surprise most retailers are running raffles. If you miss, prepare for aftermarket movement; pairs that fuse music and collegiate DNA tend to hold attention.

Release information

The Grateful Dead x University of Oregon x Nike Air Max 90 “Grateful Ducks” releases October 24 via Nike SNKRS and select retailers at €145 / £130 / $145. Expect staggered launch windows by region and a mixture of online draws, in-app reservations, and occasional in-store pick-ups. Keep notifications on—allocations can be tight and sell-through fast.

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