Five years after their hit SB Dunk Low project, the Grateful Dead is back with Nike for a new sneaker release — this time teaming up with the Oregon Ducks.
A Fresh Take on Deadhead Style
The Grateful Dead x Oregon Ducks x Nike Air Max 90 brings together music, sports, and sneaker culture in a colorful new design. While most of the shoe’s canvas and mesh upper is kept clean in white, the mudguard bursts with vibrant tie-dye patterns, echoing the psychedelic aesthetic that has long defined the Dead’s legacy.
The tie-dye effect extends to the stitching, while TPU eyelets pop in yellow and seafoam green. Nike has also revived the signature lightning bolt Swoosh, this time in matching colors that tie the design together. Around the heel’s Air Max unit, yellow accents frame the cushioning system for a bold finishing touch.
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Playful Details
A standout accessory is a rubber keychain, where Oregon’s duck mascot replaces the Grateful Dead’s iconic marching bears. Rendered in a rainbow of colors, the charm captures the playful spirit of the collaboration while giving a nod to the Ducks’ involvement.
From SB Dunk to Air Max
The collaboration follows the 2020 release of three fuzzy SB Dunk Lows inspired by the band’s dancing bears. That drop became one of Nike’s most memorable music-inspired collections. This time, the Grateful Dead shifts from skateboarding heritage to the classic Air Max 90, blending timeless design with counterculture flair.
Oregon Ties and NIL Influence
The project may also be linked to Division Street, Oregon’s NIL collective that helps student-athletes benefit from their names and likenesses through creative ventures. Previous Division Street projects have included unique spins on Nike favorites like the Dunk Low and the Air Max 95/97 hybrid.
Release Details
As of now, only one image from retailer Bodega has surfaced, sparking speculation about a release date. No firm timeline has been confirmed, but the sneaker’s debut could be imminent given the retailer leak.
The Grateful Dead x Oregon Ducks x Nike Air Max 90 will retail for $140 when it drops.
