One of Nike’s most popular sneaker concepts is returning in the form of its long-running partnership with the University of Oregon.
The cleverly named University of Oregon Nike Dunk “What the Ducks” surfaced Saturday on social media. Two styles were shared by @masterchefian, who says that only 5,000 pairs of the sneakers were produced and that a third unseen colorway is also included in the full collection, reportedly titled “What the Ducks of a Feather.” It’s not yet clear if there are 5,000 pairs of each style or total among the three different makeups.
Based on what can be seen in these early images, the two shoes take distinctly different approaches — one uses mostly darker shades, while the other dons lighter colors — yet are unified in their mismatching.
The shoes use a number of University of Oregon-inspired details including various shades of green and yellow, metallic duck feather patterns, green camouflage and more. Like Nike’s other “What the” shoes, nearly every panel uses a different color and material, all referencing either a previous Oregon Nike shoe or other school-related flair.
Nike began its “What the” concept in 2007 with the “What the Dunk” Nike SB Dunk Low. That version combined 31 different Nike SB Dunk styles into one mismatched look and currently resells for $24,000 and up. The theme is also expected to be featured on an upcoming Kobe Bryant rerelease, the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “What the Kobe,” due summer 2025.
Recent University of Oregon Nike launches have been conducted through the school’s NIL collective, Division Street, which has backing from Nike co-founder and university alumni Phil Knight.
Previous releases, including April 2023’s Dunk Low “Oregon” PEs, were made available via GOAT with proceeds benefiting Oregon’s student athletes. Release details for these upcoming University of Oregon “What the Ducks of a Feather” Nike Dunk sneakers have not yet been confirmed, but this story will be updated as more information is made available.
