Every Detail Hidden in Ducks of a Feather’s New ‘What the Duck’ Dunks

Breaking down the two collaborative silhouettes that honor the University of Oregon’s archive of innovative uniforms.

WRITER: Gregory Babcock

For most teams in college football, sticking to tradition is everything. Not so for the University of Oregon. While the program is replete with successes on the field, legendary games and superstar players, the football team’s biggest achievement might be shifting the aesthetics of the sport altogether.

In his new book Innovation University, alumnus and former player Garren Strong chronicles how Phil Knight, Tinker Hatfield, Michael Doherty, Todd Van Horne and Mike Bellotti came together to give the Ducks a new identity that would help them stand apart from the competition. This translated to a modernized look and feel that could match the program’s renewed focus. An updated “O” logo recalled the iconic running track at Oregon’s Hayward Field. Iridescent helmets harkened back to a mallard’s head. Details like these allowed the program to reinvent itself for a new century without sacrificing the athletic heritage that put the school on the map.

‘Innovation University’ traces the aesthetic reinvention of the University of Oregon. Shimmering green helmets, a recurring uniform motif, recall the iridescent qualities of a duck's head. Image by Eric Evans.

In celebration of the school’s contributions to athletic and aesthetic creativity, Division Street, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for University of Oregon student-athletes, unveils two ‘What the Duck’ Dunk Lows, paying homage to 130 years of Oregon football while zeroing in on its most innovative period: the 21st century.

Below, a comprehensive breakdown of the ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ colorways. Discover each shoe’s hidden details and shop the new colorways now, exclusively on GOAT.

A closer look at the 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Right Shoe - Lateral Side). References include a nod to the "Natty Carbon" uniforms worn at the 2011 BCS National Championship game, and the "Diamond Plate" motif seen throughout the late 2000s.

“Diamond Plate” (2006-2008)

Immortalized during an upset over Oklahoma on September 16, 2006 at Autzen Stadium, “Diamond Plate” was used throughout the late 2000s. Designed with help from Tinker Hatfield, the pattern was applied to high-wear areas of the uniform, while simultaneously signifying the team’s steely toughness. In 2024, the style reemerged as a subtle detail within the season’s “Generation O” uniforms. On the shoe, the accent lands on the lateral rear panel, covering the backside of the upper.

“Natty Carbon” (2011)

Worn during the BCS National Championship against Auburn on January 10, 2011, “Natty Carbon” incorporated a blend of motifs Oregon wore during its historic 12-0 2010 season. The final ensemble included a carbon fiber helmet, matching silver numerals and a stark white jersey with volt-hued accents. The design resurfaces on the shoe’s lateral eyestay, recreating the shiny carbon fiber treatment.

“Matte Grey and Volt” (2011)

Seen during the “Cowboy Classic” in Arlington that kicked off 2011, the design defied the university’s usual color palette, opting for a matte grey base with black accents on the helmet and shoulders, punctuated by hits of volt green. On the shoe, the colorway arrives on the right sneaker’s toe cap, contrasted with a volt mini Swoosh on the lateral toe.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Right Shoe - Medial Side). The style pays homage to both the color blocking of the "Thunder and Lightning” kits and the speckled, duck egg-inspired print seen on 2021's "Eggshell" uniforms.

“Thunder and Lightning” (2003-2005)

“Thunder and Lightning” is memorable for both its debut at the team’s 2003 Sun Bowl appearance and its extreme color blocking. A yellow torso serves as a base, broken up by green hits on the sleeves, numerals and helmet. On the shoe, the concept lands on the quarter panel underlays, complemented by a green midfoot Swoosh and medial eyestay.

“Eggshell” (2021)

Created to mirror the speckled pattern of duck eggs, the uniform’s white base is covered in a splatter of green dots throughout. On the shoulders, a metallic shoulder panel features a geometric pattern formed by a repeating series of triangles as an abstract homage to ducks in flight. On the shoe, this shoulder detail reappears on the rear upper of the medial side, covering the lower heel and stretching up to the upper two eyelets.

Close up of the 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Left Shoe - Lateral Side). The design references both 2012's "Chrome Storm" shoulder wing design, as well as the shining green helmets seen during Oregon's 2013 trip to the Alamo Bowl.

“Chrome Storm” (2012)

Chrome was a major accent in the program’s 2012 uniforms, appearing as both a subtle and prominent detail across the team’s rapidly expanding roster of ensembles. Recalling that season’s particular wing motif, the shoe features an homage to the “Chrome Storm” kit on both the lateral and medial rear panels.

“Ducks Up” (2013)

“Ducks Up” adorned the team as it secured a win over Texas. Designed with a white base, the kit is complemented by bold emerald green hues along the sleeves, shoulders and helmet. The shoe pays homage to the concept with a shining green Swoosh on the lateral side.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Home' PE (Left Shoe - Medial Side). The design pays tribute to the bold colors of 2022's “Breast Cancer Awareness” uniforms.

“Black Wing” (2008-2011)

Several eras in the program’s history feature a take on duck wings. Notably appearing on the shoulders of uniforms during a win over Arizona on November 15, 2008 and Arizona State on November 14, 2009, the jerseys’ wings recall the appearance of a laurel wreath, executed in a carbon fiber-inspired pattern. On the shoe, the sneaker’s medial eyestay is rendered in a similar grey carbon fiber treatment.

“Breast Cancer Awareness” (2022)

2022’s “Stomping Out Disease” uniforms continued the program’s commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness. Set upon a black base, the ensemble features pink on the numerals, “O” logo and helmet wings, contrasted by yellow accents on the shoulders and lettering. The shoe honors this uniform via the quarter panel medial Swoosh, heel tab and tongue trim.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE (Right Shoe - Lateral Side). Inspired by the team's dynamic style of play, references include 2016's "Electric Lightning" uniforms and 2015's "Yellow Chrome” helmets.

“The Duck” (2016)

Playing on the “Once a Duck, Always a Duck” sentiment among Oregon alumni, this uniform mirrored the color blocking of the university’s mascot. From the duckbill-inspired facemask to the white pants and orange high socks and matching cleats, the kit is an homage to the playful energy of the program. On the shoe, this concept is expressed on the upper rear collar and heel tab, rendered in shades of green and orange.

“Yellow Chrome” (2015)

Seen as early as 2011, chrome wings served as an alternative accent to helmet designs. The shimmering detail would go on to appear several times on the gridiron, made famous by Heisman winner Marcus Mariota during his tenure between 2011 to 2014. This particular helmet design, worn in a win over rivals Oregon State in the 2014 “Civil War” game, features a yellow helmet base with silvery wings along the profile. On the shoe, this accent arrives at the lower heel and lateral rear, rising to cover the side’s upper eyelets.

“Electric Lightning” (2016)

A nod to the team’s speedy performance and ability to strike quickly, this kit arrived in yellow with prominent hits of black along the dual-sided helmet and in an explosive abstract print along the shoulders. Worn during the second game of the 2016 season in a win over Virginia, the motif reemerges on the front part of the upper, wrapping around the toe cap.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE (Right Shoe - Medial Side) references the topographic-map motif used throughout 2015's "Oregon Pioneers" jerseys and the chrome feathers seen on 2013's "Wing Vapor" helmet concept.

“Wing Vapor” (2013)

Unveiled ahead of Oregon’s game against Texas in the Alamo Bowl on December 30, the 2013 campaign served as the first season under head coach Mark Helfrich. The kit’s shimmering wing motif was created in a directional split-wing pattern, designed to provide abrasion protection along high-wear areas. On the shoe, the concept lands on the medial midfoot Swoosh.

“Oregon Pioneers” (2015)

“Oregon Pioneers” harkens back to the state’s adventurous spirit. Dropping the school’s traditional green and yellow in favor of silver and white, each uniform features a unique topographical pattern showcasing Oregon’s diverse geography. This motif arrives on the shoe’s medial side lower heel, recreating the custom map print.

“Eggshell” (2021)

Worn during a week eight win over UCLA, this kit was inspired by the colorful exterior of duck eggs before they hatch. Set on a white base, the jersey is designed with dark green speckled detailing, while the shoulder detail, rendered in silver, features a repeating triangle pattern that nods to ducks flying in formation. On the shoe, this splatter-like styling appears along the medial and lateral midsole.

The 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE recalls the coloration from 2013's "Sonic Boom" and 2020's "Ohana" uniforms. 2015's "Future Camo" jersey wraps across the front of the silhouette.

“Future Camo” (2015)

Also known as the “33” uniforms—a nod to Oregon’s place as the 33rd US state—the design references the school’s traditional color palette while wrapping the jersey in an abstract camo print composed of geometric green swatches. Made memorable during a win against Oregon State during the 2015 game at Autzen Stadium, the graphic lands on the shoe’s lateral and medial toe cap.

“Ohana” (2020)

Meaning “family” in Hawaiian, 2020’s “Ohana” jerseys were created to honor both Polynesian culture and celebrate the program’s close-knit, familial atmosphere under the tenure of head coach Mario Cristobal. A black base recalls volcanic soil. Green accents nod to island vegetation and the team’s continued growth. The neckline pattern references the feather cloaks worn by Hawaiian nobility, radiating down the jersey into a rope-inspired woven accent that symbolizes the idea that anyone involved with Oregon football is united under one legacy. This kit’s stories manifest on the shoe’s lateral lower heel panel.

Credited with pushing the tempo of Oregon football and pioneering the team's "no huddle" offense, Coach Chip Kelly is a contemporary icon of the program, known for leading by the no-nonsense mantra, "Win the Day." Image by Eric Evans and courtesy of 'Innovation University.'

“Sonic Boom” (2013)

Oregon football incorporated a carbon fiber motif into its uniforms in the early 2010s, made famous on the field during Marcus Mariota’s run with the Ducks. “Sonic Boom” refers to the helmet’s silver carbon fiber base, accented with electric yellow wings along the sides. On the shoe, an homage to the style wraps around the rear collar and heel tab.

Details on the 'What the Duck - University of Oregon Away' PE (Left Shoe - Medial Side). The style references Oregon's 2018 "Jumpman" uniforms.

“Delta Ducks” (2018)

As part of the season’s new slate of uniforms, 2018’s kits tended towards monochromatic colorways. Contemporaneously dubbed “Oregon 2.0,” the move was an aesthetic homage to head coach Mario Cristobal’s streamlined play style. A triangle pattern, executed in a black-on-black tone, appears on the shoulders and recalls ducks flying in formation. On the shoe, this subtle geometric pattern lands on the rear of the medial side upper.

“Jumpman” (2018)

Debuted during a win over Pac-12 rival UCLA, the “Jumpman” jersey is rendered primarily in black with bold green accents. Custom co-branding, featuring both the university’s “O” and the Jumpman logo, arrives at the upper left chest and left waistband. An homage to the iconic Air Jordan 3—designed by Oregon alumnus Tinker Hatfield—the kit’s numerals are executed in the silhouette’s signature elephant print. On the sneaker, the motif lands on the midfoot Swoosh.

The Dunk Low ‘What the Duck - University of Oregon’ PE is available now exclusively on GOAT in ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ configurations. Explore a curated selection of Division Street sneakers and discover the history of Dunks as part of GOAT’s West Coast to the World.