The University of Oregon is still trying for that elusive National Championship but they can count on Nike putting their full support behind the college probably forever. And for those that don’t know this is due to Phil Knight being a graduate of Oregon. The same school where he ran track under the coaching of Bill Bowerman who he happened to found Nike with. So when you make a special colorway based honoring Knight the natural inspiration for colors would be the Oregon green and yellow.
The Nike SB’s sub-brand was still relatively new in 2003, so their blueprint for the Dunk Low Pro was relatively simple. The formula was perfect for the “Bucks” that was released in January of 2003. Nappy Classic Green suede took shape on most of the panels matched up with leather in white and Del Sol. Black on the tongue and liner cleaned up the look along with a white/Del Sol sole combination. On the heel Phil Knight’s nickname “Buck” replaced where Nike was usually stitched in. Completing the package were matching Del Sol laces with black laces as the optional choice. Part of the quality Nike SB silver-box era maybe these paved the way for more Oregon-specific sneakers. Twelve years old now the question is do you think the “Bucks” is a pair Nike SB should retro in hightop form? If you want a pair of the OG’s eBay is probably your best option.
Robbie Falchi
Mike Guillory