Source: Nike / NIke
Nike Yardrunners returns with a new collection that once again bigs up the influence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on culture.
The Yardrunners collection was started to highlight the deep history and heritage of (HBCUs), and their alumni, on the worlds of cultures and sports. 2024 is the 5th collection after its 2020 debut. That’s why the 2024 edition revisits the inaugural drop and features collaborations with Kahlana Barfield Brown and Dex Robinson on a new pair of AF1 Low styles.
Kahlana Barfield Brown is an influential fashion and beauty editor, and Howard alum, and the design of her Yardrunners “Ice Cream” Nike Air Force 1 is an ode to HBCU’s.
Per Nike:
The shoe’s deep brown colorway represents the shades of melanin and beauty that connect every student to their school, their roots, and the generations of Black excellence that came before them.
Its vintage cream leather upper is a nod to the rich history and heritage of HBCUs, starting with the first built in 1837.
Inspired by the timeless buildings that stand tall on HBCU campuses across the country, the brick sock liner reflects a strong foundation.
Latitude and longitude marks on the toe symbolize the coordinates of the heartbeat of each university, “The Yard,” a place where students connect with each other, as well as their shared culture and legacy.
Kahlana chose crimson red as an accent color to honor her alma mater and sorority in Washington D.C. and her late grandmother who was a lifelong member.
Capping off the design is Kahlana’s personal signature on the heel, embodying her pride in being a part of this legacy.
As for Dex Robinson, the fashion stylist and designer of menswear brand DIALLO, salutes his Virginia Union University alma mater with his AF1 ’07 Low VUU.
Inspired by the resilience and strength of VUU’s Panther mascot, the sneaker’s upper features a unique pony hair finish, embodying power and elegance.
Paying homage to VUU’s iconic colors, the sneaker features a maroon lace option and a subtle steel outline around the Nike Swoosh to accentuate the design.
The left heel tab reads “Dear Union,” a nod to Dex’s alma mater, while the right heel tab bears “With Love, Dex Rob” as a heartfelt gift to the university that shaped his journey.
Interchangeable pins, including the VUU logo, the Panther mascot, and the DIALLO feather icon, offer customizable elements for proud VUU representation.
The insole contains a personal letter from Dex, written on a silhouette background featuring an image of the university sign that highlights the colleges that merged to form Virginia Union University, symbolizing the unity and legacy VUU represents in his life.
The new Yardrunners 5.0 kicks will be available at select retailers starting December 18 and will hit the SNKRS App beginning December 20. Check out detailed photos below.
Source: Nike / NIke
Source: Nike / NIke
Source: Nike / NIke
Source: Nike / NIke
