Spotlights

Nike has announced its 6th Yardrunners collection, recognizing four different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) this homecoming season. Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, & Norfolk State University all served as the source of inspiration for this year’s spirited Air Max 95s.  The initiative, established in 2020, is described as an example of Nike’s commitment to Black institutions through purpose-driven product, storytelling, recruitment, and investments.

This year’s Yardrunners class honors the current students, alumni, faculty, and staff who embody HBCU spirit and represent the legacy of their alma mater to the fullest.

The FAMU sneakers are detailed with stacked layers of leather in orange and green tones, which lead up to a snake print inspired by the school’s legendary Rattler mascot, with the classic chant “Strike, strike, and strike again.”

For Spelman, Nike issued an Air Max 95 in the school’s signature blue and white aesthetic. The design features layered leather and suede accents with a jaguar print, and the college’s logo and founding year printed on the tongue. Additionally, the Spelman Hymn “Thy Name We Praise” appears on the upper.

The Air Max 95 Morehouse features black and dark red layers of leather and suede, with a tiger-inspired print representing the Atlanta school’s mascot. The school’s logo is printed on the tongue, with the motto “Et Facta Est Lux” (And There Was Light) outlined along the upper.

Spartan pride inspired a green and gold Air Max 95 with the phrase “Behold the Green and Gold” along the upper.

The Yardrunners 6.0 collection will be available at select retailers beginning on Friday (Oct 11), and on the SNKRS app on October 14. Take a look at the campaign below.