How to Get Nike’s Sold-Out HBCU Yardrunners Air Force 1 Sneakers

For the fifth installment of its HBCU-focused Yardrunners campaign, Nike tapped creatives Kahlana Barfield Brown and Dex Robinson to craft two Air Force 1 sneakers inspired by their respective universities. Both designs received SNKRS launches today and quickly sold out, but can be found now on select resale platforms. 

Barfield Brown, who attended Howard University and has established herself as a leading fashion and beauty expert, gave her “Yardrunners” Air Force 1 Low a design intended as a tribute to HBCUs as a whole as well as her alma mater.

Her shoe’s cream-colored base is inspired by the long-lasting legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the first of which was the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1837. Brown accents celebrate melanin, while red detailing represents Howard and her sorority. Meanwhile, the tip of the shoe features coordinates for The Yard at Howard. 

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Robinson’s design takes a more on-the-nose approach to pay homage to the Virginia Union University Panthers. The “Virginia Union” Air Force 1’s black upper is fashioned in a faux pony hair to resemble a panther, while metallic steel details represent the school’s colors. The pair is also customizable with enamel pins including the Panther mascot, Virginia Union University logo and the feather logo of Robinson’s streetwear brand, Diallo. 

Launched in 2020, Nike’s Yardrunners celebrates the history of HBCUs by enlisting alumni to help design special collections. 2023’s Yardrunners 4.0 initiative saw the release of five Nike Terminator Highs. 

Both of this year’s Yardrunners Air Force 1s retailed for $120 each and sold out quickly today from SNKRS, but can be found now on resale platforms.

Robinson’s “Virginia Union” style is reselling for an average price of around $250 from StockX, while Barfield Brown’s Howard-themed pair is going for roughly $220. Both pairs are also available from GOAT, where the “Virginia Union” colorway is selling for a low price of $306 and the Howard style starts at $181.