SNKRS has officially announced the launch of the Nike Air Force 1 Low "Virginia Union" sneakers today, December 21, 2024.
Nike recognizes the voices and future stars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by launching a new class of Yardrunners each year. One such proud graduate of Yardrunner is Dex Robinson, who was preceded in this honor by the rapper/singer Megan Thee Stallion.
History of Nike Air Force 1 Low "Virginia Union"
Dex Robinson, a stylist and co-founder of the luxury streetwear brand Diallo, has been a part of Nike's Yardrunners program since 2021. He first starred in the yearly commercial before dressing up for subsequent iterations. The most recent version? Through the effort, Robinson is now receiving his first-ever collaboration on Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers.
Robinson and Kahlana Barfield Brown, a fashionista turned beauty expert, will bring their HBCU pride to their Nike Air Force 1 partnership. In particular, Robinson's Nikes will draw attention to Virginia Union University, the Panthers' home and alma mater.
With much more emotional and sensitive overtones behind it, this sneaker is a heartfelt tribute by the HBCU alum to the institute on Virginia Union Univeristy's 160th anniversary, a huge milestone, to say the least.
During college, Robinson was an avid sneakerhead who frequently wore the newest sneakers and running spikes from Nike. Later in his career, he kept running into the sportswear company, dressing well-known athletes like Tyrod Taylor (also Diallo's second brain) and Jalen Hurts in Nike apparel.
About the sneaker
With its custom metal dubraes, hair-on leather made to represent the school mascot, and red and black rope laces, Robinson's design pays even more homage to VUU. These unique details honor the university's milestone anniversary by fusing streetwear flair with school spirit. The shoe displays Robinson's avant-garde flair and captures his bond with VUU.
The sneaker has a shiny silver lining around the midfoot Swoosh and an additional hangtag with VUU's emblem. The words "Dear Union" and "With Love, Dex Rob" have been added to the heel tabs as a sincere present to VUU, and a pin with the school's mascot is positioned here, giving the tongue tag still another tribute to the Panthers. A black midsole and a semi-translucent clear outsole are located beneath the foot.
The insole of the sneakers has a heartfelt letter from Robinson to his alma mater on a silhouette background of a historic picture of the university.
The shoe delivers with pins like the "VUU" letters, the mascot logo of the panther, and the Diallo feather icon, which can be used to customize the look of the sneaker even further! The designer has made sure to show his love and gratitude to the institute that helped him become who he is today.
Release and Price
Trending
The sneaker was anticipated to be launched on December 18, but after some back and forth, has finally been launched today on the Nike SNKRS website and other retailers.
Priced at a very reasonable $120, this shoe brings the perfect blend of history, class, and elegance to your feet with Nike's signature style of the Air Force 1 legacy.
Reply
