Air Max 95 Series Honors Florida A&M, Spelman, Morehouse, and Norfolk State with Custom Designs
Nike is making sure HBCU pride runs deeper than the football field this homecoming season. The brand’s Yardrunners 6.0 collection reimagines the Air Max 95 through the cultural lens of four storied institutions: Florida A&M University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Norfolk State University.
Launched in 2020 by Nike employees who are HBCU alumni, Yardrunners began as a creative initiative to celebrate the legacy, innovation, and community born on historically Black college campuses. Now in its sixth year, the campaign continues to spotlight HBCU trailblazers, from students and professors to artists and athletes, blending their stories into bold, campus-inspired designs.
Florida A&M: Striking in Orange and Green
The Florida A&M Air Max 95 captures the fierce energy of the Rattlers. Dressed in orange and green leather with snake print detailing, the shoe carries the rallying cry, “Strike, strike, and strike again.” Representing FAMU in the campaign are DungeonFord founder David Castro, Director of Bands Dr. Shelby Chipman, SGA President Zayla Bryant, and track star Arayana Ladson.
Spelman College: Blue, White, and Timeless
Spelman’s design pairs blue and white leather and suede with a subtle jaguar print nodding to its mascot. The phrase “Thy Name We Praise,” pulled from the Spelman Hymn, runs along the upper.
The campaign features trailblazing women including flag football captain Olivia Brown, music professor Dr. Joyce Johnson, Women in Hip Hop Collective founder Eboni Ellis, and Class of 2028 aviator Kamora Freeland, the youngest Black female pilot in the U.S.
Morehouse College: Maroon, Black, and Bold
The Morehouse Air Max 95 channels quiet strength and legacy. With deep maroon and black tones and tiger-print overlays, the shoe includes the school’s Latin motto, Et Facta Est Lux (“And There Was Light”).
Represented in the campaign are Dean of Students Dr. Brock Mayers, 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Keshawn Wiley III, javelin thrower Rodney Gross, and father-son alumni Charles and Charles Jr. Moody.
Norfolk State University: Green and Gold Glory
Norfolk State’s Air Max 95 shines in green and gold leather and suede, showcasing the phrase “Behold the Green and Gold.” Honoring the unity and resilience of Spartan pride, Nike’s campaign features former athletic director Marty Miller, Mister NSU Demetrius Pernell, drum major Quiara Jackson, and alumna Indya Richards.
Honoring Culture, Legacy, and Creativity
Beyond the colorways, Yardrunners 6.0 is about amplifying the stories and identities that make HBCUs a cornerstone of Black excellence. Each shoe captures a piece of history, pride, and perseverance found across generations of HBCU students and alumni.
The Yardrunners 6.0 Air Max 95 collection dropped at select retailers on October 11, with a wider release on the SNKRS app October 14.
