Nike Taps Stylist Dex Robinson to Create Sneaker for 2024 Yardrunners Initiative  

by · WWD
Dex Robinson's Nike sneaker collaborationCourtesy of Nike

Stylist Dex Robinson is continuing his partnership with Nike’s Yardrunners program this year with a collaborative sneaker. 

Robinson, who styles NBA and NFL players like Tyrod Taylor and Jalen Hurts and runs a fashion label called Diallo, is working with Nike on the shoe that will be part of the sports giant’s fourth year of its Yardrunners program, which celebrates the impact of historically Black colleges and universities.

The stylist, who attended Virginia Union University, has been involved with the Yardrunners program since its inception, participating in its inaugural class and helping with styling for subsequent years. 

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“When you think about shoe deals, traditionally they’re given to people who actually are playing a sport or on the field,” Robinson said. “Additionally, we’re not a Nike school in terms of sports and things like that, we are with another brand. So, it was really cool for me to bring such an iconic brand like Nike to my university because previously they haven’t had any dealings with Nike.” 

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Robinson’s collaboration offers a new version of the Nike Air Force 1 sneaker, which he designed in all-black pony hair. The shoe’s design was inspired by the Black Panther, which is Virginia Union University’s school mascot. 

“My approach with fashion as a whole is, I like really clean lines and clean silhouettes,” Robinson said. “A lot of the stuff that I do, I don’t want to be so loud a lot of times — even in color. It’s really you that makes it more impactful — just your confidence.” 

The stylist said he chose the design because he wanted the sneaker to exude a “sense of elevation and luxury.” He said the shoe is meant to reflect the impact his HBCU had on him, stating, “all historically Black colleges have a rich legacy in history and a lot of things are shared things among us.” 

Robinson is unveiling the Nike sneaker, which will be available for purchase during the upcoming holiday season, on Saturday during Virginia Union University’s homecoming. 

Additionally at the homecoming ceremony, Robinson is previewing several styles from Diallo’s upcoming collection. 

Robinson stated he thinks his sneaker collaboration will resonate with many people because the Nike Air Force 1 is such a widely known and popular style. 

“The Air Force 1 is so iconic and I feel like they’re very intergenerational since they’ve been around for so long,” Robinson said. “A lot of people can speak to it or have an era where this was their favorite. Whether you’re younger or older, it kind of stands the test of time. That’s why it was really cool for me to be selected when they used the silhouette.”