Nike continues the run with the Air Max 95 Big Bubble. This time with an HBCU collaboration. In recent years we have seen a few Nike x HBCU kicks. In 2023 Nike dropped the Terminator in colorways most notably the Tennessee State colorway.
October 14th Nike is dropping for new HBCU inspired Air Max 95’s. Historical Black College or University (HBCU) was created during a time when black students could not achieve a higher education. These institutions were acknowledged as HBCU if their mission was educating black students prior to 1964.
Some famous HBCU’s include Wilberforce, Howard University, and Fisk University. For this Air Max 95 Spelman and Norfolk State are putting their twist on this classic silhouette. Let’s take a look at these four universities making their mark on sneaker history.
Air Max 95 x Spelman
First up in the Nike Yardrunner x Air Max 95 is the Spelman version. Founded in 1881 it was first known as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary. It wasn’t until 1924 it became Spelman. Spelman is the oldest private historically black liberal arts institution for women.
This Air Max 95 has Spelman all over. The wavy side panels sport suede and leather in light blue and grey hues. The suede sports animal print gives a nod to their jaguar mascot. On the tongue is the college’s founding year and logo.
On the lateral heel is a stitches min Swoosh in white. On the medial side is “Thy Name We Praise” Spelman’s hymn. At the time of writing this Hibbett has most sizes men’s available. SNKRS will have these available on October 14th and retail for $200.
Air Max 95 x Norfolk State
This year marks 90 years of Spartan history and tradition for Norfolk State University. Founded in 1935 as Norfolk Division of Virginia Union University as a private Baptist institution with just 85 students. Now the university is home to more than 6500 students. With some notable graduates such as Gordon Banks and Karen Briggs.
This Spartan inspired Yardrunner Air Max 95 bleeds Green and Gold. Midwest Gold suede transitions down to green, grey, and white leather of the side panels. Green and black rope laces weave through the gold web eyestays. The white midsole houses a court green large Air Unit.
These were released via Hibbett on October 11th but sold out quickly. SNKRS will drop these on October 14th for $200 giving you another chance to cop.
Air Max 95 x Morehouse
Founded in 1867 Morehouse College began as the Augusta Institute in a Church Basement in Augusta Georgia. Originally their mission was to educate freed slaves for ministry and teaching. The institution later moved to Atlanta and became what we know today as Morehouse College a cornerstone of the Atlanta University Center.
This Air Max 95 exudes Morehouse Maroon Tiger. The maroon striped suede on the wavy panels gives a nod to the school’s mascot. Maroon and grey leather make up the wavy side panels with a white mini Swoosh on the lateral heel. The tongue patch sports the M logo with the school’s founded date underneath.
On the medial heel is “Et Facta Est Lux” (And there was light). On the back is Nike Air branding stitched in white. Underneath is a black lugged outsole accented by maroon graphics. At the time of writing this Hibbett has most sizes available for $200. SNKRS will have these available on October 14th.
Air Max 95 x FAMU
Last but not least is Florida A & M University (FAMU). FAMU known for its marching band the “Marching 100” is the only public HBCU in Florida. Founded in 1887 as the Florida Normal College for Colored Students began with 15 students and two instructors. Now the institution has more than 10,000 students.
This version of the Yardrunner Air Max 95 has rattler vibes. The wavy side panels start with green textured leather immulating snakeskin like FAMU’s mascot. Orange and grey compliment the green with white stitched mini Swoosh. On the tongue is the school’s logo and founding year.
On the heel is white Nike Air branding sitting against a black backdrop. The white midsole houses a bright orange visible Air Unit. Hibbett only has men’s sizes 9.5 – 11 available, but I expect that to change. Your best bet is hitting up the SNKRS app on October 14th.
That does it for this year’s Nike Yardrunner line up. Nike continues to honor the tradition and heritage of HBCU’s and what these Universities mean to not only black culture but American culture as well. Let us know in the comments which pair you are going for. Check out our October 13th Sneaker Releases article.
