The Friends and Family Nike Terminator High Yardrunners Celebrates HBCUs

In 2023, Nike paid homage to various HBCUs through special Nike Terminator colorways for the Yardrunners program, which taps designers and alums from Nike-sponsored HBCUs to help create sneakers and apparel that honor these institutions. While we’re fresh off the release of two new Yardrunner AF1s, one for VUU and the other for Howard, images of the friends-and-family Terminator have just hit the ‘net.

Posted on LinkedIn by Jason Brown, who previously worked at Foot Locker in multiple roles that included Vice President of Marketing, the pair pays homage to various HBCUs and the Nike Yardrunners program. As for its material makeup, Nike chose to cover the sneaker in an apple green shade that takes over the suede mudguard, eyestays, heel, and heel tab. On the toe and midfoot, we see a darker green leather, contrasting the silver Swoosh and the white hue on the tongue and lace set.

Logos of various schools, including FAMU, VUU, PVAMU, TSU, and Morehouse, are prominently displayed across the leather midfoot panel. At the same time, we see homages to Nike’s Yardrunner program on the mudguard, heel tab, and the inside of the tongue. Here, the woven tongue label features text that reads, “One whose dedication to their craft, the drip they display, and devotion to their HBCU is undeniable.”

Final details include the custom insole displaying names of those who have helped the Yardrunner program and the phrase “You Can’t Stop HBCUS,” a lace dubrae reading “Run The Yard,” and the tongue tag that reads “Rich” and “Arinze” on the right and left shoes respectively. The two names here honor Arinze Emeagwali and Richard Palmer, who helped to create the Yardrunner program at Nike.

While the pair won’t see a public release, you can view detailed images of the F&F Nike Terminator High Yardrunners below. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.

Nike Terminator High Yardrunners F&F

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com