Nike just dropped a Virginia Union University-branded sneaker

State of play: The VUU Panthers sneaker was released Dec. 18 as part of Nike's Yardrunners series, which has created sneakers inspired by the nation's HBCUs since 2020.

• For Nike's fifth Yardrunner series, the sneaker company tapped Dex Robinson, who grew up in Richmond, went to VUU and is now a stylist to athletes including Jalen Hurts, Deandre Hopkins and Rajon Rondo, to design a shoe.
• DexRob drew on influences from his alma mater's mascot, the panther, to create an all-black, faux-pony-hair shoe with custom accents inspired by "university's legacy and spirit," like pebbled leather, black and red rope laces, and metal dubraes, per a news release.

The shoe retails for $120 and is available at select DTLR stores in Richmond, including the one at 1504 W. Broad St.

Worth noting: The shoe launch coincides with VUU's ramp-up for its 160th anniversary celebration. The school was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated Virginians educational opportunities.

What they're saying: "This collaboration is about more than fashion — it's about representing where I come from," DexRob said in a statement. "VUU shaped me into the person I am today."

Go deeper with the mini-documentary VUU created for the shoe launch.