If you had told undergraduate Dex Robinson that he would one day helm his own luxury streetwear brand, style some of the biggest names in sports, and design his very own Yardrunner sneaker for Nike, he likely would’ve replied: “What’s a Yardrunner?”
“I got to college in the fall of 2004 and graduated in 2009,” Robinson shared with EBONY. His collegiate experience at Virginia Union University (VUU) predated Nike’s Yardrunners initiative by more than a decade. The campaign, which launched in 2020, honors the cultural legacy of HBCUs, celebrating their impact through a unique intersection of sports, fashion and heritage.
Fast forward to today, and Robinson is not only a proud Yardrunner but also the designer of a special edition Air Force 1 sneaker that embodies his alma mater’s spirit. It’s a testament to his journey as the founder of Diallo, a clothing brand whose name translates to “bold” and “courageous”—qualities that define his personal style and professional ethos.
A Legacy of Bold Beginnings
Robinson’s connection to Nike runs deep. As an inaugural member of the Yardrunners program, spearheaded by HBCU graduates working at the company, Robinson was tapped by a fraternity brother from Kappa Alpha Psi to join the initiative.
“Yardrunners are selected for their role in pushing the culture forward,” Robinson explained, describing the program as a mega-homecoming that brings together HBCU excellence.
His career, much like his participation in the Yardrunners program, is a reflection of his unconventional path. From styling e-commerce shoots to making waves in the WNBA, Robinson’s network and knack for creativity eventually led him to the NFL and NBA, where he now styles stars like Jalen Hurts, Deandre Hopkins and Tyrod Taylor.
(@dexrob)Designing the Black Pony Hair Air Force 1
Robinson’s relationship with Nike culminated in a dream project last year: designing his own sneaker. Initially, the Dunk and Terminator silhouettes were on the table, but Robinson was ultimately gifted the Air Force 1—an iconic canvas deeply rooted in Black culture.
“That was God,” Robinson said of the opportunity. The Air Force 1 is more than a shoe; it’s a cultural artifact that has remained relevant since its heyday in the early 2000s. “Air Force 1s are classic and timeless—that’s who I am as a person.”
His design, however, takes the timeless silhouette into bold new territory. The sneaker features an all-black pony hair upper, an unexpected texture for a sneaker with rugged folklore. In Black culture, the black Air Force 1 carries a certain “rowdy” connotation, often associated with mischief.
“My school is heavy black force energy,” Robinson said, reimagining the stigma as a badge of honor. “For me, it’s about taking the narrative around black Air Force 1s and making them feel luxurious.”
A Love Letter to HBCUs
The sneaker’s details reflect Robinson’s reverence for HBCUs and his alma mater, VUU. The black pony hair pays homage to VUU’s panther mascot, a symbol of strength and pride. The laces are adorned with a VUU charm and honorific lapels, while a heartfelt message is inscribed on the inner sole.
“I wanted a shoe that you want to get to know,” Robinson explained. “Once you see it, you want to learn more about it and see the beauty in its details.”
The sneaker is also inspired by Nike’s previous pony hair releases, including DJ Clark Kent’s Air Force 1 and the “Savage Beast” shoe. With its textured upper and heritage-inspired design, Robinson’s Air Force 1 challenges conventions while staying true to his roots.
Redefining Style with Purpose
Robinson’s approach to style, both in his designs and in his work with clients, is all about authenticity. “I don’t try to find the flashiest stuff,” he said. “It’s about understanding someone’s true style and elevating it through a Dex Rob lens.”
His Air Force 1 follows the same ethos. “I wanted to elevate it from my perspective, making it a luxurious expression of culture and legacy.”
As the sneaker prepares for its winter release, Robinson is ready for its impact. “For my shoe to sell out because of the Dex POV would mean, ‘Yeah, I did that,’” he said. More than just a sneaker, Robinson’s black pony hair Air Force 1 is a love letter to HBCUs, a reclamation of cultural narratives and a celebration of boldness. And it is proof that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones you never see coming.
