Jordan Brand Unveils “Never Not Working” Air Jordan 1 Low x EKIN, Limited to 200 Pairs

Jordan Brand quietly made history with the introduction of the NEVER NOT WORKING Air Jordan 1 Low x EKIN, marking the first time the Jumpman has created a promotional shoe exclusively for EKINs — Nike’s internal athlete missionaries whose role dates back to 1981. Built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1, the pair draws a direct line between Michael Jordan’s relentless drive and the EKIN ethos that has powered Nike from the inside for more than four decades.

This release becomes the sixth EKIN-exclusive promotional shoe, following past internal-only models like the Air Force 1, Dunk, Bruin, Cortez, and Air Max 1. What sets this Air Jordan 1 Low apart is its symbolism. The “Never Not Working” mantra appears scripted across the tongue in a style inspired by Michael Jordan’s own signature, reinforcing the shared mentality between Jordan Brand and the EKIN program: constant motion, no days off, no shortcuts.

Limited to just 200 individually numbered pairs, the NEVER NOT WORKING Air Jordan 1 Low is among the most exclusive Jordan Brand releases ever produced. The color story pulls from a dusk-to-dawn palette, symbolizing the long hours and behind-the-scenes grind that define EKIN life. Faded EKIN Orange accents nod to vintage Nike shoeboxes, while distressed leather Swooshes and a sail midsole add a worn-in, lived-with character that mirrors years spent on the road telling Nike’s story.

Details run deep throughout the design. Asymmetrical heel embroidery places the Wings logo on the left shoe and the EKIN logo on the right. Lace aglets stamped with “1981” and “1984” reference the origins of the EKIN program and the Air Jordan 1 itself. Inside, the sockliner features a sublimated skyline graphic inspired by the iconic Jumpman photo, captured at both dawn and dusk — a visual metaphor for the EKIN workday that never really ends.

The NEVER NOT WORKING Air Jordan 1 Low x EKIN will never see a public release. Distributed only to EKINs, the shoe stands as a rare internal tribute — one that honors legacy, labor, and the people who’ve spent decades ensuring Nike and Jordan Brand stories are never not told.

For more on Jordan Brand, make sure to checkout the upcoming Air Jordan 9 "Flint Grey" set to drop in early 2026.