Nike

The moniker ‘EKIN’ (Nike spelled backwards) was developed in the 1980's, symbolic of the ‘backwards and forwards’ product knowledge of these Nike employees. A subset of Nike workers, EKINs are the brand's trusted voice. Working closely with the product and their relevant communities, the EKIN mission is to move athletes through impassioned storytelling, while keeping the brand’s vision purposeful and authentic. 

Produced in 2019, this Nike Air Force 1 ‘EKIN’ sample pays homage to Nike’s most knowledgeable employees. Dressed in a predominantly white upper with orange accents on the swoosh, outsole, inner lining and heel tab, it is the EKIN detailing that sets this pair apart. 

A mirrored Nike logo, the EKIN symbol, can be found embroidered on both lateral heels. At the heel tab, the typical Nike branding is swapped for EKIN printed in white, and the grey duebré’s are inscribed ‘E4L’ , symbolic of the ‘EKIN for Life’ mantra. 

The interior of the sneaker nods to the EKIN lifestyle. On the interior of the tongue, the pair is inscribed with the phrase “you are no longer uninformed’. In bold lettering, ‘FOR EKIN FEET ONLY’ is pressed on the interior lining.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the sneaker are the insoles. Often left plain on many releases, the insoles of the EKIN samples are completed with a description of the EKIN mission on the left, and an analysis of the Air Force 1 EKIN on the right. 

The Air Force 1, arguably Nike’s most iconic sneaker, is in many regards, the first of its kind. Previously realized in running shoes, the introduction of Nike’s ‘Air’ technology in the midsole was a revolutionary concept for basketball sneakers. Tasked with bringing the concept to life, designer Bruce Kilgore and an aerospace engineer brought the project to fruition with a hiking boot inspired, ankle strapped, high top. Kilgore’s first basketball sneaker, the Air Force 1 was brought to market in 1982.