Building off the success of Ja Morant’s first signature shoe, Nike designers created a second-gen silhouette. The Ja 2 and accompanying apparel collection showcase Morant’s “hands-on, creative approach and speak to his style, swagger and connection to youth culture,“ reported Nike.
“From the Ja 1 to the Ja 2, the core things remain the same. The work ethic doesn’t change,“ Morant said. “It’s about comfort, more bounce and bringing my fans into some different storytelling they may not know. We tell those stories through the colorways of my shoe.”
The Ja 2’s forefoot Air Zoom unit provides “extra bounce.” The shoe’s molded midfoot panel drives lockdown responsiveness and control during play. An underfoot traction pattern, inspired by the semitrailer tires Morant used to train in his childhood backyard, further allows athletes “to cut with confidence.”
The silhouette’s sidewall guardrail protects and stabilizes, and a waterfall-inspired collar lining and ankle padding add comfort during movement. A ballistic mesh upper improves breathability.
Morant included several design elements in the Ja 2, including “colorways that reflect the feeling of watching him compete and his background as Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete.” For example, the “Purple Sky” launch colorway is inspired by watching Morant play ball and “is as mesmerizing as looking up at a purple night sky,” said Nike.
Morant’s second signature silhouette extends into kids’ sizing, and his fleece hoodie and pants will be available in extended sizing.
“In Nike Basketball, we get to work with the world’s best athletes, help them be even better on the court and create a canvas to tell stories. We are excited for the world to wear the Ja 2 and to continue to be inspired by his growth and electric style of play,“ said Josh Wachtel, VP/GM of Global Men’s Basketball at Nike. “The Ja 2 gives hoopers everything they need — it’s bouncy, fast, stable, looks great, and is available in kids’ sizing to serve the next generation.”
The Nike Ja 2 is available on SNKRS and in select markets. The shoe and apparel collection will be available globally at nike.com and select retailers on October 8.
Images courtesy Nike
