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With just under a month to go before the new NBA season begins, Nike has put the word out that Ja Morant’s second signature sneaker is coming.
The Nike Ja 2 will make its debut this week in a “Purple Sky” colorway inspired by the marvels of watching Morant fly high, handle the ball and exude energy on the court. The purple sneaker with mismatched Swooshes and star-decorated sidewalls is one of model’s five colorways Nike has confirmed, which also includes a Halloween-themed “Nightmare” edition.
Coming roughly a year and a half after the launch of the Ja 1, the Ja 2 places an emphasis on comfort and stability. An Air Zoom Unit at the forefoot provides bounce while a molded midfoot panel delivers control and lockdown responsiveness for quick movements. Sitting even lower is an outsole traction pattern inspired by semitrailer tires Morant used to train with as a child in his backyard. Also tucked into the design are the words, “For the underdogs who have the dawg in them.”
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“From the Ja 1 to the Ja 2, the core things remain the same,” Morant said in a press release. “The work ethic doesn’t change. 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.”
A new ballistic mesh upper provides more breathability than its predecessor while its lateral side will take on a variety of textures throughout different colorways.
In addition to the two aforementioned variants, subsequent Ja 2 releases will include a black and “Volt” green “Foundation” edition invoking the work Morant does behind the scenes. A metallic silver “Tree Topper” version with a elaborate detailing calls out the heights Morant can jump to, and the white and blue “In the Woods” colorway is named for how Morant’s family referred to trips to his grandmother’s house.
The Nike Ja 2 will release in its “Purple Sky” launch colorway Thursday, September 26, on the Snkrs app in select markets. A global release accompanied by apparel will then follow October 8. Full family sizing will be available, with men’s priced at $120.
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About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
