Nike Unveils Ja Morant’s First Signature Sneaker, the Nike Ja 1
Teaming up with the Memphis Grizzlies player for a colorful basketball shoe.
Nike has signed Ja Morant, Nike Basketball’s “first Gen Z signature athlete,” to its roster. In tandem with announcing the news, Morant has debuted his first signature shoe, the Nike Ja 1.
The sneaker launches in a light blue colorway with mesh side panels and a pink and yellow sole. A rainbow ombre swish is featured alongside a stylized “JA” above chevron, inspired by the “verticality, speed and sharpness” of Morant’s skills on the court. A stamp details the name of Morant’s daughter, Kaari.
The carefully-constructed chevron pattern is a subtle nod to the motto Morant adopted as an under-recruited college player — “Beneath No One” — motivating his workouts and aim to rise above obstacles to become the force he is today.
The Memphis Grizzlies player said he spent over two years working with the Nike design to create the shoe. When approaching the collaboration, he not only wanted the Nike Ja 1 to look good on the court, but also support cuts, jumps, crossovers and dunks. The sole of the shoe is engineered to reduce landing force while maximizing hang time, granting players optimal control over their movement.
“Morant, Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete, is a revolutionary player who quickly became a global star with his unmatched athleticism and exciting style of play,” Nike VP of Global Men’s Basketball Scott Munson said. “His authentic personality, deep love for his community and family and joy for the game make him very special — on and off the court. We are thrilled to add Morant to our signature roster and can’t wait for everyone to learn more about his first shoe, the Nike Ja 1.”
Additional details of the shoe, such as price and release date, will be announced in 2023.
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