Ja Morant debuts first signature sneaker with Nike
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant joined the signature sneaker game. On his team’s first Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors, he unveiled his first signature shoe with Nike.
With his signature shoe collaboration with Nike, Morant becomes the 23rd NBA athlete to have a signature sneaker. Joining other NBA stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, and Kyrie Irving, it’s no small feat. It’s a big honor for Ja Morant and reflects the outstanding level he has achieved in the league since arriving as a rookie in 2019.
Ja Morant’s signature shoe 🔥
(h/t @NickDePaula ) pic.twitter.com/Ovnjhapp4N
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 25, 2022
Ja Morant teased the unveiling of his debut signature shoe on Christmas Eve by posting a surprise present from his daughter Kaari on social media. Wrapped in Ja’s new signature logo, the shoe proudly bore her name across its inner half as well.
The grind starts on day one. 🥷🏽
The #Ja1 ‘Day One.’ Available globally April 2023. pic.twitter.com/kHewyTW5vy
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) December 25, 2022
The NBA star said, “Just being able to have a signature shoe with Nike, not many guys have achieved that. It’s a big milestone for me and something I’ll never forget.”
Morant’s highly anticipated signature shoe, the Ja 1, will debut earlier. Usually, a new basketball sneaker takes 18-24 months to go through the design and development process. But the Ja 1 will launch before that timeline.
It will release several colorways scheduled for release next spring and summer. The Ja 1 will carry an attractive price of $110 and hit retail shelves in 2023.
Only 2 players in NBA history have recorded 35+ PTS, 5+ REB, and 5+ AST in a Christmas Day debut.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Ja Morant.#NBAXmas 🎄🎁 pic.twitter.com/BK2Tjwh4O3
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) December 26, 2022
Moreover, Nike had selected Morant as its first ever ‘Gen Z’ signature athlete. As one of the most exciting young players to watch in the NBA, Nike also saw his potential. The brand praised him for being a revolutionary player.
Ja Morant Signature Shoes
According to Nike, the Ja 1 is a Zoom cushion low-top “constructed to keep players in control, maximize hang time, and reduce landing force through lockdown benefits.” The shoes come in a classic Memphis Grizzlies colorway. It has a mesh upper and reinforcements to the midfoot for superior comfort and stability.
First look at Ja Morant’s Nike logo 👀 pic.twitter.com/KYO2GxrAMS
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) December 20, 2022
Morant revealed some details about his shoes. “It’s a shoe for underdogs who have the dawg in them. Kicks for anyone who has been underrated or overlooked, told they’re too small, or their dreams too big.”
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 makes him very special — on and off the court.” He continued, “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.”
Ja Morant estreou os Ja 1, os primeiros da sua linha com a Nike 🔥 pic.twitter.com/upFKEx2q6a
— B24 (@B24PT) December 26, 2022
The Ja 1 is a fitting tribute to a player with unstoppable determination and dynamism. Understated yet powerful, it also has Morant’s iconic logo. The stylized ‘JA’ sits atop a chevron.
It symbolizes his ability to rise above any obstacle that comes his way. Moreover, Ja Morant has made it his mission to play the game with precision and poise. His approach to playing reflects in every aspect of this new sneaker.
