When it comes to explosive talent in the NBA, you don’t have to look much further than two ascending stars in Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards. So great is their potential that Nike and adidas have invested in them by letting them have their own signature shoes. Both shoes – the Nike Ja 1 and adidas AE 1 – are stunning and look set to launch the players to a higher plane. If you’re in the market for a new sneaker and are considering one of the two, our comparison article should help you decide.
The Players Behind The Sneakers
Ja Morant’s NBA rise has been fueled by his unreal athleticism and court vision. It’s almost impossible to watch a game where he’s playing and not have at least one moment when your jaw drops. He’s loved for his gravity-defying dunks and no-look passes, but Ja’s infectious energy and charisma are just as impressive, and this is what the Nike Ja 1 is meant to capture. The shoe has a bold design that reflects his explosive style, and of course, the vibrant colours showcase his fun, carefree personality. The shoe’s construction also highlights and matches his on-court brilliance in every way. You can read about all this in our article about every Nike Ja 1 colourway released.
Selected with the coveted first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Anthony Edwards’ exceptional athleticism and showstopping talent was immediately apparent when he stepped into a Timberwolves uniform. Now in his fourth season in the league, Edwards often takes the No. 1 spot in countdown videos for the best dunks of the week, and has even posterized John Collins so hard that even he got hurt. Still, his impact on basketball isn’t just about violent dunks. Fans appreciate him because of his captivating personality and playful spirit, which are highlighted in this article about his first low-top sneaker release.
Similarities Between The Nike Ja 1 And The adidas AE 1
From the moment you lay your eyes on either of them, the first thing you see about these two pairs of sneakers is that they perfectly represent the new generation of NBA players and sneakerheads. Forget retro looks and nods to the past: the Nike Ja 1 and adidas AE 1 belong to the new school. Both are vibrant in colour and design and have a futuristic look and feel. The Ja 1 and AE 1 use the latest tech, such as responsive cushioning, to ensure these shoes can handle anything a game throws their way.
In addition, these sneakers also celebrate individuality. Whether it’s Ja Morant’s initials gracing the Ja 1 or the AE 1’s colour accents hinting at Anthony Edwards’ fun personality, both sneakers fit the players’ styles.
Nike Ja 1 vs adidas AE 1 Comparison
If a purchase decision is what you’re trying to make, these are the main differences between the Nike and adidas shoes. We’ve put them into categories based upon our research into the articles we have written about them (linked above) and from insights gained by learning from others who’ve had the opportunity to wear them and try them out, like in this video from Snkr Tech Talk.
Upper
Nike Ja 1: Breathable open mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays for a balance of ventilation and support.
adidas AE 1: Form-fitting, breathable knit upper with a TPU cage for enhanced lateral stability. The mesh upper is more premium, with a memory foam tongue and a rubber or polyurethane material on the sides.
Cushioning
Nike Ja 1: The setup here is a basic forefoot Zoom Air unit that delivers responsive cushioning
adidas AE 1: A more luxurious cushioning setup with Boost in the heel and Light Strike in the forefoot. The adidas AE 1 provides more impact protection and bounce but is also heavier.
Weight
Nike Ja 1: Lighter weight construction due to the upper materials, weighing 13.85 oz/392.6g
adidas AE 1: Slightly heavier weight due to the inclusion of Boost cushioning technology, weighing 19.15 oz/542.9g
Aesthetics
Nike Ja 1: Bold colour schemes and design elements reflect Ja Morant’s energetic playing style.
adidas AE 1: Sleek, modern design with colour accents subtly referencing Anthony Edwards’ personality.
Fit
Nike Ja 1: True to size, although a wider fit option may be recommended for broader feet.
adidas AE 1: Runs slightly snug; consider half-size up for wider feet.
Note: Snkr Tech recommends going up half a size for both shoes if you have wider feet.
Traction
Nike Ja 1: Multi-directional traction pattern that performs well on clean and dirty surfaces.
adidas AE 1: Delta pattern that also performs well but can collect dust and needs to be wiped clean more often.
Support
Both shoes are supportive, but the AE 1 is slightly more supportive due to its broader base, shank plates, and Outrigger.
Price
Based on a comparison on GOAT, the two signature shoes fall into a similar price range. Depending on the colourway and size you’re buying, you’ll spend anywhere from $100 to $300
Conclusion
To sum up, the selection between these sneakers hinges on your player preferences. If you’re looking for something light and feathery with an emphasis on court feel, you may gravitate towards the Ja 1. On the other hand, if you’re after plush cushioning and a supportive structure, then the AE 1 is for you. Either way, you won’t lose. These are quality shoes worn by quality players, and as the first signature shoe for both Morant and Edwards, they definitely both deserve your consideration.
Which one would you choose between the two? Let us know in the comments.
