Nike’s Ja Morant Signature Line introduces the groundbreaking Nike Ja 1, a sneaker designed to be a dynamic fusion of performance and style. Let’s take a look at the best Nike Ja 1 colourways to drop thus far.
Ja Morant And His Basketball Shoes
Anybody who’s watched Ja Morant with a basketball in his hand knows he is, without a doubt, one of the most – if not the most – dazzling talents in the NBA right now. From his time growing up in Dalzell, South Carolina, and hooping with his dad, to his years as a guard for the Murray State Racers, then finally to his huge moment being selected as the second overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA draft, Morant has always been a jaw-dropping player to behold on the court, said to take inspiration from Russell Westbrook and Allen Iverson, and always out to prove naysayers wrong – betting on himself as his own GOAT, while still respecting the greatest players ever to do it. It should come as no surprise that his partnership with Nike, the signature Ja 1, is looking to be incredibly popular, on and off the court.
That said, last year hasn’t been easy for the two-time All-Star and 2020 All-Rookie First-Team member. From run-ins with the law to an NBA suspension for not adhering to league regulations to currently dealing with a season-ending shoulder injury, you’d expect someone in his position to maybe pump the brakes a little bit and cool off. Not Ja. If anything, he’s turning the heat up more than ever before.
Ja Morant’s Sneakers for A New Generation
Nothing bears testament to this more than the release of the newest colourway from Morant’s Nike signature shoe, the Ja 1. The Ja 1 prioritizes performance for the next generation of hoopers, represented by Morant himself (he is the first Gen Z athlete to be signed to a signature sneaker deal by the Swoosh). The Ja 1 lets Morant’s personality – a hunger for greatness and unparalleled work ethic – shine through in two ways. Firstly, it showcases handwritten notes from Morant, dedicated to the people he calls Team Morant – those who have stood with him through it all. Secondly, the first colourway features a unique light blue to acknowledge Ja’s blue-collar approach to his work. The Ja 1 focuses on three areas:
Dynamic Lockdown: The midfoot lockdown system provides a secure and snug fit, allowing athletes to change direction while on the court quickly.
Responsive Ride: The forefoot Nike Air Zoom bag helps give a quick, explosive sensation underfoot.
Support for Landing: The raised sidewall guardrail helps support takeoff and landing on two feet, combined with a raised cushioned foam collar and zonal cushioning for additional ankle support.”
Here’s a list of the Ja 1 colourways released so far and why they should be in your shopping cart and sneaker collection.
1. Nike Ja 1 “Day One”
The Nike Ja 1 “Day One” boasts a premium upper crafted from Cobalt Bliss leather for a touch of luxury. Breathable mesh panels enhance ventilation, while a vibrant Citron midsole injects energy into the design. Ja Morant’s signature logo adorns both the tongue and left insole, adding a personal touch to these performance-focused sneakers.
2. Nike Ja 1 “Phantom”
Also known as “Trivia”, these basketball shoes come in fabulous colours: Phantom, Action Green, Action Grape, Laser Orange, University Blue and white. They’re covered in Ja Morant’s personal touches, like his logo and a fun trivia quiz about Ja on the heels and insoles. The sneakers are built for performance with a breathable mesh upper that hugs your foot in the middle and has the wraparound Swoosh. You’ll also find sketches of Ja’s jersey number, signature, and logo drawn in his handwriting.
3. Nike Ja 1 “Midnight”
These are not your average black shoes: this particular pair sparkles with tiny Swarovski crystals. The Swoosh symbol is outlined in black and filled with dazzling crystals that wrap around the shoe. Even the dubrae and Nike Ja tags shine with crystals. In addition, the icy blue sole glows slightly and has the phrase “IT’S 12 AM SOMEWHERE” written in Ja Morant’s handwriting.
4. Nike Ja 1 “Scratch”
The Nike Ja 1 “Scratch” is a unique colourway that pays homage to the Memphis Grizzlies’ historic uniforms. The upper features a prominent turquoise hue, accented with bold black claw marks on the lateral forefoot, Swooshes, and midsole. Additional pops of university red and monarch gold throughout the design further anchor the connection to the Grizzlies’ classic aesthetic.
5. Nike Ja 1 GS “Water Battle”
As a doting father, Ja Morant has found many ways to put smiles on kids’ faces in his short stint in the NBA. Who can forget this tear-jerker of a video when he gifted a young fan a pair of his Ja 1 “Day One” in Soft Pink after a win over the Sacramento Kings? The “Water Battle” colourway is a Grade School (GS) exclusive, meaning only the little ones can rock it—a lovely touch from Morant and his team.
6. Nike Ja 1 “Hunger”
The Nike Ja 1 “Hunger” departs from a traditional colourway, going for a mismatched execution. The left shoe features a red mesh upper complemented by a contrasting blue rubber sole. The right shoe reverses the colour scheme, with a blue mesh upper atop a red sole. Both shoes are unified by a black Swoosh logo and Morant’s signature branding – a Nike Basketball patch on the tongue and a prominent “12” on the heel, signifying his jersey number with the Memphis Grizzlies. This one is for the bold and unconventional.
7. Nike Ja 1 “Fuel”
The Nike Ja 1 “Fuel” evokes a sense of summer nostalgia through its colour palette. The Ember Glow textile upper directly references the warm tones associated with glowing embers, a nod to backyard barbecues. Ja Morant has a personal connection to the colourway, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories in South Carolina as his dad, Tee, fired up the grill. The Light Silver midsole provides a neutral contrast, while the black rubber outsole ensures durability. Including Blue Lightning for the Nike and Ja branding adds a touch of vibrancy and completes the overall design.
8. Nike Ja 1 SE GS “Bright Mandarin”
As the name suggests, the Nike Ja 1 SE GS “Bright Mandarin” is made especially for the little ones. It features an orange mesh upper for optimal breathability and has tonal synthetic leather for added structure and support. The TPU Swoosh offers a durable and sleek aesthetic, complemented by burnt orange leather mudguards for enhanced protection against wear and tear. Subtle variations in orange hues appear on the leather sections near the eyestays, tongue, and heel tab. Like the “Water Battle”, this one brings colour and energy to the GS line.
9. Nike Ja 1 “EYBL”
If you need to learn the EYBL in this sneaker’s name, we’re here to help. Set up in 2010, the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) has become a premier platform for youth basketball in the US. This competitive circuit caters to travel teams comprised of talented athletes aged 17 and under, offering separate divisions for both boys and girls. The Nike Ja 1 “EYBL” pays homage to the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) through its unique and functional design. Constructed with a breathable mesh upper for superior in-game comfort, the sneaker features a bold yet professional lilac purple Swoosh adorning the sides. A two-toned Phylon midsole, incorporating a modern Jade Ice finish, makes the design shine.
10. Nike Ja 1 “Wet Cement”
The “Wet Cement” sneaker is striking and beautiful. It’s constructed from a Laser Orange mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays, offering a blend of breathability and durability. A contrasting Light Smoke Grey Swoosh can be found on the lateral side, while the heel displays Ja Morant’s Grizzlies jersey number “12.” This colourway makes a bold statement on the court.
11. Nike Ja 1 “Light Smoke Grey”
Not that we mind how bright, punchy and colourful the other Jas are, but the Nike Ja 1 “Light Smoke Grey” is minimalist by comparison. The shoe prioritizes a clean and functional design, utilizing a breathable white mesh base with contrasting grey and black hues. The asymmetrical colour blocking is a unique feature, where the left shoe showcases black Swooshes and darker grey midfoot panels. In contrast, the right shoe opts for light grey accents in these areas. This variation extends to the soles, with the left transitioning from white to light grey and the right featuring a stark white outsole. Pops of yellow at the tongue and heel bring some vibrancy while maintaining a sophisticated look.
12. Nike Ja 1 “Zombie”
This special Halloween edition Ja 1 is for older children and incorporates festive design elements alongside performance features. The upper is constructed from a breathable mesh and durable synthetic leather; both finished in a striking glow-in-the-dark green. A unique detail emerges from the green TPU Swoosh, which wraps around the heel and midfoot, featuring a skeletal hand design for a subtle yet spooky touch. Crimson embroidery showcases Ja Morant’s jersey number on the back tab, accompanied by a graphic depicting ghoulish hands reaching upwards. Sheesh!
13. Nike Ja 1 “Smoke”
In a now-notorious April interview before a playoff series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ja Morant declared, “Ain’t ducking no smoke. We running up the chimney”. For those not too interested in NBA beef and only want to focus on sneakers, this quote inspired this shoe. Boy, does it look like a shoe built for a fight! Also referred to as “No Smoke” or “We Ain’t Duckin’ No Smoke”, this sneaker features a black mesh upper for breathability, reinforced with tonal synthetic leather overlays for added durability. A translucent Swoosh wraps around the white textile heel, with Ja Morant’s signature adding a personal touch.
14. Nike Ja 1 “Day One” Soft Pink
Adding a unique touch to the already-catchy “Day One”, the Soft Pink version features a breathable, soft pink mesh construction with leather overlays. A dark grey Swoosh logo adds some definition, while the light blue midsole and outsole provide lightweight cushioning. This shoe utilizes a combination of materials, including mesh, leather, ripstop, and TPU, ensuring durability and flexibility on the court (or party, whichever you prefer).
15. Nike Ja 1 GS “Backyard BBQ”
Exclusively for young hoopers and athletes and probably one of the best products in this line, the “Backyard BBQ” – like the “Fuel” – evokes the spirit of Southern cookouts, a cherished tradition for NBA star Ja Morant. This lively and eye-catching design showcases a blue and orange colourway featuring a flame-infused Swoosh logo and a custom tongue tag. The inscription “On Fire Since ’99” alongside miniature grilling utensils pays homage to Ja’s birth year (“On Fire Since ’99”) and his passion for family gatherings. Furthering the cookout theme, the midsole replicates a light grey ash finish, accented with subtle white speckles reminiscent of salt.
16. Nike Ja 1 “Guava Ice”
The fruity-fresh “Guava Ice” colourway features a soft pink mesh and leather upper. The design is further accentuated by contrasting TPU Swooshes in a matching “Medium Soft Pink”. As expected, Ja Morant’s branding is subtly integrated throughout the shoe, with his signature on the tongue and insoles and his jersey number “12” embroidered on the heel in a unique mismatched “Light Ultramarine” and “Hyper Pink” colour scheme. A clean white midsole provides cushioning, while the outsole combines black rubber with pops of pink and features Ja’s logo in a contrasting “Light Ultramarine”.
17. Nike Ja 1 “Christmas”
Not rocking the colours you’d typically expect on a shoe called “Christmas”, this unique colourway, which dropped on the same day he returned from his NBA suspension, draws inspiration from Ja’s meteoric rise to stardom. The upper, constructed from a breathable purple mesh base, is juxtaposed with a sleek black Swoosh that wraps around the entire foot. Each rear heel tab has a unique feature – a textured brick pattern and Ja’s jersey number “12” embroidered in pink and teal. Lifting the inner sole, you’ll see a graphic depiction of smoke billowing from a snow-capped chimney. The shoe rests upon a lightweight Phylon midsole finished in a teal colourway, seamlessly integrating a springy Zoom Air unit in the forefoot.
18. Nike Ja 1 “White/Black”
Even for a loud and proud line like the Ja 1, it doesn’t hurt to go the classic, understated route occasionally. This sneaker prioritizes clean lines and functionality, showcasing a breathable white mesh upper with contrasting black detailing. Black embellishments can be found on the mudguard, the midfoot section and the Swoosh logos. Ja Morant’s branding is rendered in black for a cohesive look. The shoe has a white foam midsole with hidden Zoom Air cushioning technology. Completing the design is a matching white outsole, solidifying the classic two-tone palette.
19. Nike Ja 1 “Chinese New Year”
This year, we saw a stunning array of sneakers released to commemorate the Chinese New Year, and the Ja 1 comes to the party with a beautiful interpretation of its own. Also called the “Lunar New Year”, the sneaker adopts a celebratory colourway rich with symbolic details. A white mesh upper provides a clean foundation, complemented by a luxurious gold Swoosh that wraps around the foot. Elevating the design further, the midfoot overlay has an intricate metallic gold pattern, while the gleaming gold heel tab proudly displays Ja Morant’s jersey number “12” in blue and red embroidered threads. Capping it off are gold dragon-themed lace jewels, another nod to the Year of the Dragon.
20. Nike Ja 1 “Red Stardust”
Undeterred by recent challenges, Ja Morant remains a muse for Nike’s creative team. The “Red Stardust” or “Bite” edition of the Nike Ja 1 pays homage to the Memphis Grizzlies’ ferocious spirit with a bold design. Menacing jaws rip their way down the tongue and insole, playfully extending to the heel where they appear to have taken a bite out of the shoe, revealing Ja Morant’s signature logo.
21. Nike Ja 1 GS “All-Star”
Yet another display of Nike’s seemingly unwavering commitment to Ja Morant is the GS “All-Star” made for young athletes on the rise and honouring the 2024 All-Star Game. The sneaker incorporates a multicoloured prism design on the forefoot, similar to the one applied to other Nike sneakers launched for the All-Star festivities. Additionally, the tongue displays the official 2024 All-Star logo, confirming the connection.
22. Nike Ja 1 “Check”
Also known as “Work For The Check” (inspired by a tweet by Morant), this pair of kicks has a vibrant crimson mesh upper, reinforced with synthetic leather overlays on the midfoot and vamp for added structure. A contrasting black mesh panel blesses the heel, while a jolt of Volt green energizes the upper eyelet panel. As with all the other versions of the Ja 1, Ja Morant’s Grizzlies jersey number “12” is displayed on the heel, and a hidden, personal, inspirational message rests beneath the translucent blue rubber outsole.
23. Nike Ja 1 “Murray State”
Returning to Ja Morant’s college days, this commemorative Ja 1 edition proudly displays the Murray State Racers’ signature colour scheme. The shoe has a navy mesh and leather upper, accented with pops of Laser Orange. This hue can be found on the Swoosh logo, providing a visual accent. Ja Morant’s emblem features on the tongue, heel, and select midsole portions. Football Grey graces the heel counter, transitioning into the rubber outsole. The outsole further incorporates the “TMT” branding, referencing what could be Ja Morant’s inner circle or a personal motto. There’s nothing like paying tribute to the environment that shaped you.
24. Nike Ja 1 “Coconut Milk”
This as-yet-unreleased version (when full details come to light, we’ll let you know) is here to celebrate Spring 2024. The colourway is fresh and easy on the eye – perfect for those who like that happy medium between ‘out there’ and understated. With this shoe, we enjoy a colour palette featuring Coconut Milk, Khaki, Black, University Red, and Dusty Cactus. It offers a blend of style and function, with an upper in a neutral Coconut Milk overlaid with panels of Khaki leather and canvas. Special features include Dusty Cactus accents on the midsole and mismatched tongue labels to make you stand out. Bold University Red branding and a Coconut Milk rubber sole round out the design.
Which shoe from Ja Morant’s signature line is your favourite? What do you think are the best colourways for the Nike JA 1?
