Ja Morant's second signature shoe, the Ja 2, is built for the next generation of playmakers

Quick, high-flying and elusive, Ja Morant needs a shoe that keeps pace with his game and helps him get up.

Enter the Ja 2, Nike's solution for Morant and the next generation of playmakers whose dynamic performance demands the highest levels of support, bounce, responsiveness and control.

Building off the success of Morant's first signature shoe, the Ja 1, Nike designers created a second-generation silhouette that maximises comfort and support, defending against the rigours of a full season of take-offs, landings and lateral movement.

"From the Ja 1 to the Ja 2, the core things remain the same. The work ethic doesn't change", Morant says. "It's about comfort, more bounce and bringing my fans into some different storytelling they may not know. We tell those stories through the colourways of my shoe".

The Ja 2's forefoot Air Zoom unit delivers extra bounce and effortlessly guides athletes through quick shifts on the court, while a moulded midfoot panel drives lockdown responsiveness and control for hoopers who run the break or break off defenders one-on-one. An underfoot traction pattern—inspired by the articulated lorry tyres Morant used to train in his childhood back garden—further allows athletes to cut with confidence.

The silhouette's sidewall guardrail is designed to protect and stabilise, giving players the confidence to take off unexpectedly, while a waterfall-inspired collar lining and ankle padding add comfort for any kind of movement. A ballistic mesh upper improves breathability all the time, however much heat the game brings.

Morant's hands-on creative approach shows up in several design elements of the Ja 2, including colourways that reflect the feeling of watching him compete and his background as Nike Basketball's first Gen Z signature athlete. The 'Purple Sky' launch colourway, for example, is inspired by the fact that watching Morant in action—with his high-flying dunks, flashy ball-handling skills and intense energy—is as mesmerising as looking up at a purple night sky.

The silhouette further reflects Morant's story as a person and a player: it's about his roots, his connection to the next generation and how his drive to get up after getting knocked down can inspire us all.

Similar influences extend to the Ja 2 apparel collection, which speaks to Morant's personal style, swagger and connection to youth culture through energetic, artistic prints on his signature fleece hoodie and trousers.

In a nod to Morant's widespread influence on the game, his second signature silhouette will include kids' sizing, while his fleece hoodie and trousers will be available in extended sizing.

"In Nike Basketball, we get to work with the world's best athletes, help them be even better on the court and create a canvas to tell stories. We are excited for the world to wear the Ja 2 and to continue to be inspired by his growth and electric style of play", says Josh Wachtel, VP/GM, Global Men's Basketball. "The Ja 2 gives hoopers everything they need—it's bouncy, fast, stable, looks great and is available in kids' sizing to serve the next generation".

The Nike Ja 2 will be available on SNKRS and in select markets on 26 September. The silhouette and apparel collection will be available globally at Nike.com and select retailers on 8 October.