Matt Varga The fall always brings on a deluge of new signature shoes, brands all clamoring to convert basketball fans into consumers for their latest offerings. While we’ve already got a laundry list of shoes we’re anticipating (like the LeBron 22 or PUMA MB.04), Ja Morant’s Nike Ja 2 is near the top of it. Advanced retailer images have allowed us to get a pretty good sense of what the model will bring, but we’re circling back to the very start for this update, as in-hand looks at the Nika Ja 2 “Murray State” have just surfaced.
With these new photos, easily the biggest draw with this edition is a double mesh upper, covering claw-mark safari print with a semi-translucent ply of fabric. Atop that layer, jagged pieces of light blue/chrome tie back in to Morant’s current Grizzlies squad. In comparison to the Ja 1 of the same name, this shoe capitalizes on more refined tonality with a heavy dose of earthy light brown down the throat of the shoe.
Zooming out, the first looks we’ve gotten at Morant’s latest signature (Ja 2 “Halloween,” Ja 2 “Stargazer” & Ja 2 “Christmas”) have each sported radically different prints and compositions on their quarter panels. Plush radial graphics, debossed synthetics and reflective holiday print now slide in alongside this rip-away fabric. It showcases Beaverton’s intentions to let #12’s animated personality shine through on his latest kicks, a far cry from the simplistic construction of the Ja 1.
As of writing, it’s unclear when the Ja 2 “Murray State” will receive a public launch, but a pair making its way to @sharkicks1 seems to indicate it’s coming sooner than later. Keep an eye on our Sneaker Release Dates page as the year draws on for any/all updates on this pair’s release, and check out the full suite of images below while you wait.
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- Nike Ja 2 “Murray State” @sharkicks1
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- Nike Ja 2 “Murray State” @sharkicks1
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- Nike Ja 2 “Murray State” @sharkicks1
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- Nike Ja 2 “Murray State” @sharkicks1
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- Nike Ja 2 “Murray State” @sharkicks1
