Ja Morant is only the second Nike signature figure after LeBron James to have his shoe extended into a high-top variant by the fourth iteration. That says something about the investment Nike is making in the character.
The Ja 4 in Detail
The Nike Ja 4 is the fourth signature shoe from Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies, NBA). Generation 4 introduces two technical innovations: the JA-Frame, a TPU external cage at the heel for stability, and a combination of Cushlon 3.0 foam plus a supercritical foam sockliner for cushioning. This combination is now familiar in Nike’s NBA signature line — it also appears in the LeBron 22 and KD 17.
Five colorways are planned for the season, with “Nightmare” confirmed for August 13, 2026 — the first with a set release date.
The High-Top: A First for the Ja Line
The Ja 4 high-top is a first for the silhouette. It features a mesh upper covering the ankle with no lacing system — containment comes from the construction itself. The announced price is $180, versus $130–140 for the standard low-top.
High-tops have made a comeback in basketball driven by a few players who popularized them in recent seasons. Nike is responding to real demand, both for performance (some players prefer ankle support) and for lifestyle aesthetics.
The ‘12 Time’: Accessible Without Diluting the Main Product
Alongside the Ja 4, Nike launches the “12 Time” — an accessible silhouette tied to the Ja Morant universe but priced lower, reaching markets and buyers the Ja 4 at $130–140 doesn’t reach. This two-speed range strategy — premium signature plus accessible line — is standard practice in basketball (Air Force 1 with its lower-priced variants, LeBron Witness…). It’s a way to expand the fanbase without devaluing the primary object.