Sneaker Releases

Nike Ja 1 “Day 1” Men’s & Kids’ Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

Apr 11, 2023

As the newest member of the Nike Basketball squad, Ja Morant has a lot to prove with his own signature line. But judging from this glimpse of one of the first colorways, we think the Memphis Grizzlies point guard is on track for a solid debut.

Nike Ja 1 "Day 1" Men's & Kids' Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

The Nike Ja 1 “Day One” comes in a bright mix of Cobalt Bliss, Citron Tint, Hot Punch Medium Soft Pink and Diffused Blue. Designed by Ben Nethongkome, the sneaker is inspired by Morant’s underdog climb to the top and his daughter, Kaari. You can get your hands on this highly anticipated release in men’s and grade school kids’ sizes starting on April 1.

Nike Ja 1 "Day 1" Men's & Kids' Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

Though Morant had a slow start, he quickly turned heads, going second in the 2019 NBA draft and earning the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year award. The Nike Ja 1 celebrates this hard work with a black heel counter covered in “12 AM” repeating in an iridescent finish. This is a nod to his late nights perfecting his game. Also on the heel is his signature in a light blue scrawl.

Nike Ja 1 "Day 1" Men's & Kids' Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

The rest of the upper is predominantly light blue mesh with a ventilated matching leather overlay across the vamp. There’s a Nike Swoosh that fades from pale yellow to hot pink across the middle of each side, with the hot pink line connecting on the heel. Above it, you’ll see a number 12 stitched on the top of the heel — light blue on the left shoe and navy on the right shoe.

Nike Ja 1 "Day 1" Men's & Kids' Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

The navy tongue with a red Morant logo on the left shoe and a yellow one on the right. The light blue insoles feature a heartfelt message from Ja himself. The left one is dedicated to his fans, family and everyone else who supported him along the way, while the right one is directed to his daughter.

Nike Ja 1 "Day 1" Men's & Kids' Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

The pale yellow midsole wraps around the shoe, and like other modern basketball sneakers, is slightly wrapped by the pale pink outsole. On the inside of the right shoe, you’ll see the message “Start From Scratch,” which is what Morant had to do when he was overlooked by colleges and unranked when he committed to Murray.

Nike Ja 1 "Day 1" Men's & Kids' Basketball Shoe Launching 4/19

Rocking these kicks won’t give you the skill of Morant, but they will give you the confidence you need to beat your opponents on the hardwood. Throw them on with white crew socks, navy basketball shorts and your team’s jersey, and you’ll be fit to zoom around the court with ease.

Be a part of Ja Morant’s success story with the Nike Ja 1 “Day One.” They’re dropping in men’s and grade school kids’ sizes on April 1, online and at your local Hibbett | City Gear.The Nike Ja 1 is highly anticipated, so if it’s out of stock now, be sure to follow our sneaker launch calendar so you don’t miss the next drop.

Shop the Story