Ja Morant‘s newest signature sneaker from Nike is his most well-received yet, and each of the colorways released so far has sold out. That streak will likely continue with the impending launch of a new variant taking inspiration from an essential Memphis film.
The Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” is inspired by the Academy Award-winning movie of the same name from 2005. A mismatched treatment sees the left shoe appear in blue and the right in yellow, a choice that reflects one of the film’s posters with Terrance Howard in his character’s Chevrolet Caprice Classic.
Predominantly tonal color schemes form the two sneakers, with a darker shade of blue beginning on the sole unit of the left shoe and carrying onto the upper through its scratch motifs. The base is then set in a lighter blue, while yellow laces and a gold lateral Swoosh with red trim provide contrast. Yellow and orange come to the other foot with red laces and a lateral Swoosh in two shades of blue.
Morant’s third signature sneaker launched earlier in August and marks a dramatic design turn for the player’s line. His first two sneakers were far more clean cut, and the star point guard himself urged Nike to get more daring with the third. The designer clearly understood the assignment, as marks taking slashes from a grizzly bridge the sole unit and upper while forming an “A” to follow a vertical Swoosh serving as a “J.”
All the colorways seen thus far have been equally loud, and Morant may just have a claim for the best signature model in the NBA season.
The Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” will release Sept. 5 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $130.
Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” (pair)
Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” (pair)
Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” (left medial)
Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” (above)
Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” (heel)
Nike Ja 3 “Hustle & Flow” (outsole)
