Nike Ja 2: Good But Boring

The Nike Ja 2 is the second signature shoe in Ja Morant’s signature line and is another example of the creative slump that Nike is currently mired in. The overall performance of the shoe is solid, but the design of this model is derivative and unoriginal. The overall build is so mediocre that it’s hard to recommend the Ja 2, especially if you already own a Sabrina or previous Ja model.

On the bright side, the Ja 2 maintains a reasonable retail price and, again, the shoe performs well on court. It’s designed for the dynamic, fast-paced game of the Memphis Grizzlies’ star guard, and in that sense it gets the job done. If you’re looking for an affordable guard shoe to cater to a quick, agile playing style, the Ja 2 is a good option, albeit a boring one.

Nike Ja 2 Performance Review

Nike Ja 2 Traction

The standout feature of the Nike Ja 2 is undoubtedly its traction. The shoe is equipped with a solid rubber outsole that features a concentric circle traction pattern, somewhat reminiscent of the traction pattern we saw on the New Balance Fresh Foam BB V2. At first, the outsole can feel a bit slick, but once broken in, the traction significantly improves, gripping the court impressively well.

The circular rubber sections on the outsole function independently, almost like suction cups providing great multidirectional coverage as you move on the court. The shoe allows for quick stops, directional changes, and effective lateral movements, which is ideal for guards who need to react swiftly to defenders and open up space on the court. The traction is one of the areas where the Ja 2 is a little bit better than its predecessor, which had solid but less remarkable grip.

If we’re talking about outdoor use, performance should be equally as good, and durability should be slightly above average, but not great. The rubber is solid, but it’s on the softer side. It should handle moderate use outdoors, but it shouldn’t be your main option.

Overall, the traction makes the Ja 2 a reliable choice for indoor courts, providing enough grip for quick and agile footwork without slipping.

Nike Ja 2 Cushioning

The cushioning in the Nike Ja 2 doesn’t depart significantly from the original. The shoe utilizes a lightweight Phylon midsole with a thin, rectangular Zoom Air unit in the forefoot. While the setup feels firm out of the box, it softens with wear, offering better responsiveness over time. The Zoom unit provides decent responsiveness in the forefoot, making it suitable for explosive movements on court, but it’s not particularly game-changing.

It feels almost exactly like the Nike Sabrina 2 and the Sabrina 1. If anything, with the Ja 2 you sit slightly higher. While this provides a marginally elevated feel, you don’t really lose much in terms of court feel. It strikes a good balance between providing just enough bounce and court feel without compromising stability. However, the shoe’s cushioning is not as plush as higher-end models, and it may feel a bit too firm for players looking for softer landings and a bit more impact protection.

If you are a light, shifty player on court who needs a snappy first step, the Ja 2 should work well for you.

Nike Ja 2 Materials

This is clearly the worst aspect of the JA 2 The shoe features a predominantly mesh upper with synthetic overlays, which contributes to its lightweight feel. However, the material choices feel notably cheap. The mesh is flexible and breathable, which aids comfort and flexibility, but the overall construction lacks any premium appeal.

A plastic overlay covers the mesh in certain areas for added durability and structure, but this, too, feels cost-cutting (and won’t be on every colorway). The materials don’t look or feel like something you would expect from a Nike signature shoe, especially considering the retail price. All this being said, the materials perform adequately in-game, they don’t overstretch, and they provide very nice containment for a textile-based basketball shoe.

Compared to the Nike Ja 1, the Ja 2 dials back any semblance of premium finishes. The synthetic leather seen on the Ja 1 has been swapped for cheaper materials. While this helps keep the shoe light and breathable, it also gives the sneaker a less polished and more budget-friendly appearance.

Nike Ja 2 Support

In terms of support, the Nike Ja 2 offers a mixed bag. The shoe’s design incorporates several elements to provide stability, including a firm heel counter, an outrigger, a small TPU midfoot torsional plate, and supportive materials around the midfoot. The upper’s rigidity, while not aesthetically pleasing, adds structure to the shoe, ensuring that the foot remains locked in as you make your cuts on court.

However, even though the shoe is equipped with a torsional plate, the shoe is lacking in torsional support. The Nike Ja 2 is very flexible and can be twisted, and bent in half relatively easily. This isn’t ideal for players who need added rigidity and support. Most players won’t encounter major issues, but if you’re looking for a beefy and sturdy hoops shoe, this is definitely not the shoe for you.

Nike Ja 2 Fit

One of the most noticeable improvements in the Nike Ja 2 over its predecessor is the fit. The Ja 1 looked roomy at first glance but instead offered a very snug fit. The Ja 2 does away with the excessive padding found in the Ja 1, particularly around the collar and forefoot. The reduced padding around the heel area is especially beneficial for players who have experienced discomfort or tendonitis with bulkier designs.

The fit is much slimmer and tailored, especially around the ankle and forefoot areas. The shoe conforms well to the foot without feeling restrictive. The Ja 2 fits similarly to the Nike Sabrina 2 as both shoes offer a sleek and form-fitting design that enhances mobility. Players with narrow or average-width feet should find the shoe comfortable, while those with wider feet might experience some tightness due to its slim profile.

Nike Ja 2 Overall

The Nike Ja 2 is a solid performer on the court, excelling in traction and providing decent support and cushioning. On the other hand, it doesn’t push the envelope at all in terms of design or innovation, and its use of cheap materials is a notable drawback, especially for those expecting premium quality from a signature Nike shoe.

If we’re only looking at on-court performance, for $120, it’s a decent value. Now, if we add in looks and material quality, the value starts to go down. Then there’s the issue that, at a very similar price point, you can find considerably better on-court performers like the Dame 9, the Don Issue 6, and the AE 1.

If you are a shifty guard looking for great traction and a reactive ride on court, and you are a Ja Morant superfan, this is the shoe for you. For everyone else, there are better options available.