The Nike Ja 1 ‘Red Stardust’ Is Inspired By Morant’s $30,000 Grills

Say it ain’t so! NBA fans were left devastated when news broke that Ja Morant is going to be sidelined for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. While hoops fans will no doubt miss his gravity-defying slams and inimitable gait, sneakerheads will still have the chance to lace plenty of upcoming Nike Ja 1 colourways.

The latest to arrive takes inspiration from Morant’s $30,000 diamond grills (designed by Johnny Dang), with the tongue tags displaying a graphic featuring four glistening teeth adorned with blue diamonds. Elsewhere, on the lateral heel, a ‘University Red’ patch bears Morant’s unique signature: TMT. Finally, a ‘Red Stardust’ and ‘Black’ colour palette enlivens the mesh and leather materials, while down below, a speckled sail and white midsole greets a black outsole.

Debuting in Spring last year, the Ja 1 is the very first signature sneaker specifically built for a Gen Z athlete. Replete with personalised elements including handwritten notes, Morant paid tribute to members of his family, friends and community – a group now affectionately dubbed ‘Team Morant’.

Can’t get enough of the basketball? Make sure to check out all the sneaker storylines of the 2022-23 NBA season.