The Swarovski x Nike Ja 2 lineup consists of two opulent designs, with one limited to just 1,999 pairs and retails for $550 (P32,270).
It’s only a few days till NBA All-Star Weekend goes into full swing, but the games are already shining the spotlight on a new star on the court: the Swarovski x Nike Ja 2 crystal-coated basketball shoes.
Initially announced last December, the stunning collaboration between the Australian jewelry maker and American sports brand blends elegance and performance seamlessly into Ja Morant’s signature sneakers. It follows the success of the Nike Ja 1 “Midnight,” which was swathed in Swarovski crystals and released in March 2023.
The Swarovski x Nike Ja 2 is taking luxury to new heights with its two blinged-out styles that’ll make you shine on and off the court. Both pairs, in true Swarovski fashion, are opulent, but one is less elusive than the other.
The pair that doesn’t necessarily require a triple-spin-back-cross-pullup, aka complex basketball moves, to cop is the Nike Ja 2 “Scratch Bling.” The shoe sports a straightforward black color scheme, with the upper crafted from mesh, suede, and nubuck for durability and comfort.
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Luxury is infused into the high-performing shoes with the Swarovski detailing applied to Ja Morant’s branding on the tongue, the Nike Swoosh on the upper, and the backstay. What makes the pair truly shine is the bedazzled graphic on the lateral quarter panel, which is reminiscent of grizzly bear scratch marks inspired by Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies team.
Meanwhile, a reflective “12:AM” detailing was added on the heel to symbolize Morant’s late-night training sessions that resulted in his sensational plays since he made his NBA debut in 2019.
The more elusive pair in the collaboration is the Nike Ja 2 “Black Label,” which is limited to just 1,999 units—a nod to Morant’s year of birth. It flaunts extravagant details, starting with its upper, which is crafted from black mesh, suede, and leather, for breathability and durability.
The suede is hardly noticeable as it is completely covered with shimmering rhinestones from the mid-panel to the quarter and heel. The only space left blank on the shoe are the ones that make out the medial Swoosh and the toe-box.
Swarovski rhinestones also take over the shoes’ overlays and the Ja logo on the tongue, making the pair the most lavish Ja sneakers by far. The interior of the tongue is also numbered to signify its limited production—and why it’s a prized item for both hoopers and collectors.
In addition, Morant left his stamp on the pair with the blue “12” logo on the toe and the underfoot.
Morant is one of today’s most celebrated NBA players because of his athleticism, acrobatic plays, and never-back-down attitude. He was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020. By the end of the 2021-22 season, Morant won the league’s Most Improved Player Award and was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game as a starter.
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Nike, in 2019, signed a multi-year endorsement deal with the superstar point guard for his popularity and connection with the younger generation. Dubbed “Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete,” Morant announced his first signature shoe, the Nike Ja 1, in December 2022 and officially released it in April 2023.
Although the 25-year-old player won’t be joining the main event of this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend on Feb. 17, his Swarovski-enhanced kicks will be enough to make him shine in one of the league’s most-anticipated highlights.
The Swarovski x Ja 2 “Scratch Bling” and “Black Label” are slated for release on Feb. 14 at select Nike retailers and Nike.com, with a price tag of USD 150 (PHP 8,800) and USD 550 (PHP 32,270) respectively.
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