Deal verdict: Is the Nike Ja 4 launch lineup worth it?
The Nike Ja 4 is Ja Morant’s fourth signature basketball shoe, combining new cushioning, updated traction and bold color blocking across a launch lineup of three distinct performance-focused colorways designed for fast, attacking guards. Viewed as a deal, this debut run looks like good value if you want a current-generation Ja Morant sneaker and do not need a heavy discount. You get a fresh model, three very different looks and a modern setup aimed at quick cuts and explosive takeoffs, making the Nike Ja 4 release more about securing one of the first pairs than bargain hunting.
Nike Ja 4 Nightmare: Dark debut with new tech underfoot
The Ja 4 Nightmare is the first colorway for Morant’s new signature sneaker, dressed in Obsidian, Black, Voltage Green and Multi-Color for a moody look that pops at key accents. Obsidian covers most of the upper, while sharp Voltage Green hits highlight the dark base to echo the pressure Morant puts on defenders. Underfoot, the shoe moves to a Cushlon 3.0 midsole paired with a supercritical SPRPWR sockliner to cushion takeoffs and soften landings, replacing the Ja 3’s hybrid ZoomX setup. A new TPU JA Frame works with the streamlined upper for containment, and a redesigned traction pattern targets quick lateral transitions. The Nightmare launches August 13 through Nike and select retailers, so it is the earliest chance to try the new platform.
Nike Ja 4 NY vs. NY: Streetball energy in Persian Violet and Teal
The Nike Ja 4 NY vs. NY leans hard into color for players who want their shoes to stand out as much as their handle. The upper mixes Persian Violet, Rio Teal, Iron Grey and Fruit Punch, with Purple as the dominant tone and Teal plus Metallic Red contrasts that echo the energy of summer streetball tournaments. Nike adds Ja branding on the tongue and heel along with an aggressive sculpted midsole carried over from the core Ja 4 design. Tournament-specific touches like NY lace dubraes and special right insole branding give this pair its own identity within the Nike Ja 4 release lineup. The NY vs. NY colorway drops August 15 at select Nike Basketball retailers, including Nike and Foot Locker, and is positioned as a premium, limited-edition Ja Morant sneaker.
Nike Ja 4 Radar: Thermal heat map with bright orange Swooshes
If you want the loudest take on the Ja 4 so far, the Radar colorway is it. Its upper looks like a thermal scan, with red, yellow, aqua and blue bleeding across a deep purple base for a full heat map effect. Bright orange covers the oversized Swooshes and sharp support pieces that run through the midsole, while black laces with orange trim, a black tongue, collar and outsole keep the rest of the shoe anchored. The structure stays consistent with other Ja 4 pairs: a more angular build, heavily textured materials and larger stabilizing pieces around the midfoot and heel, plus repeated “12” markings on the orange sections of the outsole. The Nike Ja 4 Radar is expected to drop in October through Nike.com and select Nike Basketball retailers as a mid-range performance option.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Nike Ja 4 Nightmare if you want the earliest access to Ja Morant’s new signature basketball shoe with its full tech package.
- Skip the Nike Ja 4 Nightmare if you dislike dark, understated uppers and prefer lighter or brighter base colors.
- Buy the Nike Ja 4 NY vs. NY if you want a limited, colorful streetball-inspired Ja Morant sneaker that turns heads on outdoor courts.
- Skip the Nike Ja 4 NY vs. NY if bold Persian Violet and Teal color blocking feels too loud for your playing style.
- Buy the Nike Ja 4 Radar if you like thermal heat map graphics, bright orange accents and a busy, statement-making upper.
- Skip the Nike Ja 4 Radar if you prefer simple, minimal designs over multicolor patterns and large contrast Swooshes.
