The Nike Ja 4 “Deep Water“—also known as the “Jaws” iteration—is scheduled for release on September 25, 2026, priced at $140, according to footwear industry reports. Designed as the latest signature model for Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, the sneaker draws thematic inspiration from the iconic 1975 thriller film movie poster, combining an ocean-themed blue palette with aggressive shark-inspired design elements.
Release Date and Retail Availability
Footwear retailers have slated the global rollout for September 25, 2026. The sneaker carries a standard retail price of $140, keeping Morant’s signature line positioned within a competitive performance-basketball price bracket. According to initial launch details, general release pairs will hit major basketball retailers including Nike SNKRS, Hibbett, and Dick’s Sporting Goods (DSG), alongside a targeted Foot Locker-exclusive drop at FootLocker.com.
In addition to adult sizing, retail tracking indicates that a grade school (GS) size run will be available at a lower price point of $115. While standard availability is expected to mirror a general release across most partner stores, specific channels like Foot Locker may experience heightened launch-day demand due to exclusive inventory windows.
Aquatic Colorway and Movie-Inspired Design
The sneaker’s aesthetic is built around a layered aquatic color scheme. Official style code JA9742-400 features a mix of Diffused Blue, Blackened Blue, Chambray, Glacier Blue, University Red, and Cobalt Bliss. This palette establishes a cold, tonal blue look meant to evoke deep ocean water rather than high-contrast color blocking.
The theme leans heavily into cinematic imagery. Shark-teeth graphics appear prominently on the tongue, flanked by Ja Morant’s personal logo rendered in University Red right at the center of the graphic. The design builds on an earlier preview when Morant debuted a similar concept during EYBL events in Las Vegas.
Performance Specs and On-Court Tech
Beneath the themed exterior, the Ja 4 is engineered for dynamic guard play. The midsole incorporates responsive Cushlon 3.0 foam, designed to absorb impact during hard landings while providing a springy return both on and off the hardcourt. A structured containment system and supportive upper mesh work together to lock the foot in place during sharp cuts.
For traction, the rubber outsole utilizes a modernized waffle-iron grip pattern coupled with extra flex grooves. These additions allow for natural foot articulation, giving players stability when executing rapid changes of direction. A durable rubber compound on the sole ensures the model holds up during outdoor asphalt sessions.
Personal Storytelling Details
Nike has embedded several personal nods to Morant’s career throughout the shoe’s chassis. The outsole features an engraving of his quote, “If you are down there,” while the lateral frame carries the phrase, “I don’t only have motion where my feet are at, it’s global.” These inscriptions emphasize the expanding reach of Morant’s signature line within global basketball culture.
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