Ja Morant is in Portland, he has a new number, a new team, and is about to have a new shoe. The Nike Ja 4 "Nightmare" is the first official colorway of Morant's fourth signature with Nike, and the just-released photos already show a much more defined identity compared to the Ja 3 — more intense, darker, more mature. Exactly like the moment Ja is living.
One thing we can already tell you now: TripleBasket will be one of the very few stores in Europe to have several colorways of the Ja 4 as soon as they become available. If you don’t want to risk missing out, bookmark this page.
Design: what changes compared to the Ja 3
The Ja 4 evolves the DNA of the 3 but with a completely different aesthetic. The upper has an external texture with raised triangle details, an abstract "JA" graphic on the side, and a small integrated Swoosh. The midsole has a more defined silhouette compared to the Ja 3, for a cleaner and less "chunky" look. The heel tabs are shaped for greater structure in the rear area.
The most interesting element from a technical point of view is the "A"-shaped synthetic overlay — which starts from the upper, goes down towards the sole, and wraps around the medial side, offering lateral containment without weighing down the shoe. On the sole, a mix of triangle patterns for traction and a repeated detail with the number "12" — an easter egg for longtime Ja fans from his Memphis days.
Technology
- ZoomX insoles paired with Cushlon 3.0 foam — immediate responsiveness (ZoomX) and progressive cushioning (Cushlon)
- Outsole with multidirectional triangle pattern — instant stops, quick cuts, and explosive changes of direction
- "A"-shaped synthetic overlay — structured lateral containment without excessive rigidity
The "Nightmare" colorway
Obsidian/Black/Voltage Green/Multi-Color (style code IM4135-405) — deep night blue as the base, with electric green details that explode on the side and sole. The name "Nightmare" and the chosen colors refer to a dark and aggressive aesthetic, far from the more vibrant and pop colorways of the Ja 3. It’s the shoe for those who want to intimidate on the court, not just look good.
The Triple team’s opinion
From the first glance at the photos, the Ja 4 "Nightmare" seems built for the same type of player as the Ja 3 — playmakers and explosive guards who burn the floor — but with a more controlled ground response thanks to the more defined midsole silhouette. The "A" overlay is a detail that particularly intrigues us: if it works as it seems, it could offer more precise lateral containment compared to the Ja 3, which had some room for improvement in this area. We look forward to having it in hand to tell you more — and it won’t take long.
Release date and price
The Nike Ja 4 "Nightmare" will be released on August 13, 2026 on Nike SNKRS and selected retailers. Price: $130 USD (EU price not yet confirmed — we expect around €140-150 in line with the Ja 3).
A second colorway is already confirmed: the Ja 4 "Jaws", expected in September 2026. TripleBasket aims to have both — along with other colorways in European preview. Follow us to be the first to know.