The Nike Ja 4 is the fourth signature shoe of Ja Morant, currently a guard for the Portland Trail Blazers. After a beautiful but technically debated Ja 3, Nike changed almost everything that mattered: cushioning, lateral structure, and upper. We tested it on the court and the short answer is this: it is a much improved shoe compared to the Ja 3.
In summary: more stable, more cushioned, and reliable in direction changes. The upper is stiff at first and needs to be softened with a couple of training sessions; afterwards, it takes the shape of the foot well. Snug fit: go half a size up.
→ See the Nike Ja 4 available on TripleBasket
What changes compared to the Ja 3
The Ja 3 had a specific flaw: lots of responsiveness, little stability. The ZoomX foam was soft and springy, but the narrow base and limited lateral support made it unreliable in lateral movements (we discussed this in the Nike Ja 3 review). The Ja 4 addresses this exactly:
- Midsole: from hybrid ZoomX to Cushlon 3.0, a more controlled and stable foam.
- Insole: new in supercritical SPRPWR foam, lightweight and responsive, compensating for the bounce on takeoff.
- Lateral structure: introduces the JA-Frame in TPU, which wraps the midfoot on the outside and keeps the foot above the sole during direction changes.
- Upper: made of lightweight foam with textured reinforcements, more solid and durable.
- Outsole: new traction pattern inspired by Ja's logo, designed for starts and jumps.
Nike Ja 4 technical sheet
- Cushioning: Cushlon 3.0 midsole + SPRPWR insole
- Stability: lateral JA-Frame in TPU
- Cut: low-cut
- Weight: about 392 g (US size 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: about 6 mm
- Fit: snug, half size up recommended
- Release: August 2026
Our on-court test
Stability: the real leap in quality
This is where the Ja 4 separates itself from the Ja 3. The JA-Frame does its job: during direction changes and stops, the foot stays inside the shoe and does not slip outward. Those who felt like they were "coming out" of the sole during lateral movements with the Ja 3 no longer have that feeling with the Ja 4.
Cushioning: more complete and reliable
The Cushlon 3.0 is less "springy" than the ZoomX of the Ja 3, but it protects better on landings and above all does not reduce stability. The result is a shoe you can use for a whole game without the instability sensation that the previous model gave.
Traction
Excellent grip on clean parquet, precise in starts and stops. On dusty courts, it needs to be cleaned occasionally, like almost all shoes with soft rubber compounds.
Upper: stiff at first, then perfect
The upper is stiff when first worn. It takes a couple of training sessions to soften it: afterwards, it molds well to the foot and the fit becomes precise. Don’t judge it from the first try in the store.
The flaws
- Break-in required: the upper needs some training sessions before performing at its best.
- Breathability: the foam upper heats the foot during long sessions.
- Tight fit in the toe box: if you take your usual size, you risk feeling it too tight, especially with wide feet.
What size to take
The Nike Ja 4 fits snugly, especially in the toe area. The advice is half a size up from your usual number. If you have wide feet, consider a full size up. Unsure? Write to us on WhatsApp: we help you choose based on your foot, or try it in our stores in Varese, Legnano, and Trieste.
Who it is suitable for
✔️ Recommended for:
- fast guards and playmakers
- players who attack the rim and frequently change direction
- those who discarded the Ja 3 because it was unstable
❌ Less suitable for:
- those who want a comfortable shoe immediately, without break-in
- big men and heavy players looking for maximum cushioning
The verdict
The Ja 4 is the Ja that was missing: it keeps the explosive character of the line, but finally it is a shoe you can count on in games. More stable, more cushioned, and reliable in direction changes. Give it a couple of training sessions to soften the upper and go half a size up: it pays off.
The Nike Ja 4 available on TripleBasket
- Nike Ja 4 "Phantom"
- Nike Ja 4 "Zombie" Halloween, limited edition
- Nike Ja 4 "Heat Check"
- Nike Ja 4 "Deep Water"
→ All Ja Morant basketball shoes
More details on individual colorways: Ja 4 "Nightmare" and Ja 4 "Deep Water". Looking for other options? Check out the basketball shoes for guards.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nike Ja 4
Is the Nike Ja 4 better than the Ja 3? Yes. It is more stable thanks to the lateral JA-Frame structure in TPU, more cushioned with the Cushlon 3.0 midsole, and more reliable in direction changes, which were the weak point of the Ja 3.
How does the Nike Ja 4 fit? It fits snugly, especially in the toe box. We recommend half a size up from your usual number, a full size up if you have wide feet.
Is the Ja 4 upper stiff? At first, yes. After a couple of training sessions, it softens and molds well to the player's foot.
Is the Nike Ja 4 suitable for guards? Yes, it is designed for fast and explosive guards and playmakers who attack the rim and frequently change direction.
Where to buy the Nike Ja 4 in Italy? On TripleBasket, online with 24/48h shipping and 30-day returns, or in stores in Varese, Legnano, and Trieste.
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Mario Di Sabato — Co-founder of TripleBasket Basketball player with over 30 years of experience, Mario has played on the courts of the Italian Serie A. After his competitive career, he coached youth teams, passing on the passion for basketball to new generations. In 2004, he founded TripleBasket in Varese together with Mauro Costantino.