Ja Morant is moving in a new direction with a new streetwear collab as the NBA season approaches. The Memphis Grizzlies guard will be teaming up with Nike Basketball for the Air Force 1 Low “NY vs NY”, which pays tribute to New York City’s famous summer basketball tournament.

The “NY vs NY” league is a well-known basketball tournament in the city, bringing together the best high school players in the city to play in some of the most famous playgrounds in the world such as Rucker Park and Dyckman. Nike has in the past created a connection between the tournament and exclusive sneaker drops, but this release is even more special given Morant’s growing celebrity.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low features a polished build that’s as simple as it is detailed. Starting with a black premium nubuck upper as a base, the shoe is finished with tumbled leather Swooshes for some texture. White rope laces provide bold contrast and powder blue accents on the lace dubrae and insole give the shoe a pop without being too much. On the heel, there’s an embroidered “NY vs NY” that reiterates the city culture. A gum sole is used on the bottom to provide a classic, durable finish. The gum element is what makes this pair stand out from the rest.

Instead of being a signature shoe for the Ja line, this Air Force 1 stays true to the tournament’s legacy and features no personal branding. Despite that, it still feels like a seamless intersection between the rising basketball superstar and the city’s streetball culture. The sneaker is a minimal, everyday-ready Air Force 1 that forges a link between basketball performance shoes and lifestyle classics.

The Ja Morant x Nike Air Force 1 Low “NY vs NY” is set to release Fall 2025 at Nike.com and select retailers for $125 USD.

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