New York City’s summer streetball scene is a cultural institution, where legendary courts, fierce rivalries, and iconic tournaments shape basketball’s soul. The Nike Ja 3 “NY vs NY,” set to release on July 22, 2025, captures this vibrant energy in a bold new colorway from Ja Morant’s signature line. Unveiled during Nike’s SNKRS Showcase, this sneaker pays homage to the city’s “NY vs NY” tournament circuit, blending high-performance technology with gritty, street-inspired aesthetics. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-have release.
The Nike Ja 3 “NY vs NY” (Style Code: IM0464-001) is a visual love letter to New York’s playground basketball tradition. Built on a sleek black base, the sneaker serves as a canvas for vibrant, high-energy graphics that reflect the intensity of streetball. Splashes of Total Orange, Neon Yellow, Bright Crimson, and Mint Foam animate the upper, with a standout graffiti-style “A” on the heel that pairs with the vertical Swoosh to subtly form “JA”—a nod to Ja Morant’s electrifying persona. The Swoosh itself is outlined in a gradient fade, adding a dynamic edge that mirrors the fast-paced action of NYC’s courts.
The “NY vs NY” logo, rendered in light blue on the tongue, directly ties the design to the tournament, while the textured upper features a repeated Ja logo pattern resembling tire treads—a continuation of the “scratch” design from Morant’s previous signatures. This rugged aesthetic not only channels Morant’s bold style but also resonates with the raw, unfiltered spirit of streetball, where legends are forged under the summer sun.
Like all Ja 3 releases, the “NY vs NY” is engineered for elite performance, designed to match Morant’s explosive, high-flying game. The sneaker features a full-length ZoomX foam midsole layered over recycled ZoomX scrap, delivering responsive cushioning for quick cuts and powerful takeoffs. A grippy, patterned outsole ensures traction on both outdoor asphalt and indoor hardwood, making it versatile for streetballers and pros alike. The lightweight mesh upper, accented with purpose-built perforations, enhances breathability, keeping players cool during heated summer matchups.
Morant himself emphasized the shoe’s balance of speed and control, stating, “I’m reading the game way better now—slowing it down when I need to, attacking when I see the opening. The Ja 3 matches that.” This performance-driven design makes the “NY vs NY” not just a style statement but a tool for dominating the court.
📅Release Date: July 22, 2025
