NBA Star Jayson Tatum’s Second Jordan Brand Signature Shoe Will Arrive in 2024 — and It Will Come in Kids’ Sizing
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Christmas was kind to NBA star Jayson Tatum. Not only did his Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, the baller also revealed his second signature shoe with Jordan Brand, the Tatum 2, to the world.
“First of all, I still can’t believe I got my first signature shoe, and now that I’m on my second signature shoe, the inner kid in me comes out because I’m living out my dream in real time,” Tatum said in a statement. “I can’t stress how amazing it is to see it come to life after months of meetings and trial and error to get it right. I absolutely love it. There’s no better feeling.”
More from Footwear News
The Tatum 2, according to Jordan Brand, was specifically designed with his game in mind, defined by his ability to both pick his spots on the floor with precision and overpower defenders at the rim with his physicality. Also, the brand said the latest look of the Tatum franchise — which is among the lightest in the Jordan Brand performance portfolio — was built “for the needs of the next-up athlete who’s inspired to play like him.”
In terms of the shoe’s construction, Jordan Brand designed the Tatum 2 with uppers featuring large foam and textile pods. The brand stated these are strategically placed around the areas of the foot that experience high pressure when playing basketball. Also, Jordan Brand wrapped the foam frame that surrounds the pods high, which it explained stabilizes the wearer’s foot during multidirectional movement without limiting mobility or feel.
As for what’s underfoot, Jordan Brand added a modified herringbone traction pattern to the shoe’s outsoles, which it explained are reductive in weight but offer more coverage areas where the wearer needs it the most. Also, to help cushion impact from explosive movements, the shoe includes a proprietary Air Strobel. Jordan Brand said the Air Strobel will help improve responsiveness, as well as to provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition and “a more flexible feel that delivers a sensation built for durability.”
“Jayson is one of the best two-way players in the league with a high usage rate, so he needs a long-lasting ride to help keep him fresh for the long season,” Jordan Brand expert footwear designer Bryant Klug said in a statement. “That’s what the Air Strobel does so well. The smooth heel-to-toe transition is also a key feature of the Air Strobel, which fits with Jayson’s priority to wear a shoe that moves as one with his foot.”
Aesthetically, Jordan Brand said the aforementioned pods serve as references the “bold and fun spirit of ’90s hoop shoes.” Also, Tatum’s jersey number (0) and signature are featured on the heels, his “JT” logo is on the front of the tongue and his son, “Deuce,” is on the inside, and the phrases “Find A Way” and “Like Father, Like Son” are included on the shoe.
“For me, this second shoe represents evolution and how much I’ve grown as a player,” Tatum said in a statement. “I’m always building on my skills so I can be better than who I was yesterday. I hope consumers appreciate how much we put into this one.”
The Tatum 2 will also come in kids’ sizes. The shoe, like its predecessor, will come with a collapsible injected TPU tailgate system on the heel for kids to easily get in and out of.
“Whenever a kid sees my shoe on a shelf or online, or slides them on their feet, I want them to feel connected to me. I want them to feel a bond,” Tatum said in a statement. “This is so important to me because I remember getting the shoes of my favorite player that I always used to watch on TV. For me, it bridged that gap from thousands of miles away so that when I put that shoe on, it bonded and connected us. Whether that athlete knew it or not, there was a different energy I had as a kid when I put that on. I hope kids feel something special when they put mine on.”
The first Tatum 2 colorway to release is “Momma’s Boy,” which arrives in adult sizing on March 5, 2024, via Jordan.com and at select retailers. The colorway, Jordan Brand explained, is an homage to the close relationship Tatum has with his mom. It features her favorite color, volt, as well as an all-over print of her favorite flower, the white calla lily.
Additionally, Jordan Brand will release apparel with ties to the “Momma’s Boy” colorway, including a men’s hoodie ($75) and two men’s T-shirts ($35).
Following “Momma’s Boy” is “Vortex,” which releases on April 4, 2024, in full family sizing. The colorway, according to Jordan brand, is Tatum “being a focal point of his team and the energy he carries game in and game out” and serves as a reference “to his composed, steady demeanor under pressure, much like the sight of the middle of a vortex.”
The shoes will retail for $125 in adult sizing, $95 in grade school, $75 for pre-school and $55 for toddler.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
Best of Footwear News
Everything to Know About Crocs' Sold-Out Lightning McQueen Clogs From 'Cars'
How to Become an Adidas Product Tester, Get Free Sneakers and More: Everything You Need to Know
Clarks' Most Iconic Collaborations: From Todd Snyder to Pokémon
Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
