Nike and Kool-Aid are back in the game together, teaming up with Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant for a second straight year—and this time, the collaboration is bigger, bolder, and more personal than ever.
Introducing the Nike x Kool-Aid Ja 3, a limited-edition sneaker that brings a splash of childhood nostalgia to the hardwood. Following last year's wildly popular Ja 2 Kool-Aid release, the new Ja 3 doubles down on the unexpected but beloved partnership between Nike Basketball and the iconic drink brand.
What makes this drop stand out? It's all in the family. The mismatched colorway—a signature of Morant's line—features a pink left shoe inspired by pink lemonade and a lemon-yellow right shoe channeling lemon-lime flavor. But the real story behind the design hits closer to home.
"The Ja 2 Kool-Aid went crazy, so we already knew we had to run it back for the 3s and take it up another level," Morant said in a statement. "Obviously, Kool-Aid has been part of my life since I was a kid—that's family, that's culture, that's real memories."
He credits his mother for the winning concept. "My mom came up with the idea to do a Pink Lemonade and Lemon Lime colorway, and it just clicked. So yeah… Ma Dukes spoke on this one. And I hope this shoe means something special for moms and families out there too."
Since debuting as Nike Basketball's first Gen Z signature athlete with the Ja 1 on Christmas Day 2022, Morant has quickly built one of the most exciting sneaker lines in the game. The Ja 3 has already become his most successful model yet, blending head-turning style with serious on-court performance that's earned visibility across the NBA this season.
The Nike x Kool-Aid Ja 3 drops as a limited release starting May 20 via the SNKRS app and select retailers nationwide. Fans can get early access details starting May 13. And for those already looking ahead, the Ja 4 is set to land this fall.
Whether you're chasing that court-ready edge or just love a sneaker with a story, this collab serves up a refreshing twist on signature style.