UPDATE: 9/28/23

Nike has made a notable alteration to the upcoming signature Ja 1 sneaker by removing the well-known quote, "We ain't ducking no smoke." This decision comes in the wake of two prior gun-related charges against Ja Morant. In a swift move, Nike opted to eliminate the quote from the sneaker design, a step taken to prevent any potential controversy.

The choice to remove the phrase "We ain't ducking no smoke" was primarily driven by Nike's desire to connect any potential association with firearms, given that the slang term "smoke" is commonly linked to conflicts or disputes. Nike recognizes that the use of the term can inadvertently evoke imagery of gun-related incidents, as "smoke" is often used to describe the aftermath of a discharged firearm.

While Nike has not issued an official statement regarding this decision, it appears evident that the renowned sportswear giant sought to steer clear of any disagreeable situations, especially in light of the controversy surrounding Ja Morant. In place of the removed quote on the back heel of the sneaker, Ja Morant's signature logo now takes it's place.

Nike unveils the Ja 1 "We Ain't Ducking No Smoke"

Nike is back with a new addition to the "Midnight Series" of sneakers, and this one draws its inspiration from a memorable moment in basketball history. The Ja 1 "We Ain't Ducking No Smoke" pays tribute to Ja Morant, who famously declared, "We ain't ducking no smoke. We run up the chimney." These words were his response to some smack talk from Patrick Beverly of the Minnesota Timberwolves during his third year in the League.

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Subtle design and a statement piece

This latest release of the Ja 1 is part of a collection that has been turning heads since its reveal in February. While there have been various colorways of the Ja 1, the "We Ain't Ducking No Smoke" edition stands out as one of the more understated options. The shoe's design is all about embracing the darkness. It features an upper composed of jet-black tones, extending to the mesh, TPU layers, leather elements, laces, liner, and tongue tags. A notable feature of this sneaker is the smokey colored swoosh that sets the tone for the pair. Right below the Swoosh, you'll find the words "We Ain't Ducking No Smoke," serving as a constant reminder of Morant's fearless attitude.

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Attention to the details and performance design

Nike has paid close attention to the finer details of this sneaker. Morant's jersey number, "12," is stitched in vibrant yellow at the heel, adding a pop of color to the dark design. The same shade of yellow can be seen on his logo, which graces the tongue tag of the right shoe. Inside the tag, you'll find the player's initials in their team's colors. These subtle touches add personality and uniqueness to the shoe.
The Ja 1 "We Ain't Ducking No Smoke" no only excels in it's design elements; it's designed for performance as well. The shoe incorporates Zoom tech rubber in its midsole and outsole, offering both comfort and support for those on the move.

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Release date and pricing

The scheduled release date for the NIke Ja 1 "We Ain't Ducking No Smoke" releases on October 6th. This pair will only come in men's sizing and it will be available for a retail price of $120 USD. You can expect to find it on Nike's official website.

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