This week in kicks: Ja, Nike unleash new signatures

It’s time for the NBA playoffs, which means one thing: new sneaker releases.

Whether it's fresh colourways or brand-new signatures, the playoffs are the perfect platform for brand’s biggest releases, and we’re seeing that in full effect as the post-season begins.

But away from the NBA court, things are heating up, with new kicks released for WNBA stars, baseball icons and even vampire hunters.

Nike reveals Ja 3

The NBA's most polarising star has revealed his third signature sneaker, with Ja Morant unveiling the Ja 3.

The shoe was debuted during the Grizzlies opening playoff game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, in an eye-catching pink colourway.

“I told them, ‘Don’t be scared. Push it. Make it rugged, make it different.’ And they ran with it,” Morant said of his third signature model.

Among the key details of the shoe is full-length ZoomX cushion technology, as well as the Nike logo and pattern on the upper combining to spell ‘JA’.

Aussie Somfai shows off Jordan Brand Classic haul

It’s back-to-back appearances from rising Aussie star Lara Somfai; last week she gave us an early look at the Nike Hoop Summit gear, and she is back again to show off her haul from the Jordan Brand Classic.

Somfai, alongside fellow JBC athlete Leah Macy, showed off an impressive collection from the event, including iconic pairs of Jordan’s first three signature models.

On the court, they were both gifted a pair of Jordan 39s, plus a colourway of the Tatum 3s to choose from for the all-important game.

The Jordan Brand Classic is an annual showcase of high-school level talent, which takes places in Brooklyn, New York.

NBL1 SNEAKER OF THE WEEK

Best kicks from around the NBL1.

Angel Reese puts stamp on Reebok classic

One of the most popular players in women's basketball, Reebok pulled off a massive coup when they signed Chicago Sky star Angel Reese last year.

Throughout her rookie year, Reese put in work in the Reebok Engine A, but as the 2025 WNBA season approaches she has been given the keys to the brand’s vault.

Reese has been given her very own colourway of the iconic Reebok Shaqnosis, the shoe made famous by Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

The black-and-white design is swapped for pink and cream in this drop, as Reese continues her position of the face of Reebok basketball.

MLB stars don custom Jordans for Jackie Robinson day

Jackie Robinson day is one of the MLB’s most important fixtures, when the league comes together to celebrate the iconic player who broke the league’s colour barrier.

Each and every player has their jersey number replaced with 42 in honour of the Dodgers legend, who played from 1947-56.

For this season’s celebrations, Jordan brand took things one step further, designing a custom pair of Jordan 3 cleats adorned with ‘42’ which were worn by some of the leagues biggest stars.

From Aaron Judge to Mookie Betts, the best of baseball came together to show Robinson love with their game day kicks, showing what the brand described as “Honor in every step”.

FIT OF THE WEEK: Ben Simmons

Every week, we’ll pick one Aussie or Aussie-adjacent hooper who has put together the fit of the week.

As the playoffs begin, Ben Simmons and the Clippers prepare for action, inspired by this cream and red fit with LV shoes and a bag to match.

POST-CREDIT SCENES

The best bits that didn’t quite make the cut.

• Michael B Jordan makes customs for new movie

About the Author

Jed Wells is a basketball, fashion and culture writer based out of Sydney, Australia, with a keen interest on the sneaker industry both on and off the court. He is still waiting for his own signature shoe.