Ja Morant’s latest colorway of his first signature shoe is preparing to debut. Known as the Nike Ja 1 “Smoke”, images of the shoes recently leaked, which has caused some controversy.

Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 Before

This pair is inspired by an altercation between the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves during the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Ja Morant said: “We ain’t avoiding any challenges. We embrace them head-on.” The result is the “We Ain’t Ducking No Smoke” quote on the lateral side.

Ja Morant landed a 25-game suspension starting in the 2023-24 season due to him waiving a firearm on Instagram Live. This marks the second incident with the superstar and a gun. Due to what happened and the quote on the shoes, people on social media had some choice words. In all fairness, Nike had made samples of the shoes months before the suspension and corrected the issue. New images show Nike covered the quote with a label that features Morant’s signature. However, other retailers are still showing the quote on the shoes. Meaning, it’s possible that the retail pairs will still feature the quote.

This Nike Ja 1 comes dressed in a Black, Light Silver, Coconut Milk, and Vivid Sulfur color combination. Constructed with mesh and leather, a Grey marble-like design adorns the TPU Swoosh logos. In addition, we have mismatched tongue labels, his number 12 on the heels, and Moran’t signature and the number 12 on the inside of the tongue. Lastly, Coconut Milk covers the midsole and rubber outsole.

Nike Ja 1 Smoke Release Date

Mark your calendars for October 6th, 2023, since the Nike Ja 1 “Smoke” will be released at select retailers, including Nike.com. Launching in men’s sizing, the retail price is $120. Below, you can check out more photos that will give you a closer look.

Visit our Nike Release Dates page for more upcoming drops from the brand.

Nike Ja 1 “Smoke”
Color: Black/Light Silver-Coconut Milk-Vivid Sulfur
Release Date: October 6, 2023
Style Code: DR8785-002
Price: $110

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nike block “We Ain’t Ducking No Smoke”?

Ja Morant was caught showing a firearm and was suspended. Thus, the quote doesn’t sit well with some people. It’s worth noting that the context of the quote isn’t intended to involve violence. It’s another way to say Morant and the Grizzlies are not scared of competition.

When is the release date?

The shoes will release on October 7, 2023.

How much do they cost?

The retail price is $110.

Are they limited?

No. The shoes will release at most Nike retailers. See above for a list of shops that will have them.

Before

Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 Before
Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 Before
Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 Before

After

Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 After
Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 After
Nike Ja 1 Smoke DR8785-002 After

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One Comment

  1. I have called top sneaker shops in NY, Chi, Austin, & LA, and oddly, most of them didn’t even know the censored/uncensored issue. I ordered some JA1’s Smoke straight from Nike expecting to get the censored version, but to my surprise, I received the uncensored sneakers.
    1. Any idea how many uncensored versions got out?
    2. Do you think these uncensored ones are, or will be, worth a decent amount?
    Thanks for any input & advice