The Jordan Tatum 2 Makes Christmas Day Debut

Jordan Brand unveiled Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum's new sneakers on Christmas Day.
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Last February, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum debuted his first signature sneaker with Jordan Brand in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Naturally, Tatum took home the MVP trophy that night, which kicked off an incredible start to his signature line. Less than a year later, Tatum is debuting his second hoop shoe on Christmas Day against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tatum and Jordan Brand are a match made in Hoops Heaven. Both strive to inspire people to believe in themselves and "find a way." It all started with self-belief for Tatum. His journey speaks for itself, and he hopes his journey can inspire people to go after whatever they want in life.

Tatum embodies Jordan Brand through his calm composure and his commitment to youth, family and giving back. As a superstar player and father, he’s evolved at every level in a way that is inspiring others around the globe. As Tatum steps into his role as the face of the brand and the NBA, he will be doing so in his second signature sneaker.

"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. 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." - Jayson Tatum

Release Information

Side view of Jayson Tatum's green and black Jordan Brand shoe.
A detailed look at the Jordan Tatum 2 / Jordan Brand

The Jordan Tatum 2 will launch in the heartfelt "Momma's Boy" colorway on March 5, 2024. The colorway pays homage to the close relationship Tatum has with his mother. The colorway features her favorite color, volt, as well as an all-over print of her favorite flower, the white calla lily.

The "Vortex" colorway will be released on April 4. Inspired by Tatum being a focal point of his team and the energy he carries game in and game out. The colorway is also a reference to his composed, steady demeanor under pressure, much like the sight of the middle of a vortex. 

Athletes and fans can expect the Jordan Tatum 2 to cost $125 in adult sizes, $95 in grade school sizes, $75 in pre-school sizes, and $55 in toddler sizes. The "Momma's Boy" colorway will only be released in adult sizes, while the "Vortex" colorway will be available in full-family sizing.

"I love what I do, and I love my craft. With that, I know there’s a certain level of responsibility that I carry toward my mom, my son, my fans, and to those that support me and appreciate me. Even though I know my mom and son will be proud of me regardless, they inspire me to be the best person and player that I can be. I want to be someone that my son is proud of. I want my mom to continue to watch me with joy and unconditional love and that her son is maximizing the talents that I was blessed with. This shoe is a big sign that I’m doing that, but the work doesn’t stop here." - Jayson Tatum

Details

Side view of Jayson Tatum's white and black Jordan Brand shoe.
A detailed look at the Jordan Tatum 2 / Jordan Brand

The Jordan Tatum 2 is built from the NBA All-Star's desire to have a shoe that is one with his foot. Through a highly collaborative process, Tatum and the team held many meetings and went through many iterations to meet the needs of Tatum - mainly the need to have a conforming type of fit with zero distractions or pressure.

The upper features a series of large foam and textile pods, which are strategically placed around areas of the foot that experience high pressure when playing basketball. The foam frame that surrounds the pods wraps high, stabilizing the foot during multidirectional movement without limiting mobility or feel. 

Replacing the TPU plate with strategically placed pods helps keep the foot locked in and clamped when needed, as well as relaxed and pressure-free when not. Underfoot, the outsole, which features a modified herringbone traction pattern, is reductive in weight but with more coverage areas where athletes need it most.

The color, materials, and features – just like in the Tatum 1 – pay tribute to his family, upbringing, and the personal stories that transformed Tatum into a superstar. He wants fans to connect to his story.

"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. 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." - Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum's New Sneakers Welcome You To The Garden


Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.