Ja Morant doesn't exactly do things quietly. Whether it's a double-clutch dunk that defies physics or the constant swirl of trade rumors currently surrounding the Memphis Grizzlies, he's always the center of the storm. Right now, though, the noise isn't just about his right calf contusion or whether he’ll suit up in London against the Magic. It’s about the shoes. Specifically, the Nike Ja 3 "Year of the Horse," which just hit the shelves on January 16, 2026.
If you’ve been following the signature line, you know the Lunar New Year drops are usually the peak of the collection. This year is no different. Honestly, it’s probably the most aggressive design we’ve seen from his partnership with Nike yet. We aren't just talking about a new coat of paint here; we’re talking faux horse hair on the tongue and a "Light Chocolate" colorway that looks way better in person than it does in grainy leaked photos.
People are obsessed. But why? Is it just the hype, or did Nike actually cook something special for the 2026 Chinese New Year?
What Makes the Nike Ja 3 Year of the Horse Different?
Most "Year of" sneakers feel a bit lazy. A red upper, some gold lace tips, maybe a tiny dragon or snake hidden on the insole. Call it a day. But the Ja Morant Chinese New Year release for 2026 actually leans into the "Year of the Horse" theme with some texture.
The first thing you’ll notice is the "Light Chocolate" and "Silt Red" palette. It’s earthy but punctuated by these sharp "Metallic Gold" Swooshes that sit vertically on the side. It’s a bold choice. It feels more premium than the standard performance models. Then there’s the tongue—covered in brown faux pony hair. It sounds weird on paper, but on a basketball shoe, it gives it this high-fashion, "What are those?" energy that Ja usually carries himself with.
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The Technical Specs (For the Hoopsters)
- Cushioning: They swapped in full-length ZoomX foam. If you’ve played in the Ja 2, you know they were solid, but the Ja 3 is noticeably bouncier.
- Stability: The upper uses a reinforced mesh. It’s meant for guys who play like Ja—constant lateral cuts and explosive jumps that probably aren't great for your knees in the long run.
- Details: The insoles have Chinese calligraphy that translates to "One horse leading the way." It’s a nod to leadership, which is ironic given the current drama in Memphis, but the sentiment is cool.
Why the Ja Morant Chinese New Year Drop Matters Right Now
The timing of this release is kinda wild. As of January 17, 2026, the Grizzlies are sitting at 17-22. They're 10th in the West. Ja is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and the vultures are circling. There’s massive speculation about a trade—rumors involving the Miami Heat and even some "fake trade" packages featuring Jaime Jaquez Jr. and first-round picks have been floating around the internet.
In the middle of all that professional chaos, the Ja Morant Chinese New Year shoe is basically a reminder of why he’s a superstar in the first place. Despite the off-court noise and the friction with the coaching staff, the guy still sells sneakers. He’s averaging about 28 points when he’s healthy, and his global following is huge. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver even mentioned how much fans in Europe were looking forward to seeing him play during the London series.
Sneakerheads don't really care about the trade drama, though. They care about the fact that this drop includes a Bright Crimson satin dust bag and a "Year of the Horse" crest. It’s a collector's item.
Looking Back: The Ja 1 and the Year of the Dragon
To understand why the 2026 release is such a big deal, you have to look at the Ja 1 "Chinese New Year" from a couple of years ago. That was the "Year of the Dragon" edition. It was all about white mesh, "Game Royal" accents, and those gold dragon scales on the midfoot.
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That shoe was a massive success because it was clean. It was a "safe" bet. The Ja 3 "Year of the Horse" is the opposite of safe. It’s brown, it’s hairy, and it’s expensive—retailing at $145. Comparing the two is like comparing a reliable sedan to a customized muscle car. Both get the job done, but one is clearly trying to start a conversation.
How to Get Your Hands on the Year of the Horse 3s
If you missed the initial January 16th drop, you're basically at the mercy of the secondary market now. Sites like Flight Club and GOAT are already seeing prices creep up.
Basically, you have three options if you still want a pair:
- Check Boutique Retailers: Places like Hibbett or DTLR sometimes have staggered stock or in-store returns.
- The Resale Market: Expect to pay a premium. The $145 retail price is long gone for most sizes, especially the 10.5 to 12 range.
- Wait for the "Twelve Time" or "Swarovski" Drops: If the CNY colorway is too "brown" for you, the "Twelve Time" colorway is coming on January 20th, and that Swarovski collab in February is going to be even crazier (and way more expensive at $235).
The Verdict on the Ja 3 CNY
Is it the best shoe in the Ja Morant line? Performance-wise, the addition of ZoomX makes it a "yes." Visually, it’s polarizing. Some people hate the faux hair; others think it’s the most creative thing Nike Basketball has done in years.
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Regardless of where he’s playing in February—whether he’s still in Memphis or rocking a Heat jersey—Ja Morant has solidified himself as a sneaker icon. The Ja Morant Chinese New Year collection isn't just about a holiday; it's about a brand that stays relevant even when the player is on the bench.
If you're planning to buy, your next move is to verify the style code (IB6508-200) before pulling the trigger on any resale sites. Fakes of the Ja line have become surprisingly common because the demand is so high. Check the stitching on the "TWELVE" embroidery on the heel—it should be crisp, not messy.
Go check your local sneaker apps immediately to see if any restocks are hitting near you. The "Year of the Horse" only happens once every twelve years, and these won't stay on shelves for twelve minutes.