Honestly, the sneaker world usually plays it pretty safe. You get the same recycled "retro" colorways every few months, and maybe a rapper's name slapped on a tongue tag if we're lucky. But then Ja Morant decided to break through the metaphorical brick wall—literally. When the first images of the Ja Morant Kool Aid shoes started leaking, people thought they were looking at a custom "What The" project or some wild TikTok concept.
They weren't.
This is a full-blown, official collaboration between Nike and Kraft Heinz. It's weird. It's loud. It’s exactly the kind of energy the Memphis Grizzlies star brings to the court when he’s jumping over seven-footers. If you've been trying to track down which model is which, or if that "Pink Lemonade" pair you saw on Instagram is even real, you're in the right place. We are currently looking at a multi-year partnership that has spanned from the Ja 2 into the brand-new Ja 3.
The Backstory: It Started at Grandma’s House
Most corporate collabs feel like they were dreamed up in a sterile boardroom by people who haven't touched a basketball since the 90s. This one is different. Ja has been vocal about the fact that this isn't just a random brand grab. Growing up in Dalzell, South Carolina, his grandmother always had a pitcher of Kool-Aid chilling in the fridge.
It was the fuel for those legendary backyard sessions on the concrete court his dad built.
By the time 2025 rolled around, Nike decided to lean into that nostalgia. They didn't just give us a red shoe and call it a day. They went for the throat with "Mixed Berry" and "Tropical Punch" themes that actually mimic the condensation and the "sugar rush" of the drink.
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The Breakdown: Nike Ja 2 vs. Nike Ja 3
You've probably seen a few different versions of the Ja Morant Kool Aid shoes floating around. Because the collab was so successful with the Ja 2, Nike decided to run it back for the Ja 3 in 2026. Here is the current state of the "flavor" lineup:
The Ja 2 "Mixed Berry" (2025)
This was the one that started the frenzy. Released in May 2025, it featured a wild mismatched design. The left shoe was a Blue Raspberry gradient, while the right shoe transitioned through Cherry red and Orange.
The details on this pair are still some of the best in the entire Ja signature line:
- The Kool-Aid Man: His face is right there on the tongue.
- The Catchphrase: Open the collar and you’ll see "Ohhh" on one side and "Yeah!" on the other.
- Glow-in-the-Dark: The outsole has a radioactive glow that looks killer during night runs or under arena lights.
- The "Crack" Graphic: On the side of the shoe, there’s a graphic of a brick wall shattering, a direct nod to the iconic commercials.
The Ja 3 "Pink Lemonade" (2026)
As of early 2026, the hype has shifted to the Ja 3. Ja himself actually leaked these on his Instagram story right around Christmas, effectively bypassing the usual sneaker leaker channels.
This pair is even more aggressive. It uses a "Lemon Venom" and "Pink Beam" color palette. The base of the shoe is a deep "Royal Blue" that matches the Kool-Aid logo perfectly. Unlike the Ja 2, which used more traditional mesh, the Ja 3 version uses a new TPU material for the "A" logo near the Swoosh, making it feel a bit more premium—and a lot more durable for actual high-intensity hoops.
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Tech Specs: Can You Actually Play in These?
Let’s be real: some "hype" shoes are bricks. You put them on, and your knees hurt within ten minutes. Fortunately, the Ja Morant Kool Aid shoes are built on performance silhouettes.
The Ja 2 relied heavily on a forefoot Air Zoom unit. It was snappy. It was low to the ground. It was designed specifically for guards who need to change direction at 100 mph without rolling an ankle.
The Ja 3 has upped the ante. It features full-length Hybrid ZoomX foam. If you haven't played in ZoomX yet, it’s basically like having a trampoline under your foot. It's much softer than the previous models, which has caused a bit of a divide in the community. Some people love the bounce; others, like rapper 2 Chainz (who famously critiqued the shoe's stability), think it might be too soft for heavy-duty lateral cuts.
The Resale Reality and Where to Buy
If you're looking for these at retail, you're going to have a tough time. The "Mixed Berry" Ja 2 originally dropped for $130, but prices on the secondary market usually hover between $180 and $250 depending on the size.
The Ja 3 "Pink Lemonade" is slated for a Summer 2026 release with a retail price of $135. If you want to grab them without paying the "resale tax," you basically have to be glued to the Nike SNKRS app on launch day.
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Where to Look Now:
- Nike SNKRS: This is the primary source. If you miss the drop here, it's over.
- Foot Locker / Dick’s Sporting Goods: They usually get limited stock of the "Mixed Berry" restocks.
- StockX / GOAT / Flight Club: This is where you go if you’re desperate. Just be prepared to pay that premium.
- eBay: Weirdly enough, you can find some "Grade School" (GS) sizes here for much closer to retail.
Common Misconceptions
People keep asking if these are "limited edition" forever. Nike is smart. They know these are popular, so they've done a few "surprise" restocks. However, once they move the production line over to the Ja 4 (expected late 2026), the Kool-Aid colorways of the 2 and 3 will likely be retired for good.
Also, don't confuse the official collab with the "customs" you see on Etsy. If the shoe doesn't have the official "12 AM" branding in the Kool-Aid font and the "Ohhh Yeah!" embroidery, it’s a fake.
How to Style Them Without Looking Like a Literal Pitcher of Juice
Look, these shoes are neon. They are mismatched. They are the opposite of "subtle."
If you try to wear a matching Pink Lemonade shirt with the Ja 3s, you’re going to look like a mascot. The pro move is to go all black or neutral grey with your fit and let the shoes do the screaming. It sounds basic, but when your feet are glowing and mismatched, you don't need a loud hoodie to get noticed.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are serious about bagging a pair of the Ja Morant Kool Aid shoes, here is your blueprint for the next few weeks:
- Monitor the SNKRS App: The Ja 3 "Pink Lemonade" is rumored for a June 2026 window. Set your notifications now.
- Check Local Resell Shops: Since the Ja 2 has been out for a while, prices are starting to stabilize. You might find a "lightly used" pair for under $150 if you look at local sneaker boutiques rather than global apps.
- Verify the SKU: If you are buying from a third-party seller, ensure the SKU for the Mixed Berry Ja 2 is IF0302-600. For the upcoming Ja 3 Kool-Aid, keep an eye out for SKU IW1159-700.
- Size Up (Slightly): Both the Ja 2 and Ja 3 have a reputation for running a bit snug in the midfoot. If you have wider feet, definitely go up half a size, or your pinky toe will pay the price on the court.