With leaks and early images of Jayson Tatum’s second signature sneaker floating around the internet, Jordan Brand has officially unveiled the Jordan Tatum 2. This new addition to the Jordan lineup is crafted to meet the dynamic needs of Tatum's gameplay and to inspire emerging athletes who look up to his style.
Derek Foster, Senior Product Line Manager at Jordan Brand, highlights Jayson Tatum's remarkable durability as a key influence in the design of the Tatum 2. Recognizing Tatum's consistent presence in both games and minutes played across the league, the Tatum 2 incorporates a full-length Nike Air Strobel unit.
Bryant Klug, Expert Footwear Designer at Jordan Brand, emphasizes the necessity of a shoe that can keep up with Tatum's high usage rate and two-way play style. The Air Strobel unit in the Tatum 2 is lauded for its durability and smooth heel-to-toe transition, crucial for a player who demands a shoe that synchronizes seamlessly with his movements.
The shoe's upper is adorned with large foam and textile pods strategically placed to alleviate pressure in high-impact areas of the foot during gameplay. The foam frame provides stability for multi-directional movements without compromising mobility or tactile sensation. Klug also notes that the design inspiration came from Tatum's composure under pressure, aiming to impart a “no pressure” feeling to anyone wearing the Tatum 2.
As for the bold design choice, Nike explains that this is “meant to project Tatum’s deep inner confidence” and reflects his playing style on the court and his sense of style off the court.
Notably, the Tatum line remains the lightest in the Jordan Brand performance portfolio. The outsole of the Tatum 2 features a modified herringbone traction pattern. It's crafted to be lightweight yet offers increased coverage in areas where athletes need it the most.
Tatum himself views the Tatum 2 as a symbol of his evolution as a player. "For me, this second shoe represents evolution and how much I’ve grown as a player,” says Tatum.“I’m always building on my skills so I can be better than who I was yesterday. I hope consumers appreciate how much we put into this one.”
Just like Tatum 1, the Tatum 2 for kids includes a unique collapsible tailgate on the heel, a feature Tatum specifically wanted to ease the process of putting on and taking off the shoe for children. This kids-specific design incorporates an innovative injected TPU tailgate system, a testament to Tatum's input in partnership with the Jordan Brand design team.
The Jordan Tatum 2 will release in the Momma’s Boy colorway on March 5, 2023. Following this, the Vortex colorway, available in full family sizing, will be released on April 4. Pairs will be available through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Keep it locked to the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Jordan Tatum 2 Momma's Boy
Images via Nike
Images via kicksdong
Jordan Tatum 2 Vortex
Images via Nike
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
