Kool-Aid and Nike have introduced the Nike x Kool-Aid Ja 2, a one-of-a-kind sneaker collaboration bursting with vibrant colorways inspired by Kool-Aid’s iconic flavors. The partnership blends sneaker culture, self-expression, nostalgia and ultimate comfort—bringing together NBA star Ja Morant’s signature Nike line with Kool-Aid’s spirit of flavor and creativity.
Inspired by Morant’s life growing up in South Carolina, he wanted the sneaker colorways to nod to the special memories at his grandma’s house. “I remember my grandma always having some Kool-Aid in the fridge and that’s part of my special childhood memories,” said Morant. Kool-Aid and Nike drew inspiration from Morant’s favorite Kool-Aid flavors to help with the design of the shoe. The result is a collaboration that is fun, colorful and energetic, mirroring Morant’s personality on and off the court.
In addition to Morant’s favorite flavors, the new Nike x Kool-Aid Ja 2 celebrates fans mixing different Kool-Aid flavors to create their own custom blend–currently trending on TikTok with 26 million videos. That same spirit of creativity and expression is what inspired the sneakers’ bold colorway and playful details.
The collection will have two drops for fans—the first in May, followed by a second drop in July. The first drop features a mix of performance and personality, with details including:
- A bold, two-tone color gradient inspired by Morant’s favorite Kool-Aid flavors: Blue Raspberry and Cherry, blending into Orange and Lemon Lime on the sole
- The Kool-Aid man breaking through a wall, the iconic “Ohhh Yeah!” catchphrase, Morant’s “12 AM” text and a glow-in-the-dark outsole
The July drop will build on the collaboration with a boldness and freshness that Morant brings to the culture of basketball every day. Details include:
- Colorways inspired by the iconic Kool-Aid red that is synonymous with the Kool-Aid Man
- The same signature details as the May drop, including the Kool-Aid man breaking through a wall, the iconic “Ohhh Yeah!” catchphrase, Morant’s “12 AM” text and a glow-in-the-dark outsole
“For nearly 100 years, Kool-Aid has been a symbol of bold flavor, creativity and fun—bringing people together across generations,” said Kristina Hannant, marketing director for ready to drink beverages at Kraft Heinz. “Nike and Ja Morant share our passion for self-expression and driving culture, making this collaboration a natural fit. We’re always looking for new and exciting ways for fans to celebrate their love for Kool-Aid, and this sneaker collab lets fans mix their kicks and beverages all in one.”
To further celebrate the launch, Kool-Aid is introducing a limited-edition flavor pack, the first new offering from the brand in over five years. The Mix n’ Kicks combo pack lets fans mix and match four of the brand’s most iconic flavors, and taps into the behavior of fans combining flavors to create their own unique drinks blends.
The first Nike x Kool-Aid Ja 2 drops in limited quantities beginning May 16 via the SNKRS app and at select retailers nationwide.
