As the youngest signature athlete under Jordan Brand, Jayson Tatum brings a unique flair to the Jordan Sport category. Known for effortlessly rocking simple outfits and exuding debonair charm, the 25-year-old St. Louis native has established himself as a key player for the Boston Celtics, elevating them to the upper echelons of the NBA.
Tatum’s presence on the court falls under the Flight and Speed categories, showcasing his remarkable shot selection and footwork. Collaborating with Kelsey Amy, Tatum embarked on his colorway journey with the Air Jordan 34, solidifying his status as one of the most efficient and lethal superstars in the league. Now, Tatum’s partnership with the Jumpman brand takes a significant step forward with the official launch of the Jordan Tatum 2, set to debut this Christmas.
According to Bryant Klug, Senior Footwear Designer for Jordan Sport, Tatum’s cool and effortlessly stylish persona allows him to pull off bold and expressive shoe designs. The design team aimed to capture Tatum’s soulful and funky vibe, allowing his shoes to reflect his excitement and confidence on the court, despite his soft-spoken nature.
Building upon the efficient design language of his first signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 2 retains a low-top profile and a layered textile upper. However, it introduces new elements such as a smooth leather asymmetrical quarter overlay and mudguard. Departing from the hollowed-out sole unit of its predecessor, the Tatum 2 incorporates a groundbreaking innovation—a pair of textile cushioned pods that adorn the midsole and upper, delivering both style and functionality.
To complement Tatum’s composed demeanor on the court, the design team sought to create a shoe that offers relief from pressure, both literally and figuratively. The lightweight construction allows the foot to find relief from high-pressure components, providing a broken-in feel. The incorporation of large soft pods achieves this objective, ensuring stability and containment while offering a comfortable experience during multidirectional movements.
Klug explains that Tatum emphasized the importance of having a shoe that moves with his foot, eliminating any independent movement between the foot and the shoe. The design team focused on maintaining a strong connection between Tatum and his footwear, enhancing his performance and agility.
Durability was another crucial consideration during the development of the Jordan Tatum 2. Feedback from players on outdoor surfaces and during intense indoor runs prompted adjustments to the shoe’s construction. By strategically increasing rubber coverage in high-demand traction areas at the toe and heel, the design team addressed durability concerns without compromising stability and support.
Tatum’s resilience and durability on the court played a significant role in shaping the Tatum 2. Among the players selected for the NBA’s First and Second teams last season, Tatum logged the most games played while maintaining a high average playing time. The Tatum 2 aims to provide season-long comfort, allowing Tatum to perform at his best throughout the entire basketball season. Remarkably, despite its advanced features, the Tatum 2 remаins the lightest signature silhouette in Jordan Brand’s current on-court lineup.
Alongside the textile pods, the Tatum 2 boasts a full-length Zoom Strobel system for cushioning, ensuring a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The colorway of the Tatum 2 holds special significance as it pays homage to Tatum’s beloved “Mommas Boy” PE from the previous season. Inspired by Tatum’s mother and her affinity for volt and Calla Lillies, the shoe features a minimalist white, black, and neon floral design, with vibrant hits of hоt pink accentuating the Jumpman logos on the heel and forefoot.
The Jordan Tatum 2 encapsulates Tatum’s distinctive style and performance needs, representing his evolution as an athlete and his close collaboration with the Jordan Brand design team.