Jordan reveal the first images of the Tatum 2
Jordan Brand has released first-look images and provides an insight into the technology, physics and mechanics of the hotly anticipated second edition to the Tatum signature shoe line.
So, what you need to know about the Tatum 2.
The latest edition was designed for efficiency. This was the key criteria between Jordan Brand and Boston Celtics star, Jayson Tatum, and the shoe needed to have unequivocal functionality at its core.
In the design process, Jordan Brand wanted to ensure the shoe was durable like Tatum himself. A stat backing this up is that last season JT, out of everyone who made the NBA all first and second team, topped the board with the most games played at 79 and most minutes played at 37 per game.
When looking at the science of the shoe, the team engineered it to cope with the explosiveness and loads that JT puts on his body and, from a colour standpoint, the team wanted to emphasise JT’s smoothness and the fluidity he brings to the court every night.
Tatum himself wanted the Tatum 2 to have zero break-in; for it to be ultra-lightweight and a shoe that moves with him. We all know JT’s amount of counter moves and bag of tricks is wide, so a shoe that can adapt was essential.
The Tatum 2 also got a buff in key performance areas. An example of this is an improvement to the heel-to-toe transitioning, increasing the durability and performance of the shoe. The black lateral frame to the outer section is a refinement of the Tatum 1. Nike wanted to nail down this point to elevate the containment and alleviate the pressure on the foot.
The high side wall is made with foam inserts (not TPU) which allows a super forgiving feel and will give that extra bit of performance while cutting or driving against those lateral loads.
The shoe's main body features a lightweight warp knit with cleverly designed asymmetrical elements such as the toe, which provides a varied look at different angles depending on where you’re viewing it from. The sole features ground contact foam which will give you all a greater touch and feel relationship with the court.
‘Air Strobel’ technology features for the first time in the Tatum range on the inside of the shoe which softens the build and gives that flexibility on foot.
Jordan Brand has truly designed this shoe with hoopers in mind, with an emphasis on impact protection and energy return with the juxtaposition between making the shoe lightweight and keeping a high level of performance, balanced throughout the engineering process. When released, the Tatum 2 will be the lightest shoe in the Jordan basketball performance range.
The team wanted everyone to feel “cool in the clutch” and to know that the Tatum 2 can be trusted not only for performance but with your daily styling as well.
BBL Daily was shown two colourways, with the first called ‘Vortex’. The philosophy behind this was it plays on the idea that on the surface a vortex looks calm and mesmerising (just like JT) and then underneath the surface it’s chaos. Playing to the combination of being a star in the NBA, a dad to Deuce, and his partnerships with brands, he always calmly manages these responsibilities. The blue represents the surface of calm while the pops of colour represent the chaos – yet the shoe seemingly shows the different elements working as one.
The second colourway shown was undoubtedly the most hyped and exciting coming out and this was the ‘Momma’s Boy’, paying homage to JT’s mother, Brandy. Jordan Brand and JT wanted to give this colourway a nod to Brandy featuring some of her favourite things, including calla lilies and the volt colour which is her favourite. JT had a PE on the Tatum 1 of Momma’s Boy and with all the hype surrounding it, Nike decided the Tatum 2 needed to bring this to mass market.
The Tatum 2 will come out in sizes and models as per the Tatum 1, in adults and kids.
Easter eggs feature with quotes from JT on the shoe – no spoilers, but Celtics fans should be able to spot and enjoy them. You guys will “find a way” to locate them, I’m sure.
