Jayson Tatum’s second signature shoe, the Tatum 2, is deeply rooted in the movement and emotion that defines Jordan Brand’s approach to designing basketball shoes.The Tatum 2 incorporates a full-length Nike Air Strobel unit, providing effective cushioning for impacts resulting from explosive movements.The aesthetic of the Tatum 2 is driven by large foam and textile pods, drawing inspiration from the bold and enjoyable spirit of ’90s basketball shoes.
Jayson Tatum’s second signature shoe, the Tatum 2, is intricately connected to the movement and emotion that propels Jordan Brand’s philosophy in basketball shoe design. Tailored for the game of the All-League forward and aspiring athletes looking to emulate his style, Tatum, now in his seventh year, possesses the skill to strategically navigate the court and the physicality to dominate defenders at the rim.
"One quality that Tatum deserves immense credit for is his durability," states Derek Foster, Senior Product Line Manager at Jordan Brand. Tatum's consistency at the top of the league in both games and minutes played is highlighted as one of his most crucial attributes. This is the driving force behind the Tatum 2 incorporating a full-length Nike Air Strobel unit, effectively cushioning impacts from explosive movements. Contrasted against a bold design aimed at projecting Tatum's profound inner confidence, the Tatum 2 mirrors his effortless playing style on the court and his effortless sense of style off the court.
"Jayson is one of the league's best two-way players with a high usage rate, so he needs durable footwear to stay fresh throughout the long season," explains Bryant Klug, Expert Footwear Designer at Jordan Brand. The Air Strobel excels at providing a long-lasting ride, and the smooth heel-to-toe transition aligns with Tatum's preference for a shoe that moves seamlessly with his foot.
The upper features strategically placed large foam and textile pods around areas of the foot experiencing high pressure during basketball play. The foam frame surrounding the pods extends high, aiding in stabilizing the foot during multidirectional movements without compromising mobility or feel.
"We drew inspiration from Jayson's calmness in clutch situations and aimed to capture that 'no pressure' feeling, delivering it to anyone wearing the Tatum 2," notes Klug.
Underneath, the outsole, featuring a modified herringbone traction pattern, is weight-reduced but provides increased coverage in critical areas for athletes. The Tatum line remains the lightest in the Jordan Brand performance portfolio.
"For me, this second shoe signifies evolution and how much I've grown as a player," shares Tatum. "I'm always honing my skills to be better than I was yesterday. I hope consumers recognize the effort we've invested in this one."
Similar to the Tatum 1, the kids' version of the Tatum 2 incorporates a collapsible tailgate on the heel, addressing Tatum's desire for a kid-friendly shoe. Collaborating with the Jordan Brand design team, Tatum influenced a kids-specific design utilizing an innovative injected TPU tailgate system for easy entry.
The Tatum 2 debuts in the "Momma's Boy" colorway on March 5 at jordan.com and select retailers. The "Vortex" colorway, available in full family sizing, launches on April 4.
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