Nike Ja Twelve Time Debuts in Three Colorways

Nike Basketball is adding a new chapter to Ja Morant’s footwear lineup with the Nike Ja Twelve Time, a more affordable performance sneaker that debuts on September 4, 2026.

The model arrives in three launch colorways: the purple Nike Ja Twelve Time “Nightmare” with the style code IM4164-500, the red Nike Ja Twelve Time “Solar” with the style code IM4164-600 and the darker Nike Ja Twelve Time “Dark Woods” with the style code IM4164-003.

At $90, the Nike Ja Twelve Time is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative inside Ja’s growing Nike Basketball range. That makes the sneaker especially interesting, because the main Nike Ja 4 line is also launching around the same period. Instead of only pushing one flagship model, Nike now seems to be building a wider Ja Morant sneaker family with different price points and different roles.

A Budget-Friendly Ja Morant Sneaker

The Nike Ja Twelve Time is not trying to replace the Ja 4. It feels more like a second lane for Ja Morant’s Nike lineup: cheaper, easier to wear on court and more accessible for younger players.

The name also fits Ja’s world well. “Twelve Time” appears to reference Ja’s number 12, giving the model a direct connection to his identity without making it feel like a numbered signature sequel. That is a smart move from Nike, because it keeps the sneaker clearly tied to Ja while leaving the main Ja 1, Ja 2, Ja 3 and Ja 4 line untouched.

Design-wise, the sneaker keeps a sharp Nike Basketball look. The low-cut build features a streamlined upper, sculpted side panels, aggressive tooling and repeating Ja logo details around the heel area. It looks simpler than the main signature line, but not generic.

Nightmare, Solar and Dark Woods

The strongest thing about the first Nike Ja Twelve Time drop is that Nike is launching it with three very different colorways.

The Nike Ja Twelve Time “Nightmare” is the purple pair from the pack and carries the style code IM4164-500. It connects well with the darker storytelling around Ja’s upcoming Nike Ja 4 “Nightmare,” using a deep purple upper with black and grey detailing. Out of the three, this one may get the most attention from collectors because of the name and the link to Ja’s larger launch story.

The Nike Ja Twelve Time “Solar” is the loud red pair with the style code IM4164-600. This colorway is much bolder, mixing a bright red upper with black and grey accents. It feels like the most court-ready statement pair from the first drop and should stand out the most in product images and on feet.

The Nike Ja Twelve Time “Dark Woods” rounds out the pack with the style code IM4164-003. This pair takes the more wearable route with black, dark grey and silver tones. It is probably the easiest colorway for everyday hoopers, especially for players who want a Ja sneaker that does not feel too loud.

Why This Release Matters

The Nike Ja Twelve Time could become an important model for Nike Basketball, even if it is not the most expensive sneaker in Ja’s lineup.

A $90 retail price gives the shoe a much wider audience. Not every basketball player wants to spend $130, $150 or more on a performance sneaker, especially younger hoopers who need something reliable for everyday play. The Twelve Time gives Nike a way to reach that group while still keeping the sneaker connected to one of the brand’s most visible basketball athletes.

It also helps Ja Morant’s sneaker line feel bigger. With the Ja 4 taking the lead as the main signature model and the Ja Twelve Time filling the more affordable lane, Nike is clearly treating Ja as more than a one-shoe-per-year athlete.

That could be good for the market too. Performance basketball has been strong, but a lot of the most talked-about models sit at higher price points. A good-looking Ja sneaker at $90 has real potential if Nike delivers enough pairs and strong colorways.

Demand and Copping Difficulty

The Nike Ja Twelve Time will probably not be a classic resale-heavy sneaker, but that does not mean the release should be ignored.

The $90 price point makes the model easy to try, and the Ja Morant connection will attract both players and fans. The “Nightmare” colorway may be the most limited-feeling pair because of its name and timing, while “Solar” is the loudest option and “Dark Woods” is likely the most wearable.

If Nike gives the release a wider rollout, pairs should be easier to buy than the main Ja 4. Still, first colorways of a new Nike Basketball model can move quickly in common sizes, especially when the price is this accessible.

Release Info

The Nike Ja Twelve Time is set to release on September 4, 2026, in three debut colorways. The Nike Ja Twelve Time “Nightmare” arrives in purple with the style code IM4164-500, the Nike Ja Twelve Time “Solar” arrives in red with the style code IM4164-600 and the Nike Ja Twelve Time “Dark Woods” arrives in darker tones with the style code IM4164-003.

Retail is set at $90. A wider release is expected via Nike and select retailers.