The Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’ (IM4135-001) is a basketball shoe, and for years I respected the line between sneakers made to hoop in and sneakers I’d actually wear. Then the Ja 3 showed up — too stylish, too uniquely shaped, to leave on the court. I wear mine casually, even when younger hoopers who call me “unc” remind me what they’re supposed to be used for. The ‘Dark Mode’ gives me another reason to ignore them.
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Key Facts at a Glance
Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Sneaker | Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’ |
Style Code | IM4135-001 |
Colorway | Black/Cobalt Bliss/Dark Smoke Grey/Metallic Silver |
Retail Price | $130 |
Cushioning | Cushlon 3.0 with SPRPWR sockliner |
Where to Buy | Nike, Hibbett, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Champs Sports and select retailers |
Where Can You Buy the Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’?
The Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’ is available now for $130. Nike, Hibbett, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Champs Sports all currently have live listings for the sneaker, with additional availability through select Nike Basketball retailers.
Search style code IM4135-001 to make sure you are looking at the correct pair. The official colorway is Black/Cobalt Bliss/Dark Smoke Grey/Metallic Silver. Size availability varies by retailer, so checking multiple stores may give you the best shot at finding your size at retail.
What Makes the Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’ Stand Out?
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The Ja 4 keeps some of the low, sculpted attitude that made the Ja 3 interesting but cleans up the presentation. A black upper provides the foundation while Metallic Silver Swooshes and Cobalt Bliss accents give the sneaker just enough contrast without disrupting the ‘Dark Mode’ theme.
Nike equips the Ja 4 with Cushlon 3.0 foam, a responsive SPRPWR sockliner, a supportive foam upper, textured haptic overlays and a JA-frame wrapping the midfoot for containment. Ja Morant’s signature logo treatment also returns, using a rotated Swoosh-like element to help form the J alongside striped geometry that completes the A.
Why Does the Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’ Matter?
This is where the old rule about basketball shoes gets complicated. Performance sneakers have always crossed over into everyday style, but the Ja line is making that decision easier straight out of the box.
The Ja 3 pulled me in because it looked different from most modern hoop shoes. The Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’ carries that design confidence forward while giving it a darker, more wearable personality. Black, silver and cobalt work with denim, sweats and everyday rotation without making the sneaker look like it forgot its basketball purpose.
Should You Buy the Nike Ja 4 ‘Dark Mode’?
I would. At $130, the Ja 4 gives hoopers legitimate performance technology while still making a strong case for people who simply like the design.
If you play in them, cushioning, containment and traction matter most. I’m looking at them differently. I already crossed the line with the Ja 3, and the ‘Dark Mode’ is stylish enough to follow it into my casual rotation.
The hoopers can keep calling me unc.
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from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/dIhS4M9
