The signature shoe playoffs have delivered their verdict. Between James Harden's Harden Vol. 8, Devin Booker's Book 1, Kevin Durant's KD 17, Anthony Edwards' AE 1, Luka Doncic's Jordan Luka 3, Kyrie Irving's Kai 1, it's the Jordan Tatum 2 who did well at the feet of Jayson Tatumcrowned NBA champion two weeks ago for the first time in his career.
The Celtics superstar has shown patience and this ultimate reward comes at just the right time. Even though he played on AC until the end of the playoffs, JT was never as dominant, going so far as to finish as the best scorer, best rebounder and best passer in the finals. All he was missing was the MVP trophy.
In terms of sponsorship, Jayson Tatum and Jordan Brand have also been there with this second signature shoe of very good quality, in the lineage of the JT1. The Jordan Tatum 2 is a little gem, between its refined design, its worked composition and its effective sole in terms of comfort, explosiveness and stability, all for a more than reasonable price.
The JT 2 has managed to keep the DNA of its first version, this time with fabric and foam reinforcements to wrap the base of the upper and the sole, where the JT 1 had opted for two TPU “frames”. The advent of the player's career will therefore remain accompanied in history by this model, which is fully up to the task and at the heart of the event.
GENERAL COMFORT
Once properly laced, the Jordan Tatum 2 provides first in terms of support on the front of the foot. The foam padding at the collar is minimal, and the tongue is quite thin. The support, however, is much more “slippery” at the heel and ankle. A point which can be seen as a quality for some, and a flaw for others.
The feeling of comfort then comes in thanks to the intelligently designed sole. The first sensations are good in terms of cushioning, support and rebound. The model is also light and seems properly ventilated, especially through the tongue.
Rating: 8.5/10
CUSHIONING
The Jordan Tatum 2 offers great cushioning without having crammed the latest technology into the sole. The whole thing simply features a full-length Air Strobel unit with a good dose of classic EVA foam as a midsole.
Nothing flashy, but the result is there, in the quality of rebound and cushioning, providing a plus in general comfort without affecting the dynamism of the shoe.
Rating: 8.5/10
TRACTION
Here again, the outsole is nothing revolutionary, but the rubber coating does the job perfectly. The pair grips the ground very well, and beyond the good energy transfer, and good sensations on forward starts, we can note a special mention on the lateral supports which are ideally accompanied.
Rating: 8.5/10
MAINTENANCE AND STABILITY
The model is well cut and the front of the foot is optimally supported. This is much less the case for the ankle and heel, which tend to be quite free of movement despite a TPU insert supposed to help maintain it.
Stability is, however, very good, and this is one of the strong points of the pair, with a real feeling of security on lateral supports, even if the pair does not have specific reinforcements at this level on its sole.
Rating: 9/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
Jordan Brand has obviously gone all out on the design and finishes of the second signature shoe of one of its star players.
The materials used in the upper can vary depending on the colorway. The two empty “frames” that connected the base of the upper to the sole on the JT 1 have this time been replaced by two “bubbles” made of fabric and foam.
The player's “JT” logo appears on the tongue, while the “Jumpman” logos stand out on the heel and sole. We also note in final finishes the presence of Jayson Tatum's number zero, appearing at the base of the heel, the inscription “Find a way” engraved on the midsole, and the first name of his son Deuce, inside the tongue.
In terms of lifespan, nothing particularly negative to report. This will involve taking care of the upper according to use. The underside of the sole should provide good resistance to wear.
Rating: 9/10
JORDAN TATUM 2 VERDICT
This is a model that comes at just the right time to celebrate the achievement of a lifetime. The Jordan Tatum 2 will forever remain the model that accompanied Jayson Tatum to his first NBA title.
The JT 2 also has the profile of a champion, with a “fit” design, a reinforced identity and technical characteristics to match, in terms of cushioning, traction, stability… without artifice but effective.
Jayson Tatum's second signature shoe had everything to shine and can now see its reflection in the sparkling Larry O'Brien trophy. Fate has made this pair a model that will remain in this 2023-2024 financial year. Alongside the LeBron 21 and the MB.03, the Jordan Tatum 2 can thus claim the podium of the best sneakers of the season.
Note : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Weight of the shoe (size 45): 423 grams
Price : available at 130 euros on Basket4Ballers
Grading scale
- – less ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and⭐⭐⭐: faults which may stop some but qualities which will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
The latest tests from DNA of Sports
Nike : PG 6 – LeBron 21 – LeBron 20 – Nike KD 15 – Air Zoom GT Jump 2 – Zoom Freak 5 – Air Zoom GT Hustle 2 – Ja 1
Jordan Brand : Tatum 1 – Air Jordan 38 – Luka 2 – Air Jordan 37 – Why Not .6 – Zion 3
Adidas :Trae 3
Peak : Peak AW1 – Flash 3
Puma : MB.03 – Rise Nitro – All-Pro Nitro – Scoot Zeros
New Balance : TWO WXY V4
Under Armour : Curry 11
Layup : Revo II – Revo
B.Ease : Suspended Low
