Jamal Murray, the “Blue Arrow,” has become synonymous with New Balance’s basketball resurgence. Since signing a major multi-year deal in late 2020, Murray has transitioned from a promising young guard to a postseason legend, all while wearing the “N”.
Today, his rotation is dominated by the TWO WXY series, specifically the v5, alongside the recently debuted P400.
Whether he is hitting clutch shots in the NBA playoffs or headlining global lifestyle campaigns, Murray’s footwear choice is a deliberate blend of high-performance engineering and personal storytelling, solidifying his status as a premier brand ambassador in the modern NBA landscape.
The Evolution of Jamal Murray as the Face of New Balance
Jamal Murray’s journey with New Balance began as the brand was aggressively re-entering the performance basketball market. Following his explosive performance in the 2020 NBA Bubble, Murray became the cornerstone of the brand’s “We Got Now” philosophy.
His partnership represents a shift from traditional massive sneaker contracts to a more personalized, storytelling-driven approach.
From Adidas to Brand Ambassadorship
Before his landmark deal with New Balance, Murray was an Adidas athlete. He famously wore graphic-printed Adidas Pro Models during the 2020 NBA Bubble tournament, where he first established his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers.
However, the move to New Balance allowed him to become a primary face of a brand, rather than one of many on a massive roster. Since the switch, he has played 371 games in New Balance, representing 91.6% of his career brand usage.
The “Blue Arrow” Identity
The nickname “Blue Arrow” isn’t just a moniker; it is a brand identity that New Balance has integrated into Murray’s footwear.
His signature celebration—mimicking the release of an arrow—has been memorialized in hidden design details across his Player Exclusive (PE) models, ensuring that the shoes are as much a part of his persona as his playing style.
The Flagship Model: New Balance TWO WXY v5
The New Balance TWO WXY v5 is the current centerpiece of Murray’s on-court performance. As a guard who relies on explosive lateral movements, step-back jumpers, and constant perimeter motion, he requires a shoe that offers elite energy return without sacrificing stability.
Statistical Dominance in the TWO WXY 5
Murray has seen incredible success in the TWO WXY 5, utilizing the model in 122 games to date.
- Total Points: 2,824
- Total Assists: 792
- Model Usage Rate: 37.8%
His most legendary performance in this model occurred on March 25, 2026, where he exploded for 53 points against a top-tier opponent. This game served as a definitive proof of concept for the shoe’s performance capabilities under extreme offensive load.
Signature Colorways and Hidden Details
The TWO WXY v5 is often seen in Murray-specific iterations that highlight his journey. The “Bullseye” v5 features a bold black, red, and yellow design. One of its most unique features is a hidden red “X” under the laces, a direct nod to the “Blue Arrow” celebration.
Additionally, Murray collaborated with NBA 2K for a purple-and-white edition of the v5 to celebrate his status as a featured athlete in the 2K25 season.
Decoding the Performance Stats: A Brand Comparison
Understanding Murray’s footwear requires a deep dive into the data. While he has experimented with various silhouettes, his loyalty to specific lines reveals a clear preference for the TWO WXY’s low-to-the-ground, responsive feel.
Model Usage and Scoring Efficiency
| Shoe Model | Total Games | Total Points | Avg. Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance TWO WXY 5 | 122 | 2,824 | 35:45 |
| New Balance TWO WXY 3 | 73 | 1,618 | 34:53 |
| New Balance TWO WXY 4 | 71 | 1,433 | 31:48 |
| New Balance P400 | 7 | 188 | 37:07 |
| Adidas D Rose 1 | 9 | 192 | 37:32 |
Why the TWO WXY Line Fits the “Spin Cycle”
Earlier in his New Balance tenure, Murray heavily utilized the TWO WXY v3, specifically the “Spin Cycle” PE. This name was inspired by his unique ability to navigate traffic on the perimeter with fluid, shifting movements.
The shoe’s design emphasized traction and court feel, allowing him to maintain his scoring efficiency while logging over 2,500 minutes in the v3 model alone.
The Recent Transition: The Rise of the New Balance P400
In the latter half of the 2025-2026 season, Murray began trending toward a new silhouette: the New Balance P400. This shift indicates Murray’s willingness to adapt his footwear to his evolving physical needs and the intensity of postseason play.
Clutch Performances in the P400
During the final stretch of April 2026, Murray exclusively wore the New Balance P400 in crucial games against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- April 18, 2026: 30 points, 7 assists.
- April 25, 2026: 30 points, 5 rebounds.
- April 27, 2026: 24 points, 7 assists, 4 steals.
The Technology Shift
The P400 offers a different cushioning profile compared to the TWO WXY series. While the TWO WXY focuses on lateral stability for guards, the P400—and Murray’s occasional use of the Fresh Foam BB v2—suggests a desire for increased impact protection during high-minute playoff runs.
On January 17, 2026, Murray scored 42 points in the P400, proving he can deliver elite offensive output regardless of the specific New Balance sub-line he chooses.
Legacy and Versatility: Other Models in the Rotation
While the TWO WXY and P400 take the spotlight, Murray’s sneaker closet is surprisingly diverse. He has been spotted in several other performance models, showcasing the depth of New Balance’s basketball category.
Experimental On-Court Models
Murray has logged limited but impactful minutes in models like the Hesi Low and The Kawhi 2. Though these are not his primary game shoes, they demonstrate his role as a “test pilot” for the brand’s latest innovations.
For instance, he wore the Fresh Foam BB v2 for three games, contributing 69 points in just over 100 minutes of play.
The Adidas Era Revisited
Looking back at his early career, Murray’s time with Adidas was defined by the Dame 5 and D Rose 1. He played 9 games in each, averaging roughly 21 points per game.
However, these figures pale in comparison to his production in New Balance footwear, where his scoring average and impact on winning have reached new heights.
Off the Court: Streetwear and Global Influence
Murray’s influence extends far beyond the hardwood. He has become a primary driver for New Balance’s lifestyle and heritage lines, bridging the gap between professional sports and global fashion trends.
The WRPD Runner and 550
Murray has been the face of campaigns for the New Balance WRPD Runner, a futuristic silhouette that leans into the brand’s “experimental” aesthetic. Additionally, he frequently promotes the New Balance 550, a heritage basketball shoe that has become a staple in modern streetwear.
By wearing these off-court, Murray helps New Balance maintain its position as a “cool” brand that appeals to both performance athletes and casual consumers.
Lifestyle Branding Strategy
New Balance uses Murray’s “Blue Arrow” persona to market their apparel and footwear to a younger, digitally-native audience. His involvement with NBA 2K25 and lifestyle drops ensures that the brand remains relevant in cultural conversations that happen outside of the NBA arena.
Analyzing Murray’s Statistical Peaks by Footwear
When we look at Murray’s highest-scoring games, a pattern of “hot streaks” often aligns with his introduction of new colorways or models.
The 50+ Point Tier
The most significant peak in Murray’s statistical history is his 53-point game on March 25, 2026. This occurred while wearing the TWO WXY 5.
This game was a masterclass in efficiency, with Murray logging 41 minutes and showcasing the durability of the shoe’s cushioning system under heavy usage.
The High-Impact Playoff Gear
In late April 2026, Murray’s transition to the P400 saw him maintain a consistent 20-30 point average across four consecutive high-pressure games.
This consistency is vital for a player with Murray’s injury history and high usage rate, suggesting that New Balance’s engineering is successfully supporting his “clutch” playstyle.
Conclusion: The Future of Jamal Murray and New Balance
Jamal Murray’s partnership with New Balance is one of the most successful brand-athlete pairings in modern basketball.
By leaning into his “Blue Arrow” persona and providing him with the versatile TWO WXY and P400 series, the brand has created a synergy that benefits both Murray’s performance and the brand’s market share.
As Murray continues to lead the Denver Nuggets in championship pursuits, his footwear will remain a key focal point for fans and sneakerheads alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jamal Murray’s current main basketball shoe?
Murray currently headlines the New Balance TWO WXY v5, though he has recently transitioned to the New Balance P400 for high-stakes late-season and playoff games.
Does Jamal Murray have a signature shoe?
While he does not have a “Jamal Murray 1” eponymous line yet, he has several Signature Player Exclusives (PEs) within the TWO WXY line, including the “Bullseye” and “Spin Cycle” colorways.
What shoes did Jamal Murray wear before New Balance?
Before signing with New Balance in 2020, Murray wore Adidas. He was most well-known for wearing the Adidas Pro Model 2G and D Rose 1 during the early parts of his career.
What lifestyle sneakers does Jamal Murray promote?
Murray is a lead ambassador for the New Balance WRPD Runner and the New Balance 550, often seen wearing them in campaigns and as part of his pre-game tunnel fits.
Why are there “X” marks on Murray’s shoes?
The “X” found on models like the TWO WXY v5 “Bullseye” is a tribute to his “Blue Arrow” celebration, symbolizing the target of his imaginary bow and arrow.
