Sneaker News James Harden wants his shoes to be recognizable from a mile away. That vision is certainly established with the Harden Vol 8, the eighth chapter of Harden’s signature shoe legacy with the three stripes brand. Continuing the minimal, elegant, and aerodynamic aesthetic of his signature shoes that started back in 2016, the Vol 8 is packed with performance qualities made to withstand the former MVP’s multi-directional style of play.
Officially revealed here in a bevy of colorway options (see below), the latest in James Harden shoes features a striking “Teardrop” EVA cage that provides lateral support and containment for all those nasty stepbacks that he popularized in the last decade. Full-length JET BOOST embedded in the midsole promises maximum energy return, while an athlete-specific “JH” traction allows for superior grip.
adidas Senior Footwear Designer Jalal Enayah echoes Harden’s desire for a distinct design. “The shoe has to be lime him, it has to be unmistakable.”
Harden is one of the most accomplished yet most criticized NBA stars in recent memory. One thing that can’t be debated is that he brings a winning mentality and the expected results wherever he lands, and a return to the NBA Finals — his first since 2011 — is just at his fingertips as he leads a stacked LA Clippers roster. He’s been wearing the Harden Vol 8 for some time now, and although he won’t be participating in this weekend’s All-Star game, you will see OKC’s Jalen Williams rock his own PEs during the NBA Rising Star Game on Friday evening.
The Harden Vol. 8 “Sculpt” kicks things off as the first launch colorway available on February 23rd, 2024 for $160 on adidas.com. Below is a full schedule of release dates.
