James Harden’s Next Adidas Signature Sneaker Is Only Getting Weirder
The Adidas Harden Vol. 8 has breathed new life into James Harden‘s signature line while forming a formidable one-two punch with the Anthony Edwards 1 for a new era of Adidas Basketball. And as leaked official images now show, the Harden Vol. 9 will continue with the momentum.
The Adidas Harden Vol. 9 will release in 2025 while anchored in the same design language as its preceding model and Adidas Basketball as a whole. The shoe can essentially be broken down into two components: one large panel that wraps around the upper and transitions smoothly to the sole unit and a knit base that includes a sock-like inner bootie. These components are emphasized by simple two-tone color-blocking. Black forms the knit base of both colorways shown so far, while the cages are rendered in “Cyber Metallic” gold or “Cloud White” with their respective sole units complementing in slightly different hues.
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Branding now comes more to the forefront of the Harden Vol. 9’s cage, as cut-outs form three stripes in tear drop-like streaks on both the lateral and medial sides. The heel’s Three Stripe motif replicates that of the Harden Vol. 8, and the outsole’s traction pattern also remains largely the same. The inner portion of the outsole adds a third hue, red for the metallic gold edition and electric green for the white, which then matches a single stripe at the bottom of the eyestays. The midsole also takes on a new striped pattern as it weaves its way up and down the shoe and includes the Adidas logo at the toe tip.
Unlike the Harden Vol. 8, Boost can’t be seen through the outsole — so it’s unclear if the Harden Vol. 9 will use the same combination of Boost and Lightstrike cushioning.
The Adidas Harden Vol. 9 will release some time in 2025, possibly as early as February or March based on when the Harden Vol. 8 launched this year. Pricing for the sneaker is set at $190.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
