The career of James Harden in the NBA has been marked by many rich experiences, from his flamboyant beginnings in OKC and then in Houston, where he reached the rank of superstar, to Los Angeles today, where the 34-year-old guard defends the colors of the Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard, after having passed through Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
His signature shoe, too, has gone through several lives. After the moderately successful Harden Vol.6, adidas has revised its copy to design a model that cuts with the trend in terms of design while retaining its complete aspect on a technical level.
The Harden Vol. 7 served as a test model and the result clearly lived up to expectations since this Harden Vol.8 comes with the same characteristics, on its upper part in particular with an original knitted collar, and on its upper with this time circular EVA lateral reinforcements hugging the sole.
Everyone will make up their own mind according to their tastes. For the rest, the pair remains to be placed among the high-end models of the 2023-2024 collection, whether in terms of support, cushioning or traction.
GENERAL COMFORT
As with the Harden Vol. 7, adidas has opted for this knitted sock system that is also found on Trae Young's collection. It's intriguing, a little strange on the first uses, as if you were putting on a sock, with two thin pull tabs to adjust the foot. But upon arrival, and over time, the sensation is rather pleasant.
The lacing system and the composition of the upper contribute to very good support. As for comfort, we can really feel the soft aspect of the Jet Boost foam, generously dosed and which offers a super quality of cushioning. The only downside is the ventilation, with this fairly densely knitted slipper in which we quickly rise in temperature.
Rating: 8.5/10
CUSHIONING
Adidas has done the job of giving this Harden Vol. 8 some of the best cushioning on the market, offering Jet Boost foam as a midsole, paired with Lightstrike cushioning under the forefoot.
The rendering is up to par on the rebound and cushioning, particularly at the heel, which sinks until the entire surface of the sole is glued to the ground. On more lively supports, forwards or to the sides, we always keep this feeling of comfort, which is also a very good point.
Rating: 9/10
TRACTION
As with cushioning, grip needs to be optimal to support James Harden in his most confusing drives and changes of direction. The rubber sole has therefore been worked in this direction, with herringbone patterns complemented by circular ornaments under the front of the big toe.
We are not talking about gadgets, these have a real effect depending on the types of support requested, to better control the front of the foot or on an external overflow. Here again, the feeling is positive.
Rating: 9/10
MAINTENANCE AND STABILITY
The pair has remained faithful to James Harden's characteristics. The knitted sockliner on the upper part offers good flexibility at the ankle. The heel, subtly padded, and the midfoot are, on the other hand, well maintained. The lateral EVA reinforcement compresses the foot thanks to the lacing whose eyelets are located inside this structure. Once the shoe is properly laced, the two walls become one with the foot.
In terms of stability, we can mention that the Harden Vol. 8 is one of the heaviest on the market for a shoe of its profile. The stability is quite good, especially at the rear of the foot. The sole also has a plastic piece under the midfoot to ensure good stability on the transfer of energy forward. Overall, the model holds up.
Rating: 8.5/10
FINISHES AND LIFESPAN
Despite the weight of the years, James Harden remains an outstanding player, with a personality that stands out from the rest of the NBA universe. As on the Harden Vol. 7, we feel this singularity, with the sock collar that contrasts with the competition, a sober refined style, with no more than two colors per color, an upper without artifice, without particular inscription or extravagant pattern.
The main difference with the previous model lies in this lateral reinforcement in EVA which fits the sole and therefore acts on the support, the front part connecting the whole thing stands out in faux leather. In the same spirit, the three bands appear discreetly at the base of the heel.
As for the colorways, adidas has already released seven, including two solid versions in white and black. The uppers are currently available in the same way. One would almost deplore a lack of extravagance.
There are also some reservations regarding the lifespan. The EVA on the upper remains sensitive to impacts and marks very quickly, especially on the front part. The collar of the shoe can also tend to relax over time. The outsole will resist normal wear.
Rating: 8/10
HARDEN VERDICT VOL. 8
Adidas started from scratch last year by releasing a redesigned James Harden Vol.7, with a more futuristic, even minimalist upper. The three-stripe brand seems to have the right formula since it has largely reproduced the same pattern on this Harden Vol.8, with a reworked upper, and a sole that is still as efficient, and few unnecessary details or ornaments.
Beyond its design that stands out on the current market, the pair still offers as many guarantees in terms of cushioning, support and grip. In this sense, the Harden Vol. 8 will be credited for its simplicity, far from the rigor ornaments present on all other models of the genre, but also its efficiency, the pair remaining one of the most complete on the market. In any case, we predict a great breakthrough for this model on the market, even if James Harden is no longer as “bankable” as in his heyday.
Note : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoe weight (size 45): 499 grams
Price : available at 160 euros on Basket4Ballers
Grading Scale
- – less ⭐⭐: not recommended
- – between ⭐⭐ and ⭐⭐⭐: flaws that may put some people off but qualities that will charm others
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐: approved and recommended pair
- – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: exceptional pair!
The latest tests from DNA of Sports
Nike : GT CUT 3 – LeBron 21 – LeBron 20 – Nike KD 17 – Air Zoom GT Jump 2 – Zoom Freak 5 – Air Zoom GT Hustle 2 – Ja 1 – PG 6
Jordan Brand : Tatum 1 – Tatum 2 – 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 – Stewie 3
New Balance : TWO WXY V4
Under Armour : Curry 11
Layup : Revo II – Revo
B.Ease : Suspended Low
