All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Adidas‘ AE 1 and Harden Vol. 8 have given its basketball division a powerful one-two punch in 2024, and the latter sneaker will add to its catalogue with its third colorway releasing in mid-March.
James Harden‘s latest signature model dons a “Luxury Green” colorway that continues a pattern of bold two-tone color-blocking. Just like its two predecessors, black forms the shoe’s form-fitting base. Green is then used for the EVA cage that gives the shoe its character while locking down the foot for lateral movements.
In a break from those other renditions, this colorway doesn’t make use of a third tone for a portion of the outsole extending up the midsole — instead, more black forms the spot. There is, however, still a pink streak to be found at the center of the outsole, and the color is used again for the tongue branding.
Both Harden Vol. 8 releases thus far have sold out, bringing hype to the Harden franchise that hasn’t been seen in some time. The success comes after the AE 1, Anthony Edwards’ debut model, has also sold out on several occasions. Both sneakers share a similar design language and color formula, serving as the arrowhead for a new era of Adidas Basketball.
“When we looked at the performance basketball space, we felt that the consumer today is much less brand loyal and looking for newness,” Eric Wise, global GM for Adidas Basketball, told Footwear News in a feature story on the AE 1. “So we saw an opportunity there, and we took a look ourselves and said, ‘Over the last decade, if we’re honest, we’ve been inconsistent at best.’ We wanted to get back to being the best version of Adidas.”
The Adidas Harden Vol. 8 “Luxury Green” is scheduled to release March 15 through Adidas’ website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $160.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending 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.
