James Harden knows within seconds that his defender can’t guard him. Jab, dribble, hesitate, cross, step-back, drill the three. Harden’s got his defender on skates before they can even react to his first move. A recipe few can master but for Harden, it’s what makes him basketball’s most lethal creator.
Designed to enhance No. 13’s skill for changing direction, Adidas introduces the Harden Vol. 2 with FORGEFIBER and full-length BOOST. The second volume in Harden’s signature line is uniquely constructed to elevate his deceptive footwork and amplify his ability to create space on-court.
“It’s tailored to my game and quick change of direction,” Harden said. “Being different in the sense of my movements – the step-backs and Eurosteps and quick crossovers – you got to have a shoe that’s designed to move whenever you move… and not a second later.”
Coming in three initial iterations, the Vision, California Dreamin’, and Ignite, each sneaker is engineered for the movements that separate Harden from the rest, FORGEFIBER hits the court for the first time and provides all the comfort a foot in motion needs without the traditional stiffness. An application process utilizing TPU-coated yarn, FORGEFIBER is compressed across stretch-based mesh for strengthened support and stitched with three unique layers to reinforce Harden’s signature jab step, step-back, and Eurostep.
The Harden Vol. 2 also features a customizable lacing system, equipped for personalized lockdown. The large-scale mesh is utilized on the tongue for added breathability while a lace band stretches across the foot, bridging the upper for added containment.
The iterations also have special meaning, with the Vision paying tribute to Audubon Middle School in Los Angeles where James attended and started his path to being an NBA superstar. Remixing Audubon’s school colors, Vision is designed in varying shades of green with a unique palm tree glitch pattern on the lacing system and bootie.
California Dreamin’ is inspired by Harden’s love for Los Angeles, his hometown, and the place where he shaped his game and learned to dream. The sneaker takes on the hues of an LA sunrise, featuring palm tree camo on the lace system, pastel green and purple accents, a chalk coral upper with orange FORGEFIBER threads and dark gray BOOST.
Last, but certainly not least, the Ignite represents James’ fire to bring a title back to Houston, by creating more points, scored or assisted on, than any player in the league.
The Adidas Harden Vol. 2 California Dreamin’ will be available at Foot Locker Hollywood + Highland on February 15th, and launching globally February 16th on Adidas.com, along with the Ignite. The Harden Vol. 2 Vision will be available exclusively at Adidas’ 747 Warehouse St. in Los Angeles February 16th.
Reservations for Harden Vol. 2 Ignite will be offered in Los Angeles today (2/8) through the Adidas Confirmed App., and available for purchase on the app on February 9th. Each purchase comes with two tickets to the 747 Warehouse St. during All-Star Weekend.
Each sneaker will retail for $140.