James Harden Debuts His Next Signature Sneaker With Adidas’ Newest Cushioning Tech

by · WWD

View ALL 5 Photos

James Harden made the most of a fortuitously timed trip to Madison Square Garden Wednesday, as he wore his 11th signature sneaker in an NBA game for the first time on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 11 continues a streak of dynamic, single-piece TPU overlays, this time coming in a wavy shape with a prominent crest at midfoot. This shape provides lockdown while serving as the primary visual element, and the shoe continues to use an inner bootie for a snug fit just like previous models. Also making its return is a Three Stripes motif running up the heel of the sole, aka the “Harden Stripes.”

Related Stories

Rick Owens Is Reviving One of Adidas' Wildest Running Technologies for Both a Sneaker and Boot

Anthony Edwards' Adidas Sneaker Is Getting Two Marvel Character Treatments for 'Avengers: Doomsday'

What’s newest on Harden’s 11th sneaker isn’t readily seen, as a full-length Hyperboost delivers Adidas’ freshest cushioning tech. Supercritical PEBA foam beads are fused together to form the midsole, which is both lighter and more responsive than Ultraboost.

You May Also Like

Dressed in white and blue, this colorway has been dubbed “Year of the Goat.”

Hyperboost made its debut in running this year and has also been adopted for the Anthony Edwards 3. The material caters to bounce more than speed, making it a natural fit for hoops and delivering 22 percent greater energy return than Lightstrike Pro foam.

“When the Energy Boost first came to market, everybody who tried it was like, ‘Wow, this feels great. This is different,'” Patrick Nava, Adidas general manager of running, told Footwear News in the spring. “We wanted to replicate that first feeling but 15 years later with the advancement of technology.”

In the Cleveland Cavaliers’ win over the New York Knicks, Harden put up a team-high 32 points to go along with two rebounds and four assists.

The Adidas Harden Vol. 11 “Year of the Goat” doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date but will drop sometime in December through Adidas’ website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $160.