adidas has done everything right this year, almost. Basketball remains an elusive category, but I actually have looked at this in detail and I finally realized why basketball hasn’t become a staple as it was in the past: comfort.
Basketball performance has always been confining to the foot and not very comfortable. The difference between today and five years ago is that the trend has completely shifted to more comfortable and fashionable footwear as daily wear. I explained this when looking at the upcoming Crazy Explosive.
adidas has been struggling with their basketball line, but they are taking a lot of effort to introduce footwear that utilizes their highest paid endorser. The Harden Volume 1 was not a poorly designed shoe. It was stylish but the BOOST was more rigid due to it’s encasement inside of TPU. The shoe also had a leather toebox which help to keep the foot from pronating. The shoe looked great and actually hit resale on particular models.
This new version is considered an uncaged version and is given the LS (lifestyle) tag. If I had to make a statement of whether this shoe will sell or not, I think it depends on the marketing and the price. If it’s a primeknit and uncaged toebox adidas may introduce it at 150 which would be a mistake. If the shoe retails at 120.00 I think it would be a very, very successful shoe and the colors are dope. Here is the description of the colorways and shoe.
Description via adidas
Harden LS utilizes multi-color Primeknit uppers, full-length BOOST, refreshed signature detailing and an uncaged toe box. The model steps off the court and embraces James’ alter ego – an unfiltered persona that creates for the culture, love for family and his LA upbringing.
Inspired by the off-court rewards of unleashing your creativity on the court, these are Harden’s life stories as told through four distinct colorways slated to drop at adidas and Foot Locker before the 2017-2018 NBA season. James will share the timing of each colorway release date with fans exclusively on his social media channels.
Inspired by the California palm trees and ocean views, the LA Life is designed in triple white Primeknit with silver accents and a marbled outsole. It pays respect to the town where Harden learned to dream and fulfills those dreams.
Life in the fast lane –shifting gears at a moment’s notice the game never sleeps. Fast Life is built with custom detailing, highlighted by burgundy and candy orange Primeknit threads lifted on black BOOST and a gum outsole.
From pregame tunnels to the runway, Harden can make a statement simply by owning the moment. He keeps his style clean one night and is ready to show out the next. The Night Life is suited in black and white Primeknit with XENO three stripes on the heel and glow-in-the-dark elements featured on the Harden Mark.
The Sweet Life features pink Primeknit across the upper and gold detailing accented on the three stripes and outsole. It all starts with those that support your dreams and for James Harden that began with his mother Monja. From the first basketball hoop she bought him as a kid, to the home he purchased for her after signing his first NBA contract, the game always finds a way to give back.
