JAMES HARDEN AND ADIDAS WAKE THE GAME UP WITH HARDEN VOL. 1

adidas and James Harden reimagine the signature shoe game with the debut of Harden Vol. 1. The collection represents the first chapter of the collaborative partnership that began October 1, 2015 with the goal of co-creating footwear and apparel unlike any signature line in sport.

Driven by Harden’s performance needs and embracing his distinctive design insights, Harden Vol. 1 embodies James’ creativity and expressive style on and off the court. adidas continues to reinvent collaboration and Harden Vol. 1 is a bold challenge to the traditional creative process.

“This was my first time creating a shoe from the ground up. With adidas, we wanted to stand for something different, be true to who we are and that’s how we separate ourselves,” Harden said. “This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and all the work we put in together is what makes this genuine. We’re open to each other’s opinions and we weren’t going to just put shoes on the shelves and say ‘This is James Harden.’ It’s built for how I play and you’ll see my style, different moods, the little details and stories that represent who I am.”

Harden added, “People always ask me, ‘How are you different?’ It’s hard to explain how you’re different but the shoe explains it for me.”

Pioneer – the first edition of Harden Vol. 1 – celebrates the championship game performance of a young, beardless No. 13 who scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished three assists and recorded two steals on the way to winning his second-straight California state title in high school. The silhouette is designed with a black knit upper, white leather toe shroud and red accents that pay homage to where his journey began. The championship date (March 24, 2007) is featured on the left sockliner with his game stats on the right sockliner.

WITHSTAND THE PRESSURE

Full-length BOOST cushioning provides unparalleled energy return, while a premium toe shroud – developed from Harden’s need to guard against defenders stepping on his feet – creates comfort and protection, unstitched design for natural movement and on-court durability.

NEXT LEVEL CONTROL

Advanced generative software analyzed James’ stress patterns on-court and built unique data driven sub-structures, creating a traction pattern specifically tuned for Harden’s disruptive change of pace and stop on a dime gameplay.

FIT TO CREATE

Asymmetrical lacing provides adaptive support and removes pressure from the top of the foot for quick cuts and deceptive Eurosteps, while a mix of knit and mesh material executions across various colorways stay true to fine-tuned performance benefits and Harden’s off-court style.

“We begin to think about chapters of our journey with James and this is only Vol. 1,” detailed Brian Foresta, vice president of design, adidas Basketball. “If you have the confidence to wear Harden Vol. 1, step out from the norm and decide to be something new in the game of basketball, then you don't rely on the old recipes. Nor does James and nor do we. I love that he pushed us in that direction.”

Redefining performance apparel, Harden’s signature collection is dressed to sweat without sacrificing his unprecedented style. Cross-functional pieces utilize multidimensional design elements for versatile on and off court transitions, balanced by exaggerated fits and a variety of tonal executions. The collection features breathable protection, secure storage, asymmetric wrapping and layered comfort true to both Harden’s game and basketball DNA.  

“Harden Vol. 1 offered us the unique opportunity to reinterpret the traditional view on creating signature product,” added Foresta. “From developing his logo, to translating signature details and color executions, we set out to create something that is striking even at a distance and embodies everything James represents on and off the court.”

The Harden Vol. 1 identity challenges the traditional signature formula and features the Harden Mark, original typography and three stripe executions exclusive to James’ footwear and apparel. A visual expression of the way he disrupts the game, the Harden Mark implements design cues from the circle at center court, while the letter ‘H’ uniquely fuses with the brand’s iconic three stripes.

Signature details are subtly built into Harden Vol. 1 through coded language that ties back to family, including the birthdates of his grandmother (left shoe) and mother (right shoe) molded onto the heel. James’ own signature is also located on the medial side of both shoes on the toe.

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ADIDAS WRITES 'IMMA BE A STAR' INTO HISTORY WITH HARDEN VOL. 1

As a freshman in high school, James Harden wrote his dreams onto paper with a simple note promising his mom, ‘Imma Be A Star.’ The Houston Rockets point guard has reimagined the definition of his position and continues to leave his mark on NBA record books as he lives out the goal he created nearly 13 years ago.

To inspire future stars of the game and commemorate the note his mom has kept to this day, adidas introduces a new chapter to the story of Harden Vol. 1.

“As every young kid, you have dreams…you have aspirations. You ask for things when you’re a kid and one day, I asked my mom for some money and I wrote her a note,” Harden explained. "It said, 'Could u wake me up at 7:00 and could u leave me a couple of dollars. P.S. Keep this paper. Imma be a star.' 

“You have those visions when you’re younger and you just don't know how to get to them,” Harden continued. “I was one of those kids who figured it out and didn’t let anything stop me.” 

Designed in black Primeknit with flecks of gold, Imma Be A Star exudes Harden’s early confidence and is proof of the path he’s creating in the game. Gold accents featured on the Harden Mark, lace tips and three stripes contrast a black suede toe shroud and full-length BOOST TPU wrap, while the original note is showcased as a repeating graphic print on the sockliner.

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ADIDAS HARDEN VOL. 1 DISRUPTOR: THE NEXT CHAPTER IN HARDEN'S HISTORIC SEASON

Each night James Harden disrupts basketball convention and challenges standards for how the game is played. In his first season running point for Houston, he’s redefined the position while rewriting league record books and leading the Rockets to one of the top records in the West.

Harden is the first player in NBA history to post 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds in a single game. He’s notched his fourth 40-point triple-double, the most by any player in the last 30 seasons, and became just the fourth to record back-to-back 40-point triple-doubles. To celebrate his historic start and unprecedented MVP-level season, adidas introduces Harden Vol. 1 Disruptor.

Disruptor features a clean yet striking design, pairing a white mesh upper with a sharp black contrast across the toe. To highlight James’ ultimate goal for the season, gold detailing finishes off the lace tips, three stripes and Harden Mark.  

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WELCOME TO PROJECT HARDEN

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - July 21, 2016 - At #LVL3 in Las Vegas James Harden introduced Project Harden, the superstar's story in a way it's never been told and never experienced. Since beginning the partnership last fall, adidas and James have worked hand in hand to create the next wave of basketball style on and off the court.

The first chapter of Project Harden was a glimpse into the co-creation process through the world of virtual reality that allowed fans to hear directly from James and catch a sneak peek at the future.

The following 12 weeks showcased a new chapter of Harden’s story on the @ProjectHarden Instagram channel, including the official unveil of his signature mark and behind the scenes action with the design team, creation of product, on-court testing and clues of what’s to come.

First Impressions
Assisted in project management for the 'First Impressions' shoot, which captured the reactions of high school basketball players experiencing Harden Vol. 1 for the first time. Resulted in nine unique posts featured on the @ProjectHarden Instagram channel. 

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