The partnership between NBA superstar James Harden and adidas Basketball has been one of the most high-profile collaborations in sports and footwear. Signed in 2015, this blockbuster deal, $200 million over 13 years, marked a significant shift in strategy from The Brand With The Three Stripes to rival Nike's dominance in the basketball market. Harden, known for his dynamic playing style and MVP-caliber performance, brought his unique flair and strong global fanbase to the brand.
adidas and Harden are set to launch their ninth model together in consecutive years, the adidas Harden Vol. 9. With colorways like Cyber Metallic and Hell Cat announced for 2025, another pair is a part of this ever-growing lineup, Metamorphosis. Arriving with a curvy aesthetic, rounded edges appear everywhere on the Harden Vol 9.
The distinctive upper features a core black internal neoprene bootie with an outer semi court green synthetic shell. The outer shell is dominated by three swooping cut-outs along the midsection, which reveal a screaming green mesh that subtly contrasts against the vivid backdrop. A series of perforations are visible at the vamp for improved breathability, arranged in three lines to keep the look on point.
At the rear, a carbon fiber heel cup carries Harden's signature logo. Underfoot, another green hue envelopes the FYW-style rubber outsole, sweeping underneath the shoe and featuring Three Stripes branding at the heel.
The adidas Harden Vol. 9 Metamorphosis will release on March 15, 2025, at adidas and select retailers, both in-store and online. Men's sizing will be available with a $160 retail price tag. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
