Ahead of the 2020-21 NBA season’s late December tip-off, James Harden and adidas Basketball have unveiled the new Harden Vol. 5. Marking the debut of adidas‘ new “Futurenatural” tech, The Beard’s fifth signature sneaker combines a seamless 360-degree fit system with a hybrid cushioning setup for a lightweight-yet-supportive design that bequeaths him with total freedom of movement on the court.
This “Futurenatural” tech features a new last, one that’s culled from thousands of foot scans for a natural fit. Its textured, seamless upper features a forged upper made by applying heat and pressure from all angles. This is then placed atop a midsole that mixes soft BOOST and responsive LIGHTSTRIKE foams for a feel that’s both soft and responsive — and one that aims to serve as an extension of the wearer’s body.
“Futurenatural is a new process for the creation of shoes, and is a perfect technology for Harden Vol. 5 with James’ dynamic style of play and moves on the court being unlike any other player,” said Rashad Williams, Senior Director of Footwear at adidas Basketball. “James offers feedback from a design and feel standpoint, which is extremely important during our creative process and it ultimately led us to develop the Futurenatural technology to match his game.”
From a looks standpoint, the Harden Vol. 5 features a mid-cut upper with a wide collar and soft lines, all above a geometrically-patterned midsole and outsole. Its inaugural colorway uses a crisp white base, adorned with various abstract splotches of color that range from bright tones like blue, yellow, orange, teal and berry to a more earthy brown. Branding is handled by a Three Stripe graphic on the lateral midfoot, a Harden text spellout on the medial midfoot, Harden branding on the tongue and a BOOST embellishment on the outsole.
A firm release date or retail price for the adidas Harden Vol. 5 has yet to be announced, but adidas has noted that it’ll debut in early 2021.
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