Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Rockets'
Colorway: Scarlet/Light Scarlet/Running White · Style code: CQ1404 · Release date: July 8, 2017 · Price: $257 · Availability: Available now
More colorways: Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Disruptor' (BW0552) · Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'MVP' (AC8107) · Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'CNY' (AH2117) · adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Pioneer' (LC5090) · Adidas Harden Vol. 1 'Gila Monster' (B39494)
Boost reached basketball slowly. adidas introduced the material in running shoes in 2013, developed with the German chemical company BASF from thermoplastic polyurethane formed into small pellets and fused together, and only later tuned a firmer version for the court, where a foam that feels excellent underfoot on a run can feel unstable on a hard cut. Harden's first signature used a full-length Boost midsole derived from that work.
This pair leaves the result visible. The scarlet overlay across the forefoot is translucent, so the pellet texture of the midsole reads through the lower edge of the upper rather than sitting hidden behind it. Everything above is finished in matching reds drawn from Harden's team colours in Houston, with white Three Stripes at the heel providing the only real contrast. Primeknit forms the collar and instep, giving the shoe its pull-on entry, while leather reinforces the toe against the trampling Harden had complained about.