If you are like me, who has been following James Harden’s illustrious career, then surely you would also want to know the cool basketball shoes that he has worn.
From his playing days with the Oklahoma City Thunder to his historic career with Houston Rockets or his short-lived tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, most fans want to know the different basketball shoes he has worn over the years.
In this article, I’ll go through James Harden’s amazing signature lines from Adidas and back when he was still rocking different sneakers during his early years in the league.
What Were the Shoes James Harden Worn in His Entire Career?
There’s no denying the greatness of James Harden on and off the court. His offensive skills have further etched their mark in NBA history, and he has long been one of the more polarizing figures in sports.
Like his superstar counterparts, he was one of the few in the early 2010s with their own signature shoe.
His signing with Adidas further escalated his greatness as it became one of the best-selling signature lines in the brand’s history.
Regarding James Harden’s shoes, I can safely say that he has always been a trendsetter which most sneakerheads love. He combines this uncanny flair for the dramatics with his elite fashion sense.
Throughout his illustrious career, from playing for the Arizona State University all the way through his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers, there’s no denying the fact that James Harden has worn some of the most memorable and amazing sneakers the league has seen.
By 2012, his endorsement deal with Adidas paved the way for sneakerheads to enjoy a more personal and stylish approach to signature shoes.
Let’s journey into his shoe career and marvel at what he has to offer to the sneaker world.
With the Arizona State University
Even before he was known as a super scorer in the NBA, James Harden made his mark in the college ranks. James Harden played for the Arizona State University Sun Devils.
Notable Sneakers:
- LeBron VI
- Nike Hyperfuse 2011
- Nike Hyperdunk 2011
At the collegiate level, he would find himself playing his best display of passing and shooting skills. He often displayed his uncanny skill of getting to the rim with ease blowing by defenders nonchalantly.
James Harden enjoyed a two-year stay with the Sun Devils and is often seen rocking several amazing basketball models from Nike.
During his two-year stay with the team, he would be seen rocking the Nike Air Max Elite 2s, Nike Hyperdunks, and several other models.
However, James Harden’s most used shoe model was the LeBron VI. The LeBron VI featured a full-length Air Zoom unit that offers plenty of protection and comfort while not sacrificing lateral containment.
After two good years with the Sun Devils, he forgot his last remaining years with the team, entered the 2009 NBA draft, and was drafted 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With the Oklahoma City Thunder
Drafted 3rd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft, it didn’t take long before James Harden established himself as one of the best scoring players off the bench.
Along with Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook, they formed a formidable trio that wreaked havoc in the NBA.
Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2012
Notable Sneakers:
- Nike Lunar Hypergamer Low
- Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011
- Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2012
- Nike Run The One
- Nike Zoom Crusader
During his rookie year, he signed a contract with Nike and played his entire time with the Thunder with some unique signature Nike shoes.
One of the most popular shoes he wore during his time with the organization was the Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011, Nike Lunar Hypergamer Low, and some of the best OKC-themed Kobe 4s.
While his career with the Thunder came to a surprising end as he was traded to the Houston Rockets, fans are well aware of how far he has come and, along with his shoes, paved the way for him to be the player he was.
Nevertheless, he has worn plenty of Nike shoes and signature models during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, one thing we do remember is he is a fan of low-top sneakers as some of his notable sneakers worn were the Nike Hyperfuse 2012, Nike Hyperdunk 2011 and 2012 Lows, Nike Zoom Crusader, and Nike Run The Ones, to name a few.
With the Houston Rockets
When he joined the Houston Rockets, it was the dawn of a new age as he could negotiate a lucrative contract with the 3-striped brand, Adidas.
Adidas Harden Vol. 4
Notable Sneakers:
- Adidas Harden Vol. 1
- Adidas Harden Vol. 2
- Adidas Harden Vol. 3
- Adidas Harden Vol. 4
This was the beginning of good things to come for James Harden as well as Adidas, as they have become one of the major players when it comes to signature shoes.
As I can remember, he still didn’t have a signature shoe during that time.
However, his first shoe from Adidas was the Crazylight Boost 2015 PE, which featured full-length cushioning and lightweight materials perfect for quick movements on the court.
However, everything fell for him as he eventually got his first signature sneaker with Adidas Harden Vol. 1.
It was one of the most popular shoes during that time. It featured full-length BOOST technology and asymmetrical lacing systems, allowing him to play to his potential with his signature step-back jumper and nasty crossovers.
Over his entire career at Houston, we were delighted with 3 signature models.
The Adidas Harden Vol.1, Harden Vol. 2, and Harden Vol.3 have their own way of maximizing Harden’s on-court tactics with a dazzling display of consistent traction, maximum comfort, impeccable support, and impressive lockdown.
Nonetheless, his signature shoes with the Houston Rockets were amazing in every department.
It also didn’t help that these were quite affordable than most signature models from other NBA superstars like LeBron James, Russel Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony with their respective brands.
With the Brooklyn Nets
As the writings were on the wall with his stay with the Rockets, Brooklyn Nets shocked the world by trading for James Harden.
As a result, it had a trio of Kevin Durant. Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, all of which are also signature athletes with Nike.
Adidas Harden Vol.5
Notable Sneakers:
- Adidas Harden Vol. 5
Not only did he bring his elite passing skills and offensive repertoire, but he also had a wide array of signature sneakers that made waves within the basketball sneakerhead community.
During his short time with the Brooklyn Nets, he was only able to rock the Adidas Harden Vol.5, which in its own right, is also known for featuring a full-length BOOST midsole for ultimate comfort on-court while turning heads off-court thanks to its eye-catching design.
One of his most memorable colorways with this signature model was the Adidas Harden Vol. 5 Solar Yellow.
These signature shoes are remarkable in their own way and have been the epitome of James Harden’s fashion choices.
With the Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden demanded to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in what would be a shocker. And rightfully so, the organization was keen on giving his wish.
In exchange for Ben Simmons, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-2022 NBA season.
Adidas Harden Vol. 6
- Adidas Harden Vol. 6
- Adidas Harden Vol. 7
The trade brought forth a formidable duo by pairing him with Joel Embiid. This new pair made considerable improvements for James Harden with his assists and Joel Embiid scoring.
His 6th signature shoe was introduced during the season, the Adidas Harden Vol. 6.
While it shied away from the flair most of his signature models were known, the performance was one department it improved upon.
These signature sneakers were considered top-tier in performance, lockdown, lateral containment, and support. Some fans and sneakerheads also think it is his best shoe.
Furthermore, the recently released Harden Vol. 7 was quite a refreshing route Harden took with this model.
It was released during the 2022-2023 NBA season and captured the hearts of many as it did have a major overhaul in terms of look.
The Adidas Harden Vol. 7 featured a forefoot light strike technology allowing Harden to perform at a high level, providing impeccable comfort and cushioning setup.
The Adidas Boost on the heel area provides comfort for rebounds and dunks. Materials used for this signature model were great and greatly adored by fans worldwide.
So far, we’ve enjoyed some of the best amazing shoes from his vast signature shoe collection. It only goes to show that Adidas wasn’t holding back in the development and research for the best basketball shoes for James Harden.
Conclusion
James Harden has sported an impressive array of sneakers throughout his illustrious career.
As he transitioned between teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Philadelphia 76ers, we’ve noticed how his choice of footwear evolved with him.
As sneaker enthusiasts and fans alike, we can’t help but appreciate Harden’s dynamic style and admire the diversity in his shoe selections. We’re excited to see what kicks he’ll bring to the court next as his journey continues.