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Move Over, Steph: Harden's Debut Adidas Shoe Immediately Panned By Critics

Rockets G James Harden's first signature show from adidas "isn't supposed to be released until December, but the 'Triple Black' colorway leaked" via Sneakerwatch.com on Tuesday, and it is getting "mocked mercilessly online," according to Matt Young of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Harden's shoes are being "called everything from work boots to chef shoes." Even Whataburger "trolled Harden saying those sneakers would be perfect work shoes for their employees" (CHRON.com, 8/24). FS1’s Jay Onrait said Harden’s shoe led to “people on Twitter wondering if adidas had forgotten how to design shoes" (“Fox Sports Live with Jay and Dan,” FS1, 8/24). ESPN’s Michael Smith rhetorically asked Harden, "Did you have approval over this?” ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth asked, “This is your first shoe?" She noted adidas is "doing some real nice things right now," but fellow company endorsers Kanye West and Pharrell need to "talk to your boy about this adidas shoe, because this is not about that life.” Smith: “I guess having a shoe deal, even if it’s ugly, is better than none” (“His & Hers,” ESPN2, 8/24). ESPN’s Sarah Spain said she would not wear the shoes, as it would look like she is "coming from my job as a line cook” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 8/24). ESPN’s Michael Wilbon said the shoe “looks like it should be made by Timberland.” The N.Y. Daily News' Frank Isola: “It looks like something you would use in construction." He added, "It’s almost like ugly-chic is now in, because you had (Stephen) Curry’s ugly shoe and now James Harden’s ugly shoe” (“PTI,” ESPN, 8/24).

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