When Rockets G James Harden focused on "creating his signature series of sneakers and apparel," the "initial concept was simple: be different," according to Nick DePaula of THE VERTICAL. With Harden, there was an "expectation for funky, quirky and unique looks," and his "herky-jerky, ball-dominant game is also unique and was a major point of inspiration." The Adidas-made Harden Vol. 1 "features drastic splits throughout, most noticeably along the toe," and on the court, the "50-50 color blocking allows Harden’s shoe to stand out on TV broadcasts." The shoe also "features distinct and jagged lines, represented in the off-center laces and slanted toecap." The shoe "plays off Harden’s off-court style, taking on a single hue through the upper of the shoe and splashing in casual materials such as suede and ballistic nylon." DePaula noted throughout Harden’s first year with Adidas, the brand was "working through concept designs of what his first shoe might look like and gathering data for his performance needs." For the first time in NBA history, Adidas "equipped the rafters" of the Trail Blazers’ Moda Center with its "own assortment of high-speed cameras." Harden then "played a full game in a Sharpie-dotted sneaker that collected data on his every move." Afterwards, the bottom of the shoe was "designed by a computer" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 2/28). Harden appeared on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last night, where Kimmel showed off the Harden Vol. 1 and noted there is "something special about the back of the sneaker.” The back heel features Harden’s mother and grandmother’s birthdays. Kimmel asked, “Will your mom and grandma wear these shoes?” Harden: “My grandma's not here anymore but my mom wears them.” Kimmel: “She actually wears your men's sneakers?” Harden: “She has to represent her son” (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 2/28).
KEEPING THINGS IN FOCUS: Harden is the subject of an SI cover story this week, and author Lee Jenkins notes Harden this season is "stretching the boundaries of what was considered possible for an individual player." The on-court transformation is the latest step in a "process of untangling a crowded life" that began a year ago when he broke up with girlfriend Khloe Kardashian "after an eight-month romance." Harden said, "I didn't like all the attention. I feel like it was for no reason. I wasn't getting anything out of it except my name out there and my face out there, and I don't need that. ... It was unnecessary stuff that I think trickled down to my teammates. I had to eliminate that." Jenkins notes Harden has the "illustrious beard and the outrageous wardrobe," but his "personality is muted." Additionally, after signing a 200M deal in '15 with Adidas, his obligations to the company "were curtailed after the release" last fall of the Vol. 1 shoe. Jenkins: "Harden insists he's changed, but more clearly, the environment around him has changed" (SI, 3/6 issue).
