James Harden’s signature line is officially entering retro territory. Sneaker News can confirm that adidas Basketball is bringing back the Harden Vol. 1, marking the first retro release of “The Beard’s” debut signature sneaker. The news follows a recent adidas “Take On Summer” campaign in China, where a model appeared wearing the decade-old sneaker.
Originally released in December 2016, the Harden Vol. 1 immediately established a distinct identity for adidas Basketball and its newfound athlete. Combining full-length BOOST cushioning with a premium leather upper and minimalist design, the silhouette helped usher in a new era for Harden’s signature franchise, solidifying a low-cut look for the step-back innovator.
The first colorway set to return is the original Core Black/Scarlet/Footwear White edition, faithfully recreating the launch pair that introduced Harden’s signature line nearly a decade ago.
The retro also marks an important milestone for adidas Basketball; as signature athletes like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Derrick Rose have all seen their earliest models return to retail, James Harden now joins that company as his own signature legacy begins its next chapter. It’s a testament not only to the longevity of the Harden franchise, but also to James’ lasting popularity particularly in the Greater China region.
The adidas Harden Vol. 1 is confirmed to return on August 1st, 2026 for $140 — the same MSRP as it was a decade ago.
