Double Tap to Zoom

adidas and James Harden have cooked up a new luxe version of the Harden Vol 9 sneaker, taking the already-bold basketball model to museum-worthy levels.

Literally, Harden's signature shoe becomes a literal work of art with this new "Molded Leather" update. Instead of its usual breezy avant-garde upper, the Harden Vol 9 gets encased in premium black leather.

The resulting design is too lovely to be a basketball shoe. But it is. Leather and all, the Harden Vol 9 preserves its hoops-ready features, like the full-length Lightboost cushioning and flexible, breezy mesh. It also still has that special traction patterned outsole ready for quick-changing moves on the court.

It's just wrapped in an even more stylish look now, not that the Harden Vol 9 wasn't a looker before.

The Harden Vol 9 is part of a new era of versatile basketball shoes, proving performance can be stylish. And all hooping sneakers are looking good right now, but no one's doing it like adidas, which also has the popular AE 1 sneaker (and its viral ads) to its name.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

The brand continues its streak of killer basketball shoes with the new luxurious Harden Vol. 9.

Speaking of which, the Harden Vol 9. "Molded Leather" sneakers are expected to drop on August 26 on adidas' website for $190.

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit the HS Style Guide for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty

We Recommend
  • This Sculptural adidas Sneaker Is a Literal Ace in the Hole
  • The adidas Samba Mary Jane Gets Serious About Its Ballet Sneaker Era
  • Bob Marley’s Glowing adidas Adizero Is a Saucy Reggae Speedster
  • adidas' Retired Marathon Record Holder Is Now a Miu Miu-Coded Beauty
What To Read Next
  • Style's New Gendered Gymnastics
  • Tom Holland Is an Autumn. So Is Vuori (EXCLUSIVE)
  • This Brand Moo Air Force 1 Is Fresh Off the Farm
  • New Balance's Smooth Leather Loafer Is Business in the Front & the Back
  • These Vans Conceal a California-to-Tokyo Connection
  • adidas' Fine Leather Samba Mary Jane Is the Cream of the Crop