*added Harden V1 vs Kobe AD*
Executive Summary: Adidas took signature shoes to a new level because this is a very specific shoe that could be perfect for some and just turrrrble for others. If you’re looking for a quality, good looking sig shoe that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (only one leg)the Harden Vol 1 might be for you. If you want low profile and firmer Boost, a very good fit and decent traction and don’t care about weight, this is your shoe. If you want a Kobe V like shoe or lightweight extension of your foot with exceptional traction and walk on cloud comfort, this is not your shoe. If you’re flat footed and can’t wear orthodics without pain, you may have some arch pain initially or skip these altogether. I recommend trying on in store if possible although you won’t have any pain in store.
Pros: traction on clean floors, low profile Boost, support and stability, containment, laces stay tight due to dual hole lacing system, feels well made
Cons: traction requires a lot of wiping on dusty floors, traction needs some break in time, painful break in period for my very flat feet, hard to lace correctly initially, not Boostiest Boost, heavy for a low, gets hot
Sizing: half a size down for everyone except wide footers or flat footers. Best to try on in store
Best for: bigger guards and bigs
Buying Advice: wait for sales, they made a lot. $100 or less
Weight
17 ounces. Just when you thought a low couldn’t get heavier…most of that additional weight is probably from the infinity shank, toe cap and Boost TPU. The Kobe VI weighs 9.5 oz, so you will notice the difference when it’s nearly double the weight. I noticed the weight the first time I put these on but your body will get used to it. Think of it as weights for your legs if you want.
Break in time
Some may say the Harden V1 is ultra comfortable out of the box but I found it to take a week or so to break in and soften up. The synthetic backing pops a bit to start and the leather toe cap needs some time to bend and flex and the plastic shank definitely needs some time to learn your foot and practice flexing. If you don’t give it that time, you will have some heel slip due to the stiffness of that plastic shank.
I’ve read and seen reviews about the leather toe box digging into the foot and I did not experience that pain. I must not get high enough on my toes to feel this issue or my foot doesn’t flex exactly wrong way. Once again, this is a very player specific shoe. If you don’t move a certain way, you may feel some pain. I highly recommend working the shoe like an accordion to speed up break in time.
Traction
Adidas tracked Harden’s movements on court with some crazy state of the art next level sensors. While I do believe they actually tracked his movements, it didn’t make a difference in the end since they did a traction pattern inspired by the Fibonacci Sequence
Coincidently Fibonacci day is November 23rd, the same day the Imma Be a Star colorway launched..that’s actually very clever Adidas. Big props on that one.
Inspiration aside, the big question is does it work and it does…okay. I freshly wiped the Harden in this video whereas I haven’t wiped the CLB since Thanksgiving. This is on a very lightly dusty floor that is cleaned daily.
It works well on clean courts or when freshly wiped (what doesn’t) but once dirt gets on the sole, the shoe gets slippery and you do have to wipe frequently.
The pattern is shallow and the rubber is fairly dense but softens with play.
The pattern doesn’t seem to flex a lot due to the shallow depth of the pattern as well as the rubber’s firmness; dirt just seems to sit on the outsole instead of getting brushed away. If the grooves were deeper it could flex more and help sweep dirt away more effectively. To make matters worse, the Fibonacci pattern gets super dense under ball of the big toe the act as a pivot point
However it has practically no flex at all and no depth so it’s just a hard flat spot.
Some may say, just wipe and you’ll be good. Well I can guarantee that during any given game, there will be a 1-2 minute stretch that goes back and forth down the court where you can’t. Maybe you don’t care, maybe it’s just pick up or a rec league but I prefer to be efficient and wiping constantly is not an effectively use of energy or concentration.
I had a hard(en) time trusting the traction because on jabs and crossovers sometimes it would slide and sometimes it would stick on lightly dusty floors. A traditional pattern would have been better but as James would say..booooring
Traction is definitely not in the top tier of AJ XX8, Curry 2, Kobe IX, Rose 7 but more along the lower end of the 2nd tier like the Lillard 2, Rare Metals etc where you need to wipe frequently to stay glued to the court. It’s not bad just not top of the line like I was hoping.
Cushioning
Full length Boost but even lower than the Crazylight Boost 2016. If you’re expecting Ultra Boost plushness look elsewhere but if you want a ride that has a some bounce to it and rides pretty low, you’ll like this set up. It is firmer than the CLB and feels like they just cut off 10-15% off the top of the CLB set up to come up with the Harden set up. I will say that this is probably as close as any foam can get to true low profile Zoom without bottoming out.
It is contained full on the lateral side and partially on the medial side for stability. So the Boost doesn’t overcompress but Adidas made a hole in the strobel board so you can feel the Boost in the heel.
I really like the cushioning set up on the Harden because I like the extra responsiveness and stable ride. I feel it’s a great blend of cushioning and responsiveness but it isn’t for everyone. Playing alongside the CLB you can easily feel a difference in height and softness. The CLB will accommodate more players and playing styles but again, this is a very specific set up for a very specific player.
Fit
I suggest half a size down for everyone except wide footers and up. Best to try on in store
Much like the Crazylight Boost 2016 these run long. I have about a thumb width at the toe whereas I prefer a finger width. I actually bought both my true to size 11 and half size 10.5 and both fit length wise. I went with the the 10.5 initially because of the extra length and I wanted as secure of a fit as possible. However my feet were screaming to get them off so I went with the size 11. Most of the pain was due to the arch support and width at the midfoot so a wider size 11 worked better for me in the end.
Speaking of the arch support pain, I have super flat feet. I often wonder if there is a term for a concave arch. I don’t get along with orthodics at all so it took me a week to get used to the arch in the Harden. They still get a little sore in them even after 2.5 weeks. If you have flat feet be patient and try to get used to them or just skip the shoe altogether.
The Harden is more accommodating width wise in the forefoot than the Crazylight Boost 2016. Like the CLB, a 10.75 would be ideal for me but oh well.
Assymetrical Lacing
The assymetrical lacing set up does work well although I can’t quantify anything. The reason it works well is because the assymmetry laces match up better with the shape and slope of the foot; your foot isn’t a perfectly flat table, it slopes to one side just like this lace pattern. Also assisting in the lockdown is the burrito set up of course.
Getting laced and locked in in the Harden 1 is a chore the first few times because of the two hole lace system.
Rather than use one hole that feeds the laces, Adidas employed two lace holes to snake each lace through. It keeps the laces tight during play unlike the extra wide and slippery Curry 3 lace holes. The problem is getting them tightened correctly because the laces are thin and actually hurt when you tug on them. Somehow you can’t feel the laces at all on your foot though which is pretty amazing.
It’s odd that Adidas went minimalist on the CLB and Crazy Explosive but did a complete 180 with the lace setup on the Harden. Regardless, the dual hole assymetrical set up works. Just wear some lifting gloves when you lace up the first few times. Also worth noting is that the laces come undone even after double knotting. I may swap out for flat laces when I have a few free hours to get through the treacherous double holes.
Heel fit has greatly improved since the laces wrap up and around the ankle a little more while the heel collar in more padded and higher. The laces are now set back about where I added extra holes on the Crazylight Boost Project. See I wasn’t crazy !
Here you can see the additional height in the back.
Overall the fit of the Harden Vol 1 is better than the Crazylight Boost 2016. I had almost no heel slip (still a teeny tiny tad even after break in) and the overall fit just felt tighter yet more accommodating in the forefoot. A little weird, a little paradoxal, just like James Harden . That’s some next level sig stuff Adidas!!
Materials
Full length Primeknit on the Star colorway and knit on this one and others. Not much of a difference between the two uppers because they are both backed by the same synthetic which pops a bit to start.
It takes a few games to warm up and conform but if you’re expecting CE Primeknit softness out of the box, look elsewhere. The synthetic is the limiting factor in the upper so if anyone says there is a huge performance difference, tell them I have some ocean front property in Arizona for sale ..
The quality of the leather on the Pioneer colorway is very nice, better than the suede on the Imma Be a Star. I’m impressed it feels so soft yet hasn’t shown any wear.
These feel well made and I have no complaints with the materials at all. Speaking of the toe cap
Independent Toe Cap
Does the independent toe cap do anything ? In theory, it should give a little more flexibility since it floats above the forefoot. However I don’t feel it adds anything other than durability and aesthetics. The forefoot is only as flexible as the stiffest pieces and you have the infinity shank, the large roll cage as well as the leather toe cap that runs too far back on the lateral side to make a difference in terms of flexibility. You still have to flex through the leather.
Overall the materials are great. Doesn’t really change the performance but it makes me feel like I got more value in my purchase.
Ventilation
When it gets cold outside, what do you do? You layer up or wear some compression.
Well the Harden has a bunch of layers from the burrito wrap, plenty of padding, a synthetic backing and a leather toe cap and sits tightly around the entire foot. Great shoe for cold weather so needless to say there isn’t any place for heat to escape. I had to take these off at halftime during my tourney last week because of the heat. If you’re running one or two games it’s fine but anything longer, you may want another shoe or take some breaks in between to let the heat out.
Support and Stability
This is the best part of the Harden Vol 1 in my opinion. Since this is a low, support comes mostly from the fit and sturdy heel counter.
There is also an infinity torsion bar in the Harden Vol 1 as well as the aforementioned arch support.
Stability is excellent with its lower to the ground approach, TPU caged Boost, Crazy Explosive like infinity torsion bar, and contoured wide outsole.
Not once did I ever feel like I was going to roll my ankle in these because I felt stable and connected to the ground. Much lower and stable feeling than the Crazylight Boost.
If you’re going to Euro step, the more containment the better.
These do a great job with containment thanks to the TPU at the forefoot. The toe cap helps a little with containment but there is so much slack in it it I don’t think helps that much. It isn’t any better than the CLB16 which doesn’t feature a leather toecap but regardless it performs well in this category.
Conclusion
Normally it takes me about a week to ten to review a shoe but the Harden Vol 1 took me almost 3 weeks. Sizing was very hard to figure out plus I had to break in the shoe as well as the traction. First few times in the Harden V1, I wanted to rip them off and throw them away. Painful break in plus skating on dusty floors doesn’t leave a good first impression.
However, after figuring out some of the nuances of the shoe, and getting through break in, I had moments where I forgot about them completely which is what we all strive for in our search for the holy grail of kicks.
But then I’d slip, wipe, and repeat…and retie my laces and repeat.
The Harden Vol 1 is one of those shoes I like a lot. Its tech is great, it looks good, it’s made well and it isn’t too expensive; basically what every sneakerhead complains about when it comes to Jordan retros. Plus, the Harden Vol 1 improved two of the major flaws of the Crazylight Boost 2016: lace set up and heel slip. However, Adidas ruined an excellent traction set up with the Fibonacci design and as a traction lover, this did the shoe in for me. Well that and my arch pain.
I will reach for it when I know floors are perfect or when it’s just pick up but not a shoe I’d count on in crunch time. Maybe another three weeks of break in will do the trick and if it does I’ll let everyone know.
Great review! Do you wear insole? You should review them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do not. I’ve tried into the past and they hurt my feet even after a week.
LikeLike
I experienced that same arch pain in the CLB 2016. I could barely walk after 2.5 hours of play. I haven’t played in them since. So i’m guessing I probably won’t play in these either. I’m still going to get those Gila Monster ones, though. Looks bad ass!
LikeLike
I didn’t have any pain in the CLB16 which is weird..once again it’s just way the shoe is made. Some ppl will some ppl won’t. It’s nuts
LikeLike
Very nice review! I’ll see how these goes, still have to experience CLB, crazy explosive, and drose7. Keep up the good work!!
LikeLike
Thanks ! Hard to get stuff in the UK for cheap!
LikeLike
i can attest to that..but some deals do come up once in a while…i saw CLB 16 and KD9 for 60£(74$) on black friday…my size went real fast though..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that’s not bad esp in the Uk
LikeLike
Disappointing to hear about the traction. I don’t know if I’d blame it on the pattern though, seems like it would be good from any direction. In my experience, when the pattern plateaus it’s never as good as when it comes to a blade if that makes sense lol. As always, thank you for the most detailed reviews on the internet!
LikeLike
I know what you’re saying about the blade. These don’t become blades like the aj xx8, Rose 6 or curry 2, Kobe etc..actually a little flatter than that. I’m saying if they were deeper (or sharper)they could flex more . If the whole shoe was the same and not tight at the forefoot it would have been better imo. Thanks for reading !
LikeLike
Did you pick up the Space Jam 11’s? If you did, can you write an post about them, and if you didn’t, can you say why you didn’t thanks.
LikeLike
Great review! Prob not gonna get these cause i also have flat feet haha Would you recommend the rose 7s or clb 2016s? I really want forefoot cushioning, and u said that the clbs have the more even feel, but the rose 7s are the better shoe overall, but a bit heavier. Would an insole swap make the rose better or equal to the forefoot cush of the clbs? I have the jcrossover 3 insoles and they seem kinda nice, was wondering if they’d be good replacements since i don’t have the good rose 4 insole you suggest hahaha great effort here in the sneaker game man 😀
LikeLike
Rose 7 is one ounce heavier so not really a big diff . The insole swap helps even out the feel. Those JC3 Insoles would be a good replacement
LikeLike
An alternative to an insole swap is putting one of those fake zoom insoles from ebay under the regular insole. For my Rose 6 I found the forefoot got packed down and firm after a while so I tried this. The cheap zoom insole (I bought a $10 insole) was pretty thin and since the lock down in the Rose 6 is better in the heel I naturally push the air from the insole to the forefoot (and I don’t notice a difference really in the heel). You do lose some toe space but a lot people think there is too much in the Rose 7 anyways so it might work out the same. As well, I have used them for about a month and it is still holding up so far without bottoming out.
LikeLike
I may try a pair bc ppl keep mentioning them to me even if they aren’t authentic lol
LikeLike
Thanks for the replies guys! 😀 will try them out
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job Schwollo!
Are you going to purchase the primeknit clb? It sounds like they fit a little different than the jacquard version.
LikeLike
I plan to bc it might fix the issues with the regular set up. Just not the ugly colorways I’ve seen
LikeLike
When do the primeknit clbs release?
LikeLike
January I think ?
LikeLike
Ive seen the pk clbs, havent fit them yet, but the padding on the pks are thicker than the regulars ones, which i guess is how the fit is better
LikeLike
Where did you see them? Once again, adidas changing sht around when could have been better in the first place
LikeLike
Nba store here in the philippines, the light blue and white cw
LikeLike
Oh nice..try them on?
LikeLike
They prob added more padding cause it lacks a tongue, but they should have tested more to find out that the jacquard version probably needed the extra padding too
LikeLike
Should have done more than that.needed extra lace loops too
LikeLike
Yeah, i did try them on, and the fit did feel more secure than the regulars in my opinion, if not maybe even a bit tighter in the forefoot. Prob not gonna get them cause i got wide feet and it just feels too narrow, or does it break in?
Anyways, Merry Christmas man, thanks for the in-depth reviews 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It should break in but I haven’t seen
Them so can’t say for certain!
LikeLike
Hey you really went all out for this review! Anyways, thanks for the info – I tried the shoe on and it fits really well so I still might buy a pair when it goes on sale or if another great colorway drops. Too bad about the traction or it could have been a great shoe for me. Question for you Schwollo – do u plan on reviewing the Dame 3 that will come out soon? I was also waiting on that put the initial color is just too much red for me, lol.
LikeLike
It does fit very well. I didn’t have any pain until I played in them and I like how they look. Traction isn’t awful but you have to keep wiping to keep sticky. I do plan on the Lillard 3 and Kobe ad just been busy. And I can’t pull off the all red either but we will see lol
LikeLike
Great review!
Looks like the laces in the Pioneer version are a little thicker, less waxy than the ones on the Imma Be A Star colorway. The stock laces on the IBAS colorway come undone even in a double knot. I was tying my shoes every possession.
I re-laced my pair with a pair of black flat laces and the shoe feels perfect now. It’s a lot of work to change but I think you should try flat laces in these!
I wonder if the difference in material at the toe cap is what’s causing people pain. I haven’t had any issues with the suede toe at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laces are pretty bad with the pioneers as well. Not a big deal but to redo it looks tedious. I plan to swap them out when I have some free time. I do think the leather is harder than the suede so that might be the issue I’m
Not sure since i didn’t have that problem.
LikeLike
So I gave em a couple spins again the past few days and I’m liking them a bit better. Traction was better for me all of a sudden last 2 days I used the harden. Might be a new guy cleaning the floor or something but all I know is I was gripping the floor awesomely whenever I would do quick jabs, and I had no problem with any slipping at all.
The fit is nice as usual and I feel really secure in them. I might end up using these regularly after all. So far my rotation is looking like this: Curry 2.5, D Rose 7, Harden 1, KD 9 for indoor use. For outdoor use, I use just the Lillard 2 as my go-to.
LikeLike
They do get a lot better with break in but still required a lot more wiping than top pairs on dusty floors. My fat wide feet are not made for these although I’m going to try half size up to see if that helps at all. 11.5 looks huge on foot to me.
LikeLike
i am having second thoughts about these now..weight is really important in a shoe, i am not as agile as i use to be..makes a difference if you aren’t running around with cinder blocks on your feet. i guess the real question is do they feel heavy on foot?i know some shoes are on the heavy side, and look clunky but don’t feel heavy on foot. as for traction did you notice if the different type of rubber make a difference?i remember you got the translucent and the solids right?boost looks like a clear winner this year. i really want to give it a try..can’t wait for another round of sales..thanks for the nice review..
LikeLike
I am not one to ask about the weight bc I could care less. I will say I played in the Rare Metals right before and you can definitely tell a diff but you get used to the weight. Break in time makes the shoe feel pretty good on foot but first few times I hated them bc they felt clunky. Midfoot is narrow and tight which is good for some but not my flat wide feet. I did not try the imma b a star colorway only bc I’m a collector too so didn’t want to wear them lol
LikeLike
yeah, thats true..in retrospect,i didnt really care about weight either before..though a lot of reviewers nowadays give weight and sometimes it isn’t as accurate..i mean, lightweight feels a tad heavier, and heavier shoes feel lighter..I do feel as I get older, the shoe does help with durability on the court..as long as its not too heavy and clunky it is usually fine..though so far, nothing can beat my zoom bb or kobe v and vi..hope nike retro the kobe again at a more acceptable price..the prelude pack was a rip off and the re-seller market was outrageous…*sigh*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha I agree prices were stupid high. Every Kobe went on sale and retailed for 130-140 for the first 1-6.
LikeLike
Can u review the space jam 11s
LikeLike
You mean with pics and stuff ? I’m
Not wearing them to play lol
LikeLike
yeah thats what i meant lol can u do a writeup article thing about ur thoughts thanks
LikeLike
I’ll give it a shot if I have free time
LikeLike
http://www.eastbay.com/product/model:266024/sku:B72720/?SID=8698&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-Deeplink-_-Text-_-Eastbay
A solid outsole rose 7 pk
LikeLike
Yep I saw those. Will probably pick up when they hit clearance
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great and very in depth review once again. Now let ask you something difficult. Let’s say you have plenty of money and you have to choose only one pair among the latest Adidas shoes (J Harden 1, CLB 2016, D Rose 7, Explosive), which one would you pick? Take into account all performance aspects and their release prices not at discount.
LikeLike
Not difficult at all d Rose 7 . Best traction out of the four, good Boost, great fit, and everything else. Hardens are great in every aspect except traction on dusty floor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have the same opinion with you! Keep up with the good work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks greeksneak. How about that Greek freak ?! Amazing he got so much better so quickly
LikeLike
Schwollo, this question may sound ridiculous, but wrt the Rose 6 cats tongue innner fabric, will it damage socks? They are on huge sale here and im planning to get one. The fabric felt like sandpaper, and with the way it holds onto socks to prevent heel slip, the pressure might damage socks easily?
LikeLike
No it won’t damage your socks
LikeLike
Alright. Thanks man! Was thinking about rubbing on skin and if i would need to double sock. Looks like I no need to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is getting better and better and he is only 22 years old! To be honest, he has much room from improvement to become a really great player. If he improves his mid-range shot as well as his 3pt shooting he will become unstoppable and probably the best all around player in the league!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A few NBA analysts think he could be too.. regardless he’s fun to watch
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great detailed review! When is Dame 3 review coming? Seems to be the one to get for a fairly priced low (or wait for CE low?)
LikeLike
Waiting for the rip city colorway. Roots is too red lol .
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had so many problems with my Rose 6 that I’m afraid to get these:
* I have the arch pain in my left foot whenever I get done playing in them and have to limp.
* I have terrible achilles pain in both foot after playing, and also suffered my first achilles “sprain” or bruise injury while playing in the Rose 6 after coming down from a rebound….
* The Boost in the forefoot got so firm to where it is actually uncomfortable to play in them (which is why I think the achilles issues started). Unfortunately, these ones are a replacement for ANOTHER pair of Rose 6 that did the same thing with the Boost (but quicker, these lasted a month and then got hard and painful).
I am in so much pain the next day after playing in the Rose 6 (and even an hour or so after playing in them) that I’m afraid to purchase any more Boost shoes. This is my 4th pair of Rose 6s, but I will say the ONLY PAIR I wore that was perfect was the Primeknit Rose 6; the Boost was how everyone describes it (soft and bouncy and amazing), while I never suffered ANY pain while wearing those. Unfortunately, because they were too small, I had to exchange them for the Scarlet/Black (the pairs I’ve been having issues with).
The way you describe the Boost makes me really want to try these because I do want low profile but somewhat bouncy Boost, but I’m so afraid to try anything adidas now. They start off amazing and then just end up falling apart or being terrible a month or so later (at least in my experience).
Maybe I have to stick with Micro G…
LikeLike
Can’t believe you tried to stick it out with those. Some shoes just aren’t for certain feet
LikeLike
Boost in basketball shoes do not work because they cage it. Just make the boost thinner and uncgae it. I had the CE and DR6 and my feet were in pain. But I weigh 220 and play with a lot of explosive moves.
LikeLike
You’d probably bottom out in the Boost if it were any thinner imo.
LikeLike
So I just tried on these at Champs and was surprised by how much I actually really liked them. The Boost was low but still felt “packed” and bouncy; they did indeed feel like Zoom in the forefoot. I will wait for these to go on sale, but I really want a pair now. I am praying that my Boost experience will be better in these than they were with the Rose 6…
LikeLike
Look on shopnice kicks or anywhere like dicks etc.. dicks allows coupons on them. Plus adidas.com 15% off. Just didn’t work for me overall . Did like the cushioning though
LikeLike
Are the footstays attached at the forefoot separately from the toe cap?
LikeLike
They are attached to the sole and the toe cap
LikeLike
Hey Schwollo, just wondering, how would you personally rank all the Adidas basketball shoes that has boost? I think it started from….Drose 5? Feel free to include with/without mod. Thanks.
LikeLike
Rose line will be the top for me 1) Rose 7 reg or pk. Awesome traction, great cushioning and does everything else well. Prefer an insole swap
2 or 3) Rose 5 or 6. I prefer the fit of the 5 as it feels more secure bc the 6 has too much going on in the heel and tongue. I actually cut the straps off recently and like the fit a little better lol (will post in future)Cushioning of the 6 is better but sometimes it’s a little too much. 5 needs an thicker insole. 5 and 7 are a better overall blend of cushion and responsiveness for me.
4) Crazylight Boost 16 w eyelet mod. Made a world of difference for me. Very enjoyable to play in now not sure if it’s a top ten shoe yet though as I’d still like more eyelets. Need more time in them still though.
5) Lillard 2 bounce. I like this shoe better than harden. No break in comfortable yet plays well. Traction is awesome when clean or wiped and needs about same amount wiping as harden. Bounce is great too.
6) Harden v1. Improved everything about CLb except traction got a lot worse on any dusty floor.
7) Crazy Explosive. This could be five bc traction is a little better on dusty floors than harden I guess? Still bottoms out for me in forefoot but it’s bc of cored out area. Traction is good not great though. Everything else is good but still needs more eyelets. Not a big materials type person but materials are nice on the PK but doesn’t make a diff to me on court.
7) clb 15
8) clb 14
Hope that helps !
LikeLike
Most definitely! Thanks.
LikeLike
Schwollo this is a random question was not sure where to put it so thought I would leave it here.
I have the opportunity to purchase the KD V for pretty cheap. Dead stock.
Do you have any personal experience with this model? More importantly, the traction?
Thanks.
LikeLike
I played with it back in the day. Upper starts stiff but softens a little but still feels cheap. Traction is pretty good though but not top tier like curry 2 AJ xx8 etc more like Clutchfit drive. Cushioning and fit also pretty good. How much if you don’t mind me asking ?
LikeLike
Thanks a lot.
I’ll give ’em a try. Would have past if the traction was not good.
Paying 25 USD for ’em.
LikeLike
Oh sht well that’s a no brainer you could resell
Them for that much used lol
LikeLike
I ended up copping the Christmas colorway. Looks pretty sweet. tbh. And I’m waiting for the gila monster colorway next.
That’ll end up being my 3rd harden pair lmao. And if the eventual ASG pair is sick imma have to get that one too I guess.
I saw the red and white colorway in store earlier today. I think they call that the home? the mesh on that one looks different than the pioneer colorway. I’m probably passing on that though, the mesh looks weird when I held the shoe in hand, and there’s a lot of glue stains and random craftsmanship issues near where the toebox meets the caging in the forefoot. Dunno if they just had the wrong pairs on display (all 3 pairs of that harden cw had that issue) as I didn’t bother asking for my size.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yea I saw the below zeros they look nice I just don’t like all white. Gila monsters are unique . Not sure I can pull them off lol. Haven’t seen the homes yet weird that they had bad quality . All companies are like that lately.
LikeLike
Hi bro,
Are the hardens durable for outdoor use?
LikeLike
They might be ok but there are more durable outdoor options. The leather toe will wear out and scuff . The outsole is fairly shallow so once you wear them down they will be very flat and slick .
LikeLike
Best outdoor shoes?
LikeLike
I don’t really ball outside much so can’t say but you’d want something with a durable upper and not to soft of an outsole. Lebron soldier ix would be good for sure
LikeLike
I found a red and white pair on sale, but I think it’s a different upper than the rest of the cw’s.

And I was wondering if you knew what kind of material this is, and if it’s better or worse than the knit/mesh.
LikeLike
Harden 1 vs pg1?
LikeLike
Pg has better traction and fit (for me) harden has better cushioning, containment and still a very good fit. Everything else is about the same .
LikeLike
White and red pair is the “home” colorway. It is mesh as well just like the disruptor colorway. Just looks different than the others due to the texture on the outside. Plays a little softer with less break in time than the pioneer but not by much. (I have the disruptor and pioneer)
LikeLike
What’s the most supportive out of pg 1 and harden 1?
LikeLike
Pretty much equal neither is way better in terms of support. Both very stable for a low
LikeLike
Very useful review as always…
If compare these to rose 6, rose 7, and crazy explosive, which one are you gonna choose?
I feel like we have the same kind of personal preference.
Thanks bro
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rose 7 . Easily best traction, a little less plush than the Rose 6 which I like. Crazy explosive forefoot was too thin for me and didn’t feel great like the midfoot and back.
LikeLike
Hey Schwollo I need your HELP!
I just ordered the harden 1’s online and I was wondering if they have worse impact protection than the crazy explosives? And any word on if the translucent outsole bites harder?
Enjoy your Summer bro!
LikeLike
Better impact protection in the forefoot more muted boost feel in the heel so you’ll be fine. Translucent outsole works better on clean floors and some dusty floors than solid outsole (I’m writing something about it right now actually ). Hope that helps !
LikeLike
That sounds awesome! Too bad I couldn’t wait for a sale once the warriors take care of the cavs today possibly 😉
Enjoy the game man and you’re very much appreciated!
P.S. And I’m surprised theres not much official observational info from well know shoe reviewers like yourself about translucent outsole tracktion. lmao
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha “official ” info.
LikeLike
Hey bro, the material on the pioneer is good? I mean… is more on the soft side or stiff side?
And do you think that the harden’s are a better shoe than the Kobe 10’s elite low?
Thanks!
LikeLike
Materials are very nice. It starts stiff but softens up. I’m not really into materials I don’t think it makes a big difference in “performance” . I’d take the Kobe x over the harden personally. Better traction and fit for me. Cushioning edge would go slightly to the harden though .
LikeLike
Do you think the black and yellows outsole grip as well as the pioneer solid rubber ?
LikeLike
Probably
Better
LikeLike
I had that colorway, it grips nice but decreases dramatically with a little dust.
But it gets the job done, ur just gonna have to wipe every 3-4 plays so bring ur toilet paper!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol
LikeLike
I went half a size down and can’t seen to get a decent fit out of these. They feel either to loose or my feet are in extreme pain. It’s shame cause I like everything else about it.
LikeLike
Sounds like my experience . Fit isn’t great with the v1 . Just break them in and it should get better but not great
LikeLike