PRICE : $160 RELEASES: FEB 22ND BUY : ADIDAS Today, February 22, 2025, marks a big moment for sneakerheads and basketball fans alike as the Men’s adidas Harden Vol. 9 “Pearlized” officially hits the shelves. This latest addition to James Harden’s signature line with adidas is more than just a sneaker—it’s a statement. Combining cutting-edge performance tech with a sleek, minimalist design, the “Pearlized” colorway is poised to turn heads both on and off the court. Let’s dive into what makes this release so special. A Clean and Classic Look The “Pearlized” Harden Vol. 9 rocks a striking Cloud White, Core Black, and Scream Green color scheme that’s as versatile as it is eye-catching. The upper features a glossy Cloud White shell that gives it that pearly sheen, paired with a breathable black mesh bootie underneath for a snug, sock-like fit. What really pops, though, are the Scream Green accents on the insole and outsole, adding a bold splash of colo...
We’re getting a fusion that should have happened a long time ago because it’s hard to believe that the Adidas Superstar and Stan Smith shoes have been released apart for so long. The combination is happening some 57 years later.
The Stan Smith line has been In Adidas’ line up since the 60’s borrowing the name of Legendary tennis player Stan Smith. Although he is seemingly forgotten now, his name lives on in every Stan Smith sold.
Stan Smiths have always differed from the Superstar by avoiding the iconic Three Stripes and compensating with three rows of perforations, but the aperture on the Stan Smiths is iconic in its own right.
On certain Stan Smiths, a sketched image of the tennis player is put on the tongue. Stan Smiths are their own thing in Adidas’ lineup, putting less emphasis on the company’s name and branding than their other sneakers.
The Superstar followed in 1969, this time featuring the iconic clam-shell toe design and using the upper leather of the Stan Smith. Introduced and promoted in the basketball scene, it was a hit as the first upper leather shoe. The clam-shell toe protection, skid-proof sole caught the eyes of many players such as Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar. Soon, 75% of the players used the Superstar.
The minimal design and technological offerings have kept the Superstar thriving up to this day. Though nowadays, the Superstar and Stan Smiths are worn more in a casual way than as premier sportswear. The minimal look and history have kept the brand going. And now the fusion, “Superstan” is banking on the history of both names and combination of the Superstar’s clam-shell toe and Stan Smith’s colorways.
Oh, and some of us will see Stan Smith for the first time. As an honorable thing, Adidas Originals has given Stan Smith some screen time in a recently shot film in the comfort of his home in Florida. Stan Smith speaks about his tennis achievements and iconic Adidas status with humorous undertones.
At a retail price of $120, the Adidas Superstan releases worldwide on February 1, on Adidas Originals Webstore.
Written By: Craig Volney