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...
Not many people know that New Balance was active in the basketball scene even before Leonard was even born, in James Worthy’s time, for reference. That long ago. The laker legend had his own signature pair of NBs, the New Balance P740 “Worthy Express.”
New Balance had signed athletes before James Worthy, but it was the first time they went a stepped further and designed a unique shoe for one of their sponsored players. James delivered, of course, with a career of three NBA titles in L.A and a finals MVP.
New Balance soon bailed on “The basketball” dream and focused on what they are primarily known for, running shoes.
New Balance got back into the scene in 2018, trusting in Leonard’s game and banking on him, and he won the NBA championship, putting light on NB’s shoes, and justifying their return and giving them a name again in the basketball scene.
In line with their ethos, curation over quantity, they signed Kawhi Leonard and Darius Bazley, players that fit their mold and brand’s personality.
NB’s “Inspire the Dream” Collection features OMN1S, 997S, 850, and 547. The OMN1S is the only on-court basketball shoe on the list, while the others share the familiar NB silhouette for off-court fans.
The OMN1S, a high-top sneaker with potential for future colorways, possesses a full-length FuelCell midsole, and that will assist in enhancing bounce, speed, and explosive movement with the help of a 3D Ultra Heel construction for an enduring locked-in fit. The OMN1S features red and gold detailing on an infused FitWeave upper showcasing the words “Inspire” and “Dream.”
New Balance’s “Inspire the Dream,” collection with shoes and apparel, in partnership with Kawhi Leonard, is scheduled for release on January 30th, 2020.
Written By: Craig Volney