James Harden’s first adidas signature shoe is returning for its 10th anniversary. The Harden Vol. 1 “Pioneer” will lead the comeback, bringing back the original Core Black, Scarlet, and Footwear White colorway from 2016.

The first sign of a retro came through adidas Basketball’s “Take On Summer” campaign in China. A model was photographed wearing the Harden Vol. 1, quietly putting the decade-old sneaker back into view before its return was confirmed.

The Harden Vol. 1 stood out when it debuted in December 2016. Basketball shoes were still leaning toward larger, heavily layered builds, while Harden’s first model took a lower and more streamlined approach. Full-length BOOST cushioning sat underfoot, with premium leather and minimal paneling shaping the upper.

The low profile kept him closer to the court, while the cushioning supported the sudden stops, changes of direction, and step-back moves that had become his signature.

Core Black covers most of the upper, with Scarlet and Footwear White breaking up the darker base. Starting with the debut colorway gives the anniversary release a direct connection to the beginning of Harden’s signature line.

The return could also be the start of a larger look back at Harden’s early adidas catalog. His shoes have built a strong following over the past decade, particularly in China, which made the “Take On Summer” campaign a fitting place to bring the Vol. 1 back into the conversation.

The adidas Harden Vol. 1 “Pioneer” releases August 1, 2026, for $140, matching its original retail price. The shoe will be available through adidas.com and select adidas Basketball retailers.

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Source: Kicks Finder