After hearing a great deal of positive feedback about the Adidas Harden Volume 7, I was eager to seek out an honest review. Without hesitation, I sought the expertise of Zach, better known as the foot doctor, who did not disappoint. Through his thorough examination of each component of the shoe, I have compiled a comprehensive summary of his review.
Harden Volume 7: Review
Uppers/ Ventilation
Based on the video, the shoe is designed for optimal containment, with its thick material and precise stitching. The back area is designed to envelop your foot, with a thin yet effective booty liner featuring neoprene under the lace line for extra comfort and compression. The shoe also provides a reassuring sense of support and armor over the top of your foot, and surprising breathability despite its numerous layers. Thanks to its Boost midsole, it avoids heat retention, while its uppers allow for quick heat release. The result? A shoe that is both functional and comfortable, providing ample room for your foot to move with ease.
Uppers/ Durability
The Adidas Harden Volume 7 shoe is impressively engineered, and its durability truly stands out. Even after being subjected to a harsh upper durability test using a dremel for ten seconds, the shoe’s top drag layer withstood the challenge without any damages. While the dremel was able to remove the waxy sheen layer, it did not penetrate the top drag layer, which is a testament to its durability. Additionally, the shoe’s outsole tread extends over the top drag layer, providing extra protection and ensuring that the shoe can withstand the toughest conditions. Even on an extremely gritty outdoor court, the Harden Vol 7 will deliver reliable durability, keeping your feet protected and secure.
Midsole/ Cushioning
According to Zach Foot Doctor, the midsole features an integrated boost and light strike system. While there was some uncertainty regarding where boost ended and light strike began, it is clear that the two foams work together seamlessly. The boost is present in the heel and is joined by light strike that travels up into the mid-part of the heel. What is interesting about this shoe is its shank, which is bottom-loaded and extends into the forefoot and rear foot, giving it a decent launch and protecting the light strike foam from bottoming out too quickly.
In terms of performance, on the single leg jump height test, the Adidas Harden Vol 7 reached 21 centimeters, demonstrating its elite quality. The bounce was also impressive, with the test showing 33.5 centimeters in the heel and 31.55 centimeters in the forefoot. What you get with is not only great shock absorption ( which is what the boost is known for) but also an elastic shoe, giving it a slight edge over other bounce foams on the market.
Traction
The Adidas Harden Vol 7 has a fantastic radial traction pattern that spans from the center of the heel to the forefoot, with two pods of herringbone traction in the forefoot. The pattern provides excellent traction for quick stops on any direction. Interestingly, the shoe gets tackier on its own after a few minutes on an indoor court, without the need for any additional treatment. While it does pick up some dirt, the traction is still impressive, and the shoe can grip on anything. Overall, the shoe has superb traction and grip, making it a great shoe for any court surface. And let me also add that the threads are pretty durable.
Fit
They break in pretty nice and mostly fit true to size.
Who should wear the Adidas Harden Volume 7?
Because the shoe is a bit heavy, this isn’t ideal for lighter players unless you put a lot of force into it like Harden himself. However, they are exceptionally great for heavier players. Those who suffer from arch pain, tendinitis, and heel pain should definitely consider picking up a pair.
Here’s a rating for the key categories of the shoe
Category Rating
| Foot Containment | 5/5 |
| Bounce | 4/5 |
| Shock Absorption | 5/5 |
| Speed | 3.5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4.5/5 |
| Support | 5/5 |
Overall, the shoe received a grading of 91%, that is an A-, incredible.
The Adidas Harden Vol 7 is a great option for both casual and serious basketball players. It’s a well-designed shoe with strong performance in all areas, and it should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. If you’re still on the fence about whether to buy this shoe, you might want to check out some more reviews or try it on in person to get a better sense of the fit and feel.
If you’re interested in picking up a pair, see JD Sports, CLICK HERE
