James Harden's seventh signature sneaker is poised to become the first adidas player model to receive the Chinese New Year treatment this year. Continuing a tradition that originated with the fourth model in the series, the Harden Vol. 7 boasts a distinctive quilt-patterned upper adorned with golden embroidery and square-on-square stitching, creating a visually striking 3-D effect . The medial midsole features screen-printed iconography, adding further cultural references to the Year of the Dragon. Unlike the more elaborate Chinese New Year designs typically characterized by reds and golds, adidas Hoops takes a subtler approach, emphasizing the intricate stitch patterns. Despite a challen ging start to the season, Harden's Los Angeles Clippers have rebounded with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, securing the 4th seed in the NBA's Western Conference. The release date for the sneakers is set for December 29th in China,and there's anticipation that Harden may showcase them in a game against Ja Morant and the resurgent Grizzlies on the same day. It's likely that other adidas athletes, including Minnesota's Anthony Edwards, will also release their own unique editions to honor the occasion.
As 2023 draws to a close, Nike, Inc. is set to release the Kobe 4 "Black Mamba" Protro on December 27th. This marks the 18th posthumous release from the Kobe Brand and is a key component of the expansive "Gift of Mamba" collection. Aligned with Nike Basketball's Holiday 2023 lineup, both the sneakers and accompanying apparel undergo a striking "Triple-Black" makeover, earning the fitting "Black Mamba" moniker. While the basketball shoes take center stage, the "Gift of Mamba" tee and Destroyer jacket contribute to Kobe Bryant's enduring legacy. The collectionserves as a celebratory tribute to the greatness of the late Los Angeles Laker, shedding light not only on his iconic "Black Mamba" alter-ego but also on his numerous professional achievements and unwavering "Mamba Mentality."The Kobe 4 "Black Mamba" will be available for purchase on Nike SNKRS starting Wednesday, December 27th, priced at $190 USD.
If you admired the color and material of the Nike Air Zoom Generation "Court Purple" but are seeking a more contemporary silhouette, your wish is about to be granted. The upcoming Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD, set to release in the "Hornets" colorway in early 2024, offers a modern twist and pays homage to one of LeBron James' early phases of organized basketball.
The "Hornets" color scheme is a nod to James' youth rec league, the Summit Lake Hornets, famously referenced in the 2012 LeBron 9 "Summit Lake Hornets." This updated iteration features a royal purple tone complemented by bright blue, capturing the essence of The King's rec league team before his illustrious career took off.
While the release date is yet to be confirmed, it's anticipated that the price will align with the "First Game" variant of the NXXT Gen AMPD model, set at $170 (scheduled for release on January 5, 2024). Keep an eye out for this stylish and nostalgic tribute to LeBron James' early basketball journey.