Our verdict

Harden is back with the Vol 8 of his bball beasts! This new iteration features a durable bootie construction that hugged our feet comfortably in every game we played. Its foot containment is just otherworldly, and its supportive structure helped us land confidently after rebounding. The best part of this is that its Jet Boost foam pushed us back up thanks to its bounce, keeping our feet comfortable due to fantastic shock-absorbing properties. Overall, the Adidas Harden Volume 8 is a smooth shoe that moved easily alongside our feet during our wear tests, but we didn't find it fast enough for players with quick footwork.

Pros

  • Excellent foot containment
  • Crazy good traction
  • Fantastic shock-absorption and bounce
  • Feels very stable
  • Incredibly comfortable from minute 1
  • Supportive heel area
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Very easy to put on and off

Cons

  • Not a fast shoe
  • Not for wide feet
  • Not for streetball

Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

We believe the Adidas Harden Volume 8 is hard-ly a pass if you're looking for:

  • A hooper that offers excellent foot containment in a bootie-like structure that's very easy to put on.
  • Fantastic shock absorption for every landing and a bouncy midsole to push you back up right away.
  • Great traction and stability to post-play confidently.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_01

Who should NOT buy

We could talk about the controversial design of the Harden Volume 8 here, but we're gonna leave that to the fashionistas. Focusing on function rather than form, we can say this shoe is not the best to play outdoors. If you're a toe-dragger, just like us, its structure will suffer quite a lot. It might work for a while, that's for sure, but if you want to play ball on outdoor courts for a while, we believe you should have a look at our streetball shoes catalog.

The hoopers among us whose playstyle relies on quick footwork found this Adidas pair a little bit too heavy for that. If you want something affordable, the Giannis Immortality 3 might be worth checking out. If you don't mind paying a bit more, the UA Curry 11 felt really nimble when we tried it on!

Adidas Harden Volume 8_pieces

Breathability

We could easily summarize our experience in the ventilation department of the Harden Vol 8 with just two words: unexpectedly breathable!

Even though the light doesn't go through a single pore of this Adidas pair, we didn't feel our feet were horribly suffocating during our wear tests. To know more about its breathability levels, we grabbed our smoke machine and started the party.

Just look at that! There's a quick, constant, and thick smoke column coming from right under the toe area. We can't say this pair is an equal rival to the Curry 10. But its battle against the Book 1? An easy victory!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Breathability_3

Its bootie construction features a textile upper with big holes. Nevertheless, the structure includes multiple layers that restrict smooth airflow.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Breathability_4

In conclusion, we've decided to give the Harden Vol 8 a solid 4/5 on our breathability test. It's a really good score in our basketball shoes category!

Test results
Harden Volume 8 4
Average 2.5
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Once we saw this shoe's rubber protection in the toebox, we knew our Dremel wouldn't be having fun this time.

After 12 seconds of constant drill at 5K RPM and 3.2N of force, this Adidas pair showed its wonderful skills as a defender!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Toebox durability_3

The result was wonderful, and we felt pretty satisfied. We mean, you don't always get to see such a breathable and durable hooper!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Toebox durability_2

Just look at that, the poor Nike Precision 6 (right) had such a hard time that we couldn't give it any more than a 1/5 on our toebox durability test. On the other hand, the Adidas Harden Volume 8 has earned a solid and well-deserved 4/5 on this same test!

Test results
Harden Volume 8 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 51 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Our Dremel's second battle was about to start, and after seeing the first seconds of the drilling video, we already knew who'd be the winner!

The tool didn't make a fuss, and it didn't really mess up the material of the heel.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Heel padding durability_3

So we decided to give it a fantastic 4/5 on our heel padding durability test. We can't say this Adidas model actually has padding in that area, as it features a bootie construction. Nevertheless, we didn't change our Dremel's adjustments and parameters, which means the Harden Vol 8 passed the test successfully, just like any other shoe.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Heel padding durability_2

If you want to see what failing our heel padding durability test looks like, check the Reebok Answer DMX (right) and it's messed up material!

Test results
Harden Volume 8 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 48 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Our durometer returned 75.9 HC when we measured the Harden Vol 8's outsole hardness.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Outsole hardness_1

This result is lower than average, and even though it still indicates this shoe offers a healthy mix of durability and traction... it might lean towards the latter.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 75.9 HC
Average 81.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
58.4 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole durability

The outsole of this shoe is so nice that it deserves its own part. And it will get it, you just need to go down to the Traction section in this review.

But for now, we're going to check its durability using our Dremel one last time.

The test lasted 22 seconds, and the tool was at 10K RPM and with 3.2N of force. Once we finished, we measured the dent left with our tread gauge, which returned 1.0 mm.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Outsole durability_2

A nice result once again! We might be right in the durable + grippy hypothesis. Stay tuned to find that out!

Test results
Harden Volume 8 1.0 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 39 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

At 3.0 mm, this shoe's outsole is pretty thin. Actually, the average is a solid 27% thicker, which is a lot.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Outsole thickness_1

This is one of the reasons why we believe the Vol 8 is not the best shoe to play streetball. It doesn't have the strongest rubber on its outsole, and the layer of material is not thick enough to withstand the constant abrasion of harsh courts.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 3.0 mm
Average 4.1 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
8.5 mm

Weight

They might not look like it, but these two are... big boys. Yep, forget about feeling quick and nimble when you run up and down the court with them!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Weight_1

At 15.9 oz/451.0g, the Adidas Harden Vol 8 is lighter than its predecessor. And that's it! It felt bottom-heavy to us, and we believe it might be more suitable for centers and players who post-play a lot.

Before we move on to the next section, let us state that this pair is a whole 13% heavier than the average of its category.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 15.91 oz (451g)
Average 13.83 oz (392g)
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

Here in RunRepeat, we always cut shoes in half. Why? Well, because we need to have access to every single piece we want to assess and analyze! Some of them are hidden inside the shoe, and if you don't cut it down, there's no way you'll fully know them!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Heel stack_1

At 28.2 mm, our caliper indicated the Harden Vol 8 is almost as tall as the average in the heel. We don't want to spoil anything, but let us tell you that we really, really loved this shoe's cushioning!

Test results
Harden Volume 8 28.2 mm
Average 29.3 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
23.6 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot stack follows the same path, being slightly lower than average according to our caliper.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Forefoot stack_1

At 20.6 mm, we can't say this model will isolate you from the harshness of the court. And we can't say that it'll let you feel every little detail you step on.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_06

But as its forefoot is quite low, we gained control over our moves. We felt really stable and close to the surface, and at the same time, its cushioning provided us with wonderful shock absorption every time we jumped!

We'll talk later on about this shoe's midsole, its foam, and how it felt when we played some games during our wear tests.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 20.6 mm
Average 21.7 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
15.5 mm
Forefoot stack
29.2 mm

Drop

At 7.6 mm, the Harden Vol 8's drop is just average. There's not a crazy difference between the heel and the forefoot stacks (as in too much or too little), so our feet didn't have to get used to any kind of design.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Drop_1

Now that we have a clear view of this Adidas, as we cut in half every shoe that comes to our lab, we'll tell you a little bit more about its interiors. As you can see, its upper is only padded in some key areas, and it doesn't feature very stretchy material.

It also includes a double heel counter that provided great hold in that area (we'll talk about this later on) during our wear tests.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_012

Nevertheless, we can't see any technologies in the midsole. Just a plastic shank at the bottom (black) that offered some support to our strides.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 7.6 mm
Average 7.6 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
4.0 mm
Drop
14.8 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

When we measured the midsole softness of the Vol 8, our durometer returned 15.5 HA. This is a really soft score, which just confirms what our feet felt during our playtests: this shoe's foam is like a cloud.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Midsole softness_1

But not like a mushy cloud, more like a bouncy one!

Going up and down the court in this shoe felt wonderful, as our feet could enjoy the incredible shock absorption and spring of its full-length JETBOOST foam.

We felt really comfortable, and the energy provided by this Adidas' midsole helped us bounce back (no pun intended) in every move, like Euro steps for example. The best part is that, thanks to the shank this shoe has at the bottom, we felt really stable despite the softness of the material.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 15.5 HA
Average 24.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Insole thickness

At 4.1 mm, the Harden Vol 8's insole is just average.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Insole thickness_1

It keeps things simple and it doesn't have any specific details that might set it apart from other insoles.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 4.1 mm
Average 4.8 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
20.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

This shoe's structure offers great containment. The EVA walls it has on the sides (check the picture below) and the bootie structure hugged our feet nicely during our wear tests playing ball.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_011

But even though its foot containment is wonderful, its lateral stability is not as good as what a shoe with a regular firm construction might offer.

Things would be totally different if the EVA pieces participated in the lacing system, of course. Still, we felt safe in the shoe and we enjoyed its overall stability. As a tip, we would recommend lacing it all up to the top, without skipping the last eyelet.

Torsional rigidity

As we had already hinted, this Adidas pair doesn't have the most rigid structure.

The EVA sides and pretty much the whole shoe bent alongside our fingers and feet. Even though this meant less lateral support, it also translated into smoother and quicker moves on the court, skipping any kind of painful or harsh break-in period (yes, LeBron 21, we're looking right at you!).

We did not find the Harden Vol 8 unstable at all. Its bootie construction, extra thick heel counter, and long shank made sure we were safe.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_09

All in all, we enjoyed wonderful stability underfoot and enough pliability to perform fake shots from minute 1.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 3
Average 4.4
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Its heel counter is not the stiffest one out there, but with its structure, it doesn't really need to be.

As you can see, the EVA pieces of the sides follow our fingers' orders easily. The top of the bootie construction is pretty much the same, bowing without much resistance. But when we get to the middle part of the heel, the structure becomes way more stiff.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_013

That is exactly what holds our feet in place! The double heel counter offered excellent foot containment. And even though its exaggerated structure might not be everyone's cup of tea, its solid hold on the Achilles tendon is undeniable.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_017

Test results
Harden Volume 8 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

When we measured the midsole width in the forefoot, our caliper returned 114.3 mm.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Midsole width in the forefoot_1

This is a standard width, and even though the Harden Vol 8 might seem like a buffed-up hooper if you look at its pictures online, its fit is the complete opposite.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 114.3 mm
Average 114.6 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
106.2 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
122.2 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The midsole width in the heel is also average, at 90.3 mm.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Midsole width in the heel_1

This shoe's base is not incredibly wide, and its sole doesn't feature any flares to enhance it. Nevertheless, we didn't feel unstable in our landings. The Harden Volume 8 offers just the right surface to land steadily, no more and no less.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_03

Test results
Harden Volume 8 90.3 mm
Average 90.2 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
80.0 mm
Midsole width in the heel
105.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Our lab results confirmed the flexibility we felt during our wear tests with this Adidas pair.

At 31.5N, we needed less force than average to make it bend all the way up to 90 degrees. In our feet, this translated into smoother transitions and easier fakes and pivoting.

We were really happy about it, as it mean the Hardel Vol 8 combines a wonderful lockdown feel with a more pliable structure that wasn't rough with our feet. Even though the shoe needs to warm up a bit before it can unleash its full potential, we enjoyed our time with it from the very first minute we put it on (Which, by the way, is a piece of cake!).

Test results
Harden Volume 8 31.5N
Average 39.0N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
17.6N
Stiffness
67.2N

Grip / Traction

The traction of this shoe is just AWESOME.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_07

As you can see, this shoe features multiple patterns depending on the area. From the heel down, we first have the three stripes typical of the brand (white); then, a black area that surrounds the base with a spiky herringbone pattern. In the middle, we've got an H pattern blue piece with a white hole (which might act as a suction pad); and two pivot points, one on the ball of the foot and another one closer to the big toe area. At the tip of the shoe, there's a white layer with, once again, the spiky herringbone pattern.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_08

This wonderful mix provided us with crazy good traction in pretty much every court, outdoor and indoor. Even though dusty surfaces were a little bit of a challenge, once we wiped the outsole a couple of times and let it break-in a bit, we didn't have any complaints whatsoever.

The Harden Vol 8 offers superb grip in any direction, which boosted our confidence and made us go for more explosive cuts in general and quicker back-door cuts (one of our favorite moves).

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

Our caliper had to open wide to measure this shoe's toebox width at the widest part!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Toebox width at the widest part_1

At 113.2 mm, our feet were pretty happy with all the space they had! This sounds like a dream for wide-foot hoopers, doesn't it? Well... pro tip: don't celebrate too early.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 113.2 mm
Average 101.7 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
92.6 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
113.2 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Before you start recommending this shoe to your pals with wide feet, check the measure of its toebox width at the big toe... you might change your mind.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Toebox width at the big toe_1

At the incredible figure of 78.1 mm, this Adidas pair tapers like crazy, losing 7 mm of width in comparison with its predecessor!

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_015

Our standard-sized feet enjoyed the Harden Vol 8, but we can see wide-toed hoopers having a hard time with it. Additionally, the protection that it has in the toebox is not stretchy at all, so it's better if you don't expect it to give in after a couple of games!

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_018

Test results
Harden Volume 8 78.1 mm
Average 76.9 mm
Compared to 54 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
71.2 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
85.1 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The upper of this shoe hugged our feet comfortably. It works as a one-piece structure that offers a close fit to every hooper.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Tongue: gusset type_1

So we can't talk about a gusseted or non-gusseted tongue here, as the Harden Vol 8 features a sock-like design.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_016

The EVA parts that surround and protect it are held together by the white rubberized piece at the front. That last part is pretty resistant, yet we believe the EVA sides don't offer as much protection as we'd like to play streetball. Especially if you're a toe-dragger like us!

Test results
Harden Volume 8 Sock like

Comfort

Tongue padding

This shoe doesn't really have a tongue! Its bootie construction surrounds the foot, hugging it tightly from every angle. So the upper is just one piece!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Tongue padding_1

Still, we put our caliper in the area that embraces the instep and it returned 6.1 mm. Even though this Adidas pair keeps it low-key, we found the material thick enough to protect our foot from the laces comfortably.

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_010

By the way, if you look right next to the tongue, you'll see the inner eyelets of the shoe. This levels up even more the overall containment of the shoe, as it pulls the structure from the inside all the way to the outside!

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_05

Test results
Harden Volume 8 6.1 mm
Average 9.4 mm
Compared to 60 basketball shoes
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Heel tab

We believe the finger-loop was a must in the Harden Vol 8, as it makes its bootie construction way easier to put on!

Adidas Harden Volume 8_outdoor_014

As you can see, the piece is big enough for one or two fingers, which is something that we really appreciated.

Test results
Harden Volume 8 Finger loop

Removable insole

The Harden Vol 8 features a standard insole, but what we love the most is that it's removable!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Removable insole_1

Even though its style is as clean as a summer morning, you might want something more supportive or to use your own orthotics.

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Removable insole_2

Test results
Harden Volume 8 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

This newer model doesn't include any reflective elements in its design. We checked it in our lab!

Adidas Harden Volume 8 Reflective elements_1

Test results
Harden Volume 8 No