Verdict from 7 experts and 66 user reviews
9 reasons to buy
- Several buyers are impressed at the Harden B/E’s on-court performance. They are saying that these Adidas shoes are great for hooping.
- Some are pleased that these James Harden shoes provide excellent ankle support despite its low-top design.
- Many wearers are saying that the Adidas Harden B/E fits like a glove.
- Nearly all testers love the shoe’s traction. Like the first Hardens, the B/E works well on both indoor and outdoor courts.
- Most reviewers have little to complain about the Harden B/E’s cushioning. According to them, Bounce offers a lot of court feel, has outstanding responsiveness, and also provides the right amount of impact protection.
- Almost all testers are pleased with the support and lockdown of these low-top basketball shoes. They claim that the shoes provide excellent midfoot to forefoot lockdown as well as solid lateral containment.
- At least a couple of players note that the mesh upper is very breathable.
- Nearly all wearers observe that the shoes are quite comfortable once it is broken in.
- A good number of buyers appreciate the Adidas Harden B/E’s stylish design.
4 reasons not to buy
- The Bounce midsole is quite thin and firm, some testers report.
- According to most reviewers, the Adidas Harden B/E’s materials definitely require some time to break in.
- A handful of wearers observe that the Harden B/E runs smaller than the Harden Vol 1.
- At least a couple of testers gripe that some heel slip is experienced during competitive play.
Bottom line
Despite being the cheaper model, the Adidas Harden B/E still performs just as well as the Harden Vol 1. These more affordable Hardens feature the same grippy outsole and all the support features present in its top-tier counterpart. However, instead of Boost, the Harden B/E is equipped with a low-profile and quite responsive Bounce midsole. All in all, the B/E is a great low-top basketball shoe that guards and even small forwards will enjoy.
Tip: see the best basketball shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 90/100 by LiveforBball
- 82/100 by BasketballDiagnostics
- 100/100 by newjordans2018
- 100/100 by newjordans2018
- 94/100 by HeadJordan
Video reviews
Good to know
These overseas-exclusive Harden basketball shoes are inspired by James’s “Brothers Through Everything” motto. The Adidas Harden B/E boasts a patterned mesh upper for increased airflow with textured leather overlays for durability. Underfoot, the comfortable Adidas Bounce midsole keeps your feet feeling fresh all day.
Cushion. Unlike the full-length Boost found on the Harden Vol. 1, the Harden B/E is equipped with the next best thing — Adidas Bounce. The Bounce midsole offers increased comfort and flexibility to keep you on your toes throughout 48 mins of action.
Traction. The Adidas Harden B/E boasts the same rubber outsole found on the Harden Vol. 1. The Fibonacci-inspired traction pattern offers exceptional grip on and off the hardwood.
Length and Width. Adidas Harden B/E owners are claiming that these low-tops run smaller than the Harden Vol. 1. Narrow and regular footers can stick with their real size; however, wide-footers may need to go up half a size.
Lockdown. These low-top basketball shoes from Adidas feature an asymmetrical lacing system that offers maximum support and total lockdown.
The Harden B/E’s upper is constructed with a combination mesh and leather. The air mesh upper offers increased breathability while a leather toe and midfoot overlay provide added durability.
These low-tops from Adidas feature the same design cues seen on the Harden Vol. 1. The Harden B/E features the signature asymmetrical construction near the tongue as well as the leather overlay on the midfoot and toe cap.
These overseas-exclusive James Harden sneakers are available in the following hues:
- Collegiate Navy/Legend Ink /Footwear White
- Footwear White/Core Black/Footwear White
- Scarlet/Core Black
Adidas Harden B/E ‘Cheetah’
Dubbed ‘Cheetah,’ these James harden basketball shoes feature a cheetah-like mix of orange and black color tones.