James Harden, the Los Angeles Clippers guard and NBA All-Star, completed an electrifying multi-city tour across China that combined basketball, culture, and community engagement. The James Harden adidas China Tour, held over several days in August 2024, showcased Harden’s influence beyond the court while highlighting his latest signature footwear and deepening connections with his growing fanbase in the country.
Immersive Cultural and Sneaker Kickoff in Foshan
Arriving in Foshan, Guangdong on August 2, Harden immersed himself in the local heritage by participating in a Wing Chun kung fu demonstration, reflecting the region’s millennia-old traditions. The cultural introduction set the tone for the tour, linking Harden’s global basketball stature with authentic Chinese practices. The event also thrilled sneaker enthusiasts as Harden unveiled the adidas Harden Vol 9 Molded Leather colorway for the first time in front of thousands of fans.
Additionally, Harden launched the House of Harden exhibit, which featured a comprehensive showcase of his career, including a curated collection of his jerseys and various adidas signature sneakers. That evening, Harden made a grand entrance at the UNO Fest riding in a pink F8 Ferrari, marking the debut of the Harden Vol 9 Flamingo Pink colorway.
The UNO Fest was a vibrant celebration that fused basketball with music, street culture, and gaming, attracting over 2,000 attendees. Chinese rapper GALI.’s performance highlighted the festival’s energetic atmosphere, reflecting the synergy of sports and contemporary culture throughout the tour.
Behind the Scenes at adidas Production and Youth Basketball Spotlight
On August 3, Harden visited the Apache Development Center (APE) in Qingyuan, Guangdong, the facility responsible for manufacturing every Harden signature shoe since the Vol 4 model. During the exclusive tour, he observed the intricate production stages of the Harden Vol 9 and was presented with a unique artwork piece crafted from materials used in the shoe, symbolizing the partnership’s creativity and innovation.
Later that day, Harden attended the Regional Championship of the Take On Summer tournament held in Guangzhou. This grassroots basketball event is a staple of Harden’s China tours and serves as a crucial platform for young athletes to compete and develop their skills. The tournament’s prominence reinforces Harden’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and growing basketball culture across China.
Unveiling a Unique Basketball Court in Guangzhou
August 4 featured the opening of a custom outdoor basketball court in Guangzhou’s Nansha District, adorned with a striking portrait of Harden. The court’s design, created by Designer Yin, drew inspiration from Paris Olympic venues and incorporated bilingual slogans for the tour: Under No One and ç»å³°é æ. Harden showcased the adidas Harden Vol 9 UNO Chain colorway at the event, a style that has gained recognition since its release earlier this year and remains available online and in select stores.
Final Day Fan Interactions and Forward Momentum
On August 5, Harden’s tour concluded with a visit to an adidas store in Shenzhen, Guangdong, where a large crowd gathered to meet him. Despite the busy setting, Harden took time to sign autographs and engage with fans, further solidifying his connection with supporters in China.
The James Harden adidas China Tour has reinforced Harden’s global presence by blending sports performance with cultural engagement and community initiatives. This effort by adidas Basketball and Harden underscores their dedication to inspiring the next generation of basketball players worldwide.
Earlier this year in January, adidas released Harden’s ninth signature sneaker, the adidas Harden Vol 9. Praised for merging performance with style, this $160 shoe is available in several colorways including Molded Leather, Flamingo Pink, and UNO Chain. Additional promotions related to these designs will be announced soon, keeping the momentum alive.
Looking ahead, fans anticipate the release of Harden’s tenth signature basketball shoe from adidas, scheduled for late next year, signaling an exciting season ahead for both Harden and the brand partnership.
Recent Updates in NBA Sneaker Culture
The sneaker scene continues to buzz with news including the leak of Harden’s upcoming tenth adidas shoe and fresh Fall/Winter 2025 colorways for the Harden Vol 9. Significant discounts on other NBA-related shoes, such as the Curry 12 and restocks of the Nike Kobe 9 Low Lakers Home colorway, have also attracted attention. Meanwhile, PUMA introduced LaMelo Ball’s fifth signature sneaker, expanding the competitive sneaker market further.
“Under No One and ç»å³°é æ.” —Designer Yin
“Take On Summer gives young players a platform to compete and has become one of China’s most high-profile grassroots basketball events.” —Pat Benson
“With Harden’s tenth signature adidas basketball shoe on the way later next year, fans can expect another thrilling NBA season from the dynamic duo.” —Pat Benson