Which Should You GET?! Adidas Harden Vol 7 or Harden Vol 8?!

Summary

In this video, Samy compares the Adidas Harden Volume 7 and Harden Volume 8 basketball shoes, highlighting similarities and differences in performance and design. Both shoes feature similar traction patterns, but the Volume 7 is noted for its superior durability. The Volume 8 has a stiffer heel-to-toe transition, softer cushioning, and a slightly more comfortable fit. The upper materials in the Volume 8 are considered cheaper and more prone to creasing, but the fit and lockdown remain comparable to the Volume 7. While both shoes offer excellent performance, the Volume 7 edges ahead in overall quality and aesthetics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Harden Volume 7 is praised for being one of the best performing hoop shoes of the past year.
• 😀 The Harden Volume 8 has a similar price point to the Harden Volume 7, retailing at $160, but it is currently on sale for around $60.
• 😀 Both shoes feature a Herringbone traction pattern, but the Harden Volume 8 has a different design, with lightning bolt shapes in the middle and circular pods in the forefoot.
• 😀 The Harden Volume 7 offers better durability for outdoor courts, as its traction is more resistant to wear compared to the Harden Volume 8, which may show some signs of wear in thinner areas.
• 😀 Heel-to-toe transition feels smoother in the Harden Volume 8, thanks to its foam cushioning, whereas the Harden Volume 7 feels stiffer due to its plastic caging.
• 😀 The cushioning setup in both shoes is quite similar, but the Harden Volume 8 feels slightly higher off the ground and provides better underfoot comfort and impact protection.
• 😀 The upper of the Harden Volume 7 is considered better in quality and fit, with a more snug and secure feel, especially around the toe box, compared to the looser fit of the Harden Volume 8.
• 😀 Both shoes feature a one-piece booty upper made from a stretchy knit material, which improves the overall fit and feels similar in both models.
• 😀 The fit of both the Harden Volume 7 and 8 is similar, with the main difference being that the Harden Volume 8 feels a bit roomier in the toe box, which may not be as ideal for some users.
• 😀 Support and lockdown are excellent in both models, with no significant issues in lateral stability, thanks to the plastic caging and internal support structures.
• 😀 Both shoes are heavy, each weighing around 15.3 ounces, which may be too heavy for those preferring lighter shoes, but the performance and comfort mitigate the bulk for most players.

Q & A

What is the key difference in traction between the *Harden Volume 7* and the *Harden Volume 8*?

The traction patterns of both shoes are similar, featuring herringbone, but the *Harden Volume 8* adds lightning bolt shapes in the middle and circular patterns in the forefoot. The *Volume 7* is more durable, especially for outdoor play, while the *Volume 8* has slightly thinner sections, making it less durable outdoors.

How does the heel-to-toe transition differ between the *Harden Volume 7* and *Harden Volume 8*?

The *Harden Volume 7* has a more flexible and rounded transition, while the *Volume 8* is stiffer, especially in the forefoot, due to the exposed foam in the heel. The *Volume 8* may become more flexible over time, but initially, it feels stiffer than the *Volume 7*.

How do the cushioning setups compare between the two shoes?

Both shoes use a combination of *Lightstrike* and *Boost*, but the *Volume 8* feels a bit higher off the ground with a softer underfoot feel and better impact protection. The *Volume 7* offers better court feel but is a bit firmer, which some players prefer for responsiveness.

Which shoe has better upper material quality?

The *Harden Volume 7* has a higher-quality upper, with a snugger fit and better materials. The *Volume 8* has a looser, more creased toe box and uses foam in the upper, which Samy finds less durable and aesthetically less appealing.

How does the fit of the *Harden Volume 7* compare to the *Harden Volume 8*?

Both shoes have a similar fit, but the *Volume 8* is slightly roomier in the toe box. For both shoes, Samy suggests going half a size up for a more comfortable fit, especially if you prefer a bit more room.

Are the support and lockdown similar in both models?

Yes, both shoes offer excellent support and lateral stability. The external caging and bootie design provide a secure lockdown in both models, so performance in these areas is virtually identical.

What is the weight comparison between the *Harden Volume 7* and the *Harden Volume 8*?

Both shoes weigh around 15.3 oz, which is considered heavy compared to other basketball shoes. Despite their weight, both shoes perform well on the court with good traction and support.

Which shoe feels better on the court, according to Samy?

Samy prefers the *Harden Volume 7* for its superior court feel, despite both shoes having similar performance. The *Volume 8* provides a softer underfoot experience, but it sits slightly higher off the ground, which Samy feels could affect the court feel.

What are Samy's thoughts on the aesthetic design of the *Harden Volume 7* vs *Harden Volume 8*?

Samy prefers the look of the *Harden Volume 7*, calling it sleeker and more visually appealing. In contrast, the *Volume 8* is considered bulkier and less attractive, although it still has its fans.

Is the *Harden Volume 8* an improvement over the *Harden Volume 7*?

While the *Harden Volume 8* feels very similar to the *Harden Volume 7* in performance, Samy feels that the *Volume 7* is superior due to better quality materials and a more flexible feel. However, the *Volume 8* is still a strong performer with some minor upgrades in cushioning.