After a quiet release of the Harden Stepback 2 in China, the third model of Harden’s budget line has been leaked already. From the leaked images, the design of the Harden Stepback 3 is finalised and available in physical form. The Stepback 3, Harden’s 5th budget sneaker, is expected to release around the end of 2021.
Upper
The overall design of the upper is strikingly similar to the Harden Stepback 2. The lacing and the overlays around the midfoot and forefoot area are almost identical. The main difference is the heel area where the Harden Stepback 2 featured an additional layer, which wrapped the whole heel for additional support. That layer has been removed, instead thick wire loops that come from the side act as eyelids to improve support.
Midsole Cushion Set-up
No major improvements have been made in the cushioning as the Harden Stepback 3 continues to implement full-length Bounce foam. It is expected that the cushion will be kept that way in future Harden Stepback models as well.
Outsole
The outsole pattern returns to a herringbone pattern with certain areas mimicking the outsole of the BYW series. The areas where most pressure is applied, the heel and the forefoot, a anthropomorphic design is applied taking note from the human’s foot. The outsole also features large cut outs in the heel and forefoot for a smoother heel to toe transition.
The design of the Harden Stepback 3 is interesting considering, the Harden Stepback 2 took the design principles of the Harden Vol.5. If Adidas is continuing the idea on the Harden Stepback 3, its design may give us a hint on what to expect from the Harden Vol.6.
Sources: Images via @chillmilkie
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