Nike wanted to invest in Harden and provided him a sneaker that was essentially his signature, without his name being attached. The Hyperchase was a “shoe fit for James Harden”, according to Nike in their press release for the shoe. The shoe was very low to the ground and featured hexagonal traction that was supposed to help with movements in any direction.
For whatever reason, Harden seemed more comfortable in the Run The One and never really wore the Hyperchase. He did wear the shoes for Team U.S.A. scrimmages, but the headlines came later in the summer when adidas came knocking.