Newspaper ads for the Adidas Forum from the 1980s.
Basketball was once dominated by Adidas and the Forum was one of the many sneakers that earned the Brand with Three Stripes that title. A sneaker that was so good that the GOAT Michael Jordan was seen wearing it during the 1984 Olympics basketball trials — a time when MJ was gunning for an Adidas sponsorship.
A young Michael Jordan playing in the OG Adidas Forum Mid.
Released in 1984, the Adidas Forum was known for its all-position versatility and industry-leading “criss-cross ankle system” — performance features that were unmatched on the court. It would take Nike a full year to create the Dunk and for the Air Jordan 1 to compete against the Forum.
Trends always make a comeback and in 2021, it seems sneakerheads have begun to embrace this trail-blazing sneaker. Its retro design and retro colorways fit into the growing appreciation for vintage apparel. If the Bad Bunny collaboration is any indication, the Forum is poised to become the next big thing for Adidas.
Check out Bodega’s spin on the Adidas Forum: Bodega’s Adidas Forum is a rose for Boston’s heroes
Here’s your guide to sizing and styling the Adidas Forum.
The overall shape of the Forum is a lot wider than a Stan Smith or Campus, making it roomier and more comfortable for those with low foot arch or wide feet. Combined with its all-leather construction that can stretch out over time, most sneakerheads can get the Forum in their true size.
A snug fit: Go down half a size or stay true-to-size. If you fit a US 9 Rivalry comfortably, pick up a US8.5 or US 9 Forum.
A roomier fit: Go up half a size. If you fit a US 9 Rivalry comfortably, pick up a US 9.5 Forum.
The Forum, like many other classic Adidas silhouettes, is incredibly versatile. However, we would recommend playing into its chunky proportions and retro design by rocking them with some pre-washed straight-cut denim or some baggy corduroy pants. You could even pair them with a full tracksuit and look just as fresh.
If you’re looking at the high top, be mindful of how your jeans or pants stack on the sneaker. A stack that is too high can look messy and make you look shorter than you really are.