Adidas Forum Low Review

Introduction

Adidas Forum Low has cemented itself as an iconic sneaker in the footwear industry.

First debuting on the court in the 1984 as a basketball shoe, the Forum Low has since crossed over to become one of the most influential lifestyle sneakers of all time.

Its sleek and streamlined silhouette paired with premium leather construction has made it a staple wardrobe piece for streetwear enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike.

In this comprehensive review, we'll be taking an in-depth look at the Adidas Forum Low, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses as a lifestyle sneaker. Topics covered include:

• History and background
• Design and aesthetics
• Materials and construction quality
• Comfort and fit
• Performance and functionality
• Pros and cons
• Comparisons to similar models
• Overall value and recommendation

Whether you're an avid sneaker collector or simply looking for your next stylish pair of kicks, read on to see if the iconic Adidas Forum Low is right for you.

Product Background

As mentioned, the Forum Low first debuted in 1984 as a performance basketball shoe. It was worn by Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who collaborated with Adidas to design the original Forum silhouette.

The shoe was engineered to provide court-ready traction, support, and responsiveness to compete with other athletic sneakers of the era.

By the late 80s and early 90s, the Forum started gaining popularity off the courts as a streetstyle icon. Its simple and refined design allowed it to transition seamlessly from the hardwood to the concrete.

The low-top Forum became associated with hip hop culture and urban fashion, adding a cool street edge to casual attire.

Over the decades, Adidas has released various redesigns, colorways, and collaborations of the Forum Low to keep it relevant. It maintains its core DNA but continues to evolve with the times.

Modern iterations incorporate updated materials like premium leathers and suedes while paying homage to vintage details like the tongue branding and three-stripe accents.

Here are some of the key features of the Adidas Forum Low:

• Chunky rubber outsole: Provides durability and traction.
• Bold 3-Stripes on the upper: A classic Adidas design.
• Logos on the front and sides: Add a touch of branding.
• Hook-and-loop top strap (optional): Provides a secure fit.
• Available in a wide range of colors and materials: Find a pair that matches your style.

Today the Adidas Forum Low remains one of the brand's most iconic retro models. It's a staple sneaker option that combines old-school heritage with contemporary styling.

Design and Aesthetics

The Adidas Forum Low is defined by its sleek and minimalist design aesthetic. It keeps things simple and refined, allowing the quality of construction and materials to shine through.

The low-top silhouette has a clean and streamlined profile. Devoid of many decorative or superfluous details, its straightforward design is part of its long-lasting appeal.

The upper utilizes a combination of smooth leather and nubuck overlays for added texture and depth. Touches like perforations on the toe box add ventilation and visual interest.

Nodding to its vintage hoops origins, the Forum Low also incorporates court-inspired elements like a padded ankle collar, heel stabilizer, and exposed foam tongue. These lend support and structure while retaining a lifestyle-oriented look.

No Forum Low is complete without the signature Adidas 3-Stripes logo on the sidewalls. This instantly recognizable branding adds heritage flair to the pared-back design.

You'll also find the iconic trefoil and "Forum" logos on the tongue and heel tab.

Overall the Forum Low achieves a masterful balance - its streamlined low-top profile keeps it versatile for everyday wear, while thoughtful design details connect it to its storied basketball roots.

Materials and Construction

Adidas utilizes premium material selections to craft a durable and luxe Forum Low suited for lifestyle wear.

The majority of the upper is constructed from full-grain leather sourced from the finest tanneries. Both smooth and tumbled leathers appear throughout the upper, adding rich texture and depth.

Nubuck overlays are also commonly incorporated for increased durability in high-wear areas.

Moving inside, the Forum Low employs a textile lining for next-to-skin comfort. The tongue and ankle collar are padded with plush foam to eliminate hotspots and irritation.

Underfoot, a die-cut EVA midsole absorbs impacts and provides responsive cushioning.

On the outsole, durable rubber with a herringbone traction pattern equips the Forum Low with plenty of grip. The toe, sidewalls, and heel are reinforced with additional rubber for increased protection.

All the components are assembled with careful attention to quality. Interior stitching is neatly finished while exterior stitching is tight and consistent. The leathers, suedes, and synthetics feel premium from the first touch.

Overall, the mix of rich materials complemented by meticulous craftsmanship makes the Forum Low feel like a high-end, luxury sneaker. It's built to last through seasons of fashionable wear.

If you are looking for a versatile and stylish sneaker, the Adidas Forum Low is a great option.

Breathability

Given its predominantly leather construction, the Forum Low is not the most airy or well-ventilated sneaker. Leather, by nature, tends not to be as breathable as woven textiles or mesh.

However, Adidas does incorporate some design elements to aid air flow:

• Perforations on the toe box add ventilation
• The tongue is made of a more breathable open cell foam
• The padded textile lining allows for some air circulation inside the shoe

Additionally, the Forum Low's low-top silhouette offers more exposure around the ankle, preventing overheating.

While it won't offer the breezy feel of a knit or mesh sneaker, the Forum Low's leather build doesn't make it excessively hot either. The tongue and toe perforations allow for some flow to keep your feet from getting too sweaty or uncomfortable.

In summary, breathability is adequate for lifestyle wear but don't expect the ventilation of an all mesh technical runner. The tradeoff is getting that premium leather quality and durability from the Forum Low. Overall, it strikes a nice balance for daily wear. Let me know if you need any more details on this factor!

Comfort and Fit

The Forum Low's interior comfort matches its premium exterior look and feel. It offers a comfortable fit versatile enough for all-day wear.

A die-cut EVA midsole brings lightweight, resilient cushioning with every step. It absorbs impacts to reduce foot fatigue, especially important for a leather sneaker without much inherent softness. Underfoot support is enhanced by the stability shank bridge embedded in the arch.

Inside, a smooth textile lining wicks away moisture and allows adequate airflow to the foot. The low-top collar, padded with foam, allows flexibility around the ankle while avoiding chafing. The tongue has ample foam padding to prevent laces from digging in.

In terms of sizing, the Forum Low fits true to size for most foot shapes. The leather and nubuck uppers have some give to accommodate wider feet if sized properly.

The lacing system further allows you to customize the snugness through the midfoot and forefoot areas.

All combined, the Forum Low provides a secure, comfortable fit suitable for casual use and short urban excursions. Cushioning and support make it suitable for moderate activity levels.

Just keep in mind, the leather build has less inherent give than knit or mesh sneakers.

Performance and Functionality

Despite its current status as a lifestyle sneaker, the Adidas Forum Low retains design elements optimizing it for athletic performance. Traction, support, and court-worthy style give it crossover appeal.

Starting from the ground up, the Forum Low’s rubber outsole uses a herringbone tread pattern to provide top-notch grip.

Whether you're crossing up defenders or navigating slick city streets, the durable rubber and multi-directional tread ensure a planted feel. The stability plate integrated under the arch also promotes a supportive ride.

Moving up, the padded foam ankle collar, heel stabilizer, and midfoot overlays work together to securely lock down the foot.

This bolsters support during lateral movements and quick changes of direction. Abrasion-resistant leather and suedes stand up to scuffs and drag during play.

The Forum Low's court heritage also shines through in its styling. Design cues like the exposed foam tongue, layered panels, and meticulous lines give it authentic basketball style.

Its streamlined low-top silhouette equates to increased freedom of motion at the ankle joint as well.

So while tailored for lifestyle wear, the Forum Low retains the DNA to hold its own during recreational play or training sessions. The support, traction, and court-inspired look make it versatile for athletics or casual style.

Value for Money

When reviewing any sneaker purchase, determining overall value and fit for your needs is key. So is the iconic Adidas Forum Low worth the investment?

For a leather sneaker crafted with premium materials, the Forum Low is priced fairly. It typically retails between $80 - $120 USD, undercutting competing leather sneakers (Check the price).

The mix of luxe leathers and thoughtful detailing make it feel like far more than its accessible price tag.

It's also a good value proposition because it's an enduring style. The Forum Low's timeless design and versatility mean it won't fade out of fashion anytime soon.

It breaks in comfortably and can easily be integrated into endless casual to smart casual looks.

As far as fit, the Forum Low suits most foot shapes with its standard D medium width. However, it truly shines for those with narrower feet looking for a secure leather sneaker that hugs the foot. Wider feet may find it runs a bit snug.

Overall, the Adidas Forum Low scores highly when it comes to value. With its balance of quality and cost, versatile comfort, and iconic streetstyle, it's easy to recommend as an affordable luxury sneaker.

Pros and Cons

As with any sneaker, the Adidas Forum Low has both advantageous features and potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

• Timeless, vintage-inspired aesthetics
• Premium leather build with rich textures
• Comfortable cushioning and support
• Good traction and court-worthy performance
• Quality craftsmanship and detailing
• Versatile styling to pair with various outfits
• Often more affordable than comparable leather sneakers

Cons

• Leather requires more break-in than knits or mesh
• Limited breathability due to minimal mesh panels
• Lacks the latest performance technologies
• Creasing and scuffing of leather over time
• Narrow fit may not suit wider foot shapes
• Mostly retro colorways, few bold options

On the whole, the pros seem to outweigh the cons for most wearers. The Forum Low delivers enduring style, quality materials, and versatile comfort at a reasonable price point for its class of premium sneakers.

Comparison to Similar Models

The Adidas Forum Low has a distinctive balance of vintage hoops style and contemporary wearability. But how does it stack up to other iconic low-tops?

The Nike Air Force 1 Low is an obvious comparison point. Nike's classic b-ball sneaker has a similar mix of heritage style, quality leathers, and street cred.

The Forum Low feels a bit more streamlined and flexible, while the Air Force 1 prioritizes stability and durability. Both remain staple choices, coming down to brand preference.

Versus the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Low, the Forum Low feels more modern and refined. The Chuck Taylor has an undeniable casual appeal, but can't match the Forum's luxe leathers and court technology.

That said, Chucks remain an affordable, everyday choice for dress down days.

The Reebok Classic Leather is another retro court sneaker alternative. It offers heritage appeal like the Forum but in a slightly bulkier package.

Reeboks may appeal if you want more cushoning, but the Forum Low wins out for its more balanced lightweight comfort and versatility.

Compared to modern streetstyle models like the Vans Old Skool, the Forum Low feels more premium and well-crafted.

However, Vans have those classic laidback SoCal vibes that never go out of style. The choice comes down to your personal style preferences.

When it comes to low-top leather sneakers with basketball roots, the Adidas Forum Low remains an icon for good reason. Its standout blend of materials, styling, and comfort make it a leader in the category.

Conclusion

After reviewing all aspects of this legendary sneaker, the Adidas Forum Low clearly lives up to its esteemed reputation.

The Forum Low's MASTERFUL blend of heritage hoops styling, premium leather build, and wear-anywhere comfort cement its status as a staple low-top sneaker.

Whether you're a sneakerhead or simply need a quality lifestyle kick, the Forum Low is sure to satisfy. Its timeless design only gets better with age, developing character that you can't buy off the shelves.

For understated casual style rooted in sports tradition, look no further than the Adidas Forum Low.