HOW DOES THE ADIDAS FORUM FIT?
An enduring icon, the adidas Forum debuted in 1984 as a basketball sneaker and has since been spun into a street style legend, spawning multiple collaborations, colorways and variations over the years. It was also adidas’ first basketball shoe to be offered in low, mid and hi-top models. Standing tall with a crisp leather upper, the trefoil logo on the shoe’s tongue peers just above its unmistakable strap—making for a timeless look.
Although many versions of the Forum have been introduced since its inception, its roots on the hardwood have always been on display. This is also reflected in how the sneaker feels on foot, offering a fit that has been consistent for decades.
DO FORUMS RUN BIG?
Across its various iterations, the adidas Forum has always fit more or less true to size—staying snug and narrow above the ball of the foot. If the shoe feels too tight, going a half size up should do the trick, and you will definitely feel the difference going up a full size.
Comparatively, the Forum is still wider than the hardcourt classic Stan Smith, with the added room and overall chunkier construction fit to serve its original purpose on the basketball court. Its leather upper can also stretch out over time, adding to the comfy broken-in feel that has made it a lifestyle favorite for generations of sneakerheads.
ADIDAS FORUM SIZING
While adidas Forum sizing has largely remained the same since 1984, it’s worth digging into some of the different takes on the shoe that have added to its legacy.
Forum Hi, Mid and Low
The silhouette that kicked off the story of a streetwear legend, the adidas Forum Hi was originally created for the basketball court in 1984. Along with the Forum Mid, it offers the support and shock absorption needed by hardwood players of the time. The sneaker’s criss-cross system of adjustable straps provided additional stability. As streetwear enthusiasts also embraced its Low-top model, the Forum gradually found its place as a classic that you can comfortably rock with just about any look.
Forum Exhibit
The Forum’s popularity as a basketball-inspired sneaker led to the introduction of the adidas Forum Exhibit, giving the iconic silhouette a modern twist. The Exhibit retains classic elements of the original shoe, including its snug fit, but adds bold colors to the mix. It’s the perfect way to pay tribute to the original Forum while expressing a look that lets you put your own spin on it.
Forum Bold
The adidas Forum Bold is offered exclusively in Women’s sizes, setting the classic design on top of an extra-chunky platform outsole for elevated style. Aside from this, the iconic Forum hallmarks are still there, from the luxe leather to its basketball-style edge, and it feels the same on foot as previous models—all while writing a new chapter in the sneaker’s storied history.
FROM THE FORUM 84 TO ADIDAS BAD BUNNY AND BEYOND
Fast forward to present day and the Forum is stronger than ever. In 2021, adidas Originals collaborated with Bad Bunny to realize his own vision of the Forum Low, presenting a model that empowers individual expression for a new generation. That same year, Jeremy Scott brought back his radical take on the Forum Mid, adorning the shoe with his signature wings.
Jeremy Scott Forum Wings 1.0 Money
Whether you decide to stick with one of the first designs or branch out with a new take, two things about the Forum have remained constant since 1984: its true-to-size snug fit and undeniable style.