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Looking for a new sneaker to kick off the new year? If you’re already stocked on the oh-so popular adidas Samba shoes, consider the chunky adidas Forum shoe that sports a retro 1980s attitude (and is just as affordable). No sneaker rotation is complete without a leather sneaker, and this timeless style is among the most versatile on the market — which can be styled in outfits for work, play, and everything in between.
Similar to other style stars in Three Stripes sneaker lineup, like the Samba, Stan Smith, and Rivalry sneakers, the adidas Forum makes a statement with thick and durable leather construction, lace and strap crisscross closures, and gum rubber outsoles. The supple style calls back to its athletic origins on the basketball court, as it was developed in 1983 by designer Jacques Chassaing, who dreamed of a shoe with exceptional ankle support and comfortable stability. The Forum Hi model was the first to hit the hardwood, but today there’s a rainbow of colorways and collar cuts to choose from, like the Forum Low and Forum Mid, as well as with modern platform styles like the Forum XLG and Forum Bold.
Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner are among the trendsetters who have worn several Forum silhouettes in various street style looks, certifying the sneaker as a boundless building block for fashion-forward ensembles. Whether invoking them as an essential adidas white sneaker or playing into their (epic) proportions with bold pieces, the off-duty models are quick to slip into the functional shoes in place of dress shoes or stiff boots.
Below, grab some inspiration and tips for styling the multifaceted adidas Forums shoes, no matter the occasion you’re stepping to.
Take a Dress from Night to Day
If there’s an untouched archive of dresses designated for nights out in your closet, give them a new lease on life with clean-cut and comfortable Forum sneakers. Kendall Jenner shows how to take a modern minidress from night to day for a lunch date in NYC, in an elevated take on the classic pairing of white sneakers with dresses. The key here is to allow your favorite frock, whether form-fitting or flowy, to speak for itself, as she allowed the dress’s bold colorblocking and shimmering sequins to take center-stage with a simple shoulder bag and slim sunglasses. The smooth leather stepper goes on to relax the overall vibe of the outfit in a grounding and sporty contrast.
Swap Out Dressy Work Shoes for Sleek Sneakers
Sneakers at the office? Yes, please. Whether you’re an urbanite with an on-foot commute or you spend long days on your feet, you’ll be glad to have a pair of durable and comfortable sneakers in your work shoes rotation. Leather sneakers can perform a similar function to a women’s loafer for a casual Friday, and adidas Forum shoes pair well with wide-leg trouser pants and broad shoulder suiting, as its robust silhouette helps to balance heavy proportions. Office-chic colorways like muted hues or rich reds can add intrigue to your typical workwear, while you can experiment with fun matching socks paired with Forum low-tops, or enjoy an extra boost of inches with a Mid platform style.
Embrace the Forum’s Vintage Varsity Vibe
Among all the possible Forum sneaker outfit equations, an easy athleisure look is the most effortless. It’s a sports shoe after all, so it’ll seamlessly pair with adidas leggings and trusty tube socks for post-pilates walks home, weekend errands, or a chill lunch outing with friends. First, start with a standout colorway, like trendy cherry red, Pantone’s “peach fuzz,” or metallic gold Forums, and throw on your best adidas socks to play up a vintage varsity vibe. Riff off Hadid by trading leggings for bike shorts and add a cozy crewneck à la Princess Diana, or top off the look with a bomber jacket for a too-cool-for-school feel. Or, if you’re running from an early workout to brunch, opt for a leather jacket for instant polish and edge.
Layer Leather on Leather
If you’re stumped on what to wear for a night out on the town, you can never go wrong with black and a whole lot of leather. There are plenty of adidas Forums options to get inspired by, from stacked all-black Forum XLG shoes, which relieve the need for pumps thanks to a maximum-stacked midsole, or stylish snakeskin-embellished Forum 84 Hi’s. Take your pick and the rest is easy — just add a slick pair of leather pants and a matching designer handbag for a head-to-leather look that’s sure to turn heads.
Reinvent the Typical T-Shirt and Sneakers Uniform
Chances are, you’ve got a graphic tee in your closet, but there’s an art to making it look a little more luxe. Look to Jenner who appropriately wore blue adidas Forum Mid shoes to a basketball game, along with with a vintage John Galliano newspaper-print top and simple straight-leg jeans. It goes without saying that sneakers and t-shirts are some of the most versatile pieces you can own, and a simple switch from denim to a mini skirt can add a dose of flirty flair — which can comfortably take you from daytime to date night. Between the bold steppers and busy prints, there’s no need for a heavy hand in the accessories department; take inspo from Jenner’s minimalist jewelry and round out the look with some shine.
Don’t Be Afraid to Play
A neutral-colored shoe is no excuse to play it safe. While black, white, beige, or gray colorways are supremely versatile staples to own, Hadid shows how to think outside the overly-basic box in her triple-back Bad Bunny x adidas Forum Buckle Low sneakers. This look is all about her quirky curated accessories, while her hearty Forums harmonize with voluminous parachute pants and an adidas puffer jacket. If her pants aren’t your jam, this outfit formula can be made to look more streamlined with a sleek pair of adidas track pants, too. And to balance out the billowing bottom half of the look, consider swapping her sweater for a form-fitting bodysuit to create a more flattering shape.
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Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. In her free time, Cigliano can be found scrolling FN’s fashion section for the latest celebrity style inspiration or shopping for chunky retro sneakers to add to her ever-growing collection. Cigliano has two years of experience reporting on and writing about sneaker trends.
