The story of the Adidas Forum began in 1983 in France. Designer Jacques Chassaing attended numerous basketball games to ensure his designs were flawless. Taking into account the diversity, roles, and physical characteristics of athletes, Chassaing envisioned creating a basketball shoe that would support the entire team. Conversations with coaches and players led him to identify a weak point at the ankle. Inspired by the stabilizing tape used by physical therapists, he decided to incorporate a stabilizing cross-ankle system that embraced and protected the entire area.

The Forum quickly garnered attention for its retro-futuristic design and practical features, including an adjustable cross-strap system to prevent injuries, reinforced heels, the Dillenger web, and a micro-cellular midsole to absorb shocks.

Every intricate detail of the Forum series underwent a meticulous material exploration process, culminating in its release in 1984. Special touches, like the shock-absorbing sole, were added to enhance its performance. That same year, Michael Jordan wore the sneakers during the U.S. Olympic basketball trials.

1984 was a groundbreaking year globally. Apple introduced the Macintosh computer, Prince released Purple Rain, and Adidas unveiled the Forum. Instantly replacing all its predecessors, the Forum became Adidas’s all-star player, revolutionizing the game forever. It quickly became the go-to choice for basketball court legends and street style enthusiasts alike.

In 1984, the Adidas Forum replaced the Top Ten as the leading basketball shoe in the Three Stripes lineup. With its innovations and superior on-court performance, the Forum quickly became a favorite among basketball shoes, offering both low-top and high-top versions. At the same time, its then-high price of $100 made it an exclusive status symbol that few could afford.

More than 35 years later, in 2021, Adidas reinterpreted the Forum, preserving the DNA of the original model while reintroducing it to a new generation.