The adidas Forum Gets Glossy Patent Leather

As the adidas Forum reruns continue into 2022, there’s going to be something of a historical deep cut that may just work for a modern audience. This upcoming release that features all-over patent leather uppers is a glossy gift for both old-school collectors and fans of high-tops in general.

Patent leather may not seem like a cutting-edge performance material these days, but it had its moment in a bygone era. Sneakerheads from before when the term was even coined can likely regale younger generations of hunting down OG pairs of Made In France Concords, which, of course, were made of the shiny stuff. Even a couple of decades later, Rasheed Wallace was tearing up the hardwood with patent PEs of a chunky 1980s shoe from the other brand.

So in a way, the patent leather Forum can be considered as something of a period-correct remake. And for today’s more likely use of the model on the street, patent just makes things look pretty. At least for the first few wears. This red and white pair keeps it simple with no other colours in the mix, and this particular round of reissues is reportedly closer than ever to the 1984 version, so they cut a sharp silhouette.