are adidas forum skate shoes

You’ve probably been there. You’re scrolling through sneaker resale sites or walking past a skate park, and you see a pair of Adidas Forum kicks. They look chunky, retro, and undeniably cool. But a nagging question pops into your head: “Wait, are these actually skate shoes?” It’s a fair question. The Forum is a legend, but its legacy is complicated. It started on the basketball court in the 80s, got adopted by hip-hop culture, and now sits in a weird middle ground between a lifestyle icon and a functional sneaker. If you’re a skater looking for your next pair of beaters, or just a sneakerhead who wants to know if you can actually skate in these, you need the full story. Let’s break down what the Adidas Forum really is, and more importantly, whether it deserves a spot in your skate bag.

The Origin Story: From Hardwood to Concrete

To understand the Forum’s place in skateboarding, you have to understand where it came from. Released in 1984, the Adidas Forum was a high-tech basketball shoe. It was famous for its revolutionary ankle strap—the Velcro “strap” that wraps around the top of the shoe. This wasn’t just a fashion choice; it was designed to provide extra lockdown and support for quick cuts and jumps on the court. The shoe also featured a thick, padded tongue and a sturdy leather upper. For ball players, it was a tank.

Fast forward a few decades. The Forum fell out of favor in the NBA but found a second life in streetwear and hip-hop. Run-DMC famously wore them, solidifying their place in music history. But the skateboarding world was already falling in love with a different Adidas shoe: the Superstar. The Forum, with its high-top design and heavy construction, seemed like an odd choice for a sport that demands board feel, flexibility, and impact protection. So, why are we even asking this question today?

The Core Problem: What Makes a Shoe “Skateable”?

Before we judge the Forum, let’s talk about what a skate shoe actually needs to do. A good skate shoe isn’t just about looking the part. It has to survive a brutal environment. You need:

• Board Feel: The ability to feel the grip tape and the board’s curvature through the sole. Too much cushioning, and you lose this connection.
• Durability: Constant friction from grip tape chews through materials. Suede and reinforced toe caps are your friends.
• Impact Protection: Landing tricks from high heights or slamming your heel on a rail requires cushioning, usually in the heel and insole.
• Grip: A rubber outsole with a good tread pattern that sticks to the grip tape without being too sticky.
• Flexibility: You need to be able to bend your foot to flick the board for kickflips and heelflips. A stiff shoe is a liability.

Now, look at the classic Adidas Forum. It checks some of these boxes, but not all of them. The leather upper is tough, but it’s also heavy and not very breathable. The thick padding around the ankle provides great support, but it can be restrictive. The rubber outsole is solid, but the midsole is often a simple EVA foam that packs out quickly. The biggest issue? The original Forum is built like a fortress. It’s stiff, clunky, and lacks the nimble feel most skaters crave.

The Reality Check: Are They Actually Skate Shoes?

The honest answer is: the original, classic Adidas Forum is not a dedicated skate shoe. It was never designed for it. If you try to skate in a pair of 1984 retro Forums, you’ll likely find them too heavy, too stiff, and the ankle strap will probably get in the way of your flick. The leather will scuff easily, and the lack of modern impact protection means your heels will feel every landing.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Adidas, like many brands, has evolved the Forum. They’ve released specific versions that are much more skate-friendly. The key is to look for the Adidas Forum Skate or Adidas Forum ADV models. These are not your dad’s basketball shoes. They are purpose-built for skateboarding, using the Forum’s silhouette as a starting point. These versions feature:

• Suede or Leather/Suede Mix Uppers: Much more durable than the original leather, designed to withstand grip tape abrasion.
• Thinner, More Flexible Tongue and Collar: Less padding means better board feel and less restriction.
• Improved Vulcanized or Cupsole Construction: Many skate versions use a vulcanized sole (like a Vans) for better board feel, or a more modern cupsole with better impact protection. The Adiplus insole is often included for cushioning.
• Reinforced Toe Cap: A must-have for ollies and kickflips. The skate versions have a thicker, often rubberized toe area.
• Removable or Functional Ankle Strap: Some skaters love the extra lockdown, others hate it. The skate versions often have a strap that can be adjusted or even removed.

So, the answer is nuanced. The classic Forum? No. The Forum ADV or Forum Skate? Yes, absolutely. They are a legitimate option in the skate shoe market, offering a unique retro look with modern performance.

Practical Tips: How to Buy the Right Pair

If you’re convinced and want to try a pair of Forum skate shoes, here’s how to navigate the market without getting burned. It’s all about knowing what to look for.

• Check the Model Name: Look for “Forum ADV,” “Forum Skate,” or “Forum Mid Skate.” If the product page just says “Adidas Forum” without any skate-specific tag, it’s probably the lifestyle version. Avoid that for skating.
• Feel the Materials: In-store, run your hand over the upper. The skate versions will feel like suede or a tough textile. The lifestyle versions feel like smooth, shiny leather. Suede is your friend for skating.
• Inspect the Outsole: A skate-specific Forum will have a rubber outsole with a tread pattern designed for grip tape. Look for a “herringbone” or “waffle” pattern. The original Forum has a flatter, more dress-shoe-like sole.
• Consider the Strap: If you’re a beginner, the strap can be annoying. If you’re advanced, it might be a nice extra lockdown feature. Many skate versions have a thinner, more flexible strap that lies flat. You can often tuck it under the laces if you don’t want it.
• Size Up or Down? Adidas shoes generally fit true to size, but skate shoes often run a bit snug. If you have wide feet, consider going half a size up. If you have narrow feet, stick with your normal size. The leather versions will stretch, but the suede versions are more rigid.
• Don’t Buy for the Hype: The Forum is a trendy shoe right now. That means prices on resale sites can be inflated. Don’t pay $200 for a pair of used Forum ADV. They are widely available at retail or on sale. Be patient.

Final Verdict: Should You Skate in Adidas Forums?

Let’s wrap this up. If you’re a skater looking for a durable, stylish shoe that offers a different look from the usual Vans or Nike SB, the Adidas Forum Skate/ADV is a solid choice. It’s not the lightest or most flexible shoe on the market, but it’s built like a tank. The suede holds up well, the grip is good, and the retro aesthetic is a nice change of pace. The main downside is the weight—it’s heavier than a typical vulcanized shoe, which can tire your feet out faster. Also, the board feel is decent but not amazing. It’s a cupsole, so you get more protection but less sensitivity.

For casual wear or light skating (cruising, flat ground tricks), the Forum is perfect. For hardcore park or street skating where you need maximum board feel and flick, you might prefer a lighter shoe like the Adidas Busenitz or a classic suede Superstar. Ultimately, the Adidas Forum is a fantastic example of a shoe that successfully crossed over from one sport to another, but only after being re-engineered for its new purpose. So, are they skate shoes? Yes, but only the right ones. Do your homework, check the model, and you’ll be landing kickflips in retro style in no time.