Adidas Forum Low review

We wear-tested the Adidas Forum Low. We also subjected it to numerous lab tests. Based on the results that we gathered, we conclude that this Adidas sneaker is greatly suitable for the following:

• wearers who want their shoes to have a low profile
• sneakerheads who want shoes that are made of durable genuine leather
• users who love flexible shoes

The Adidas Forum Low surely packed up a bit more weight than usual. We felt it, and our weighing scale confirmed what we experienced.

Lighter Adidas alternatives include the Adidas Campus 00S (14.9 oz/422g) and the Adidas Superstar (14.2 oz/401g).

And if you don't mind other brands of lifestyle trainers, consider the ASICS Gel Lyte III (12.8 oz/361g) among other lightweight trainers.

The Adidas Forum Low had a slightly low profile. We could feel the ground just a tad bit more while wearing this sneaker. Also, the thinner midsole allowed us to enjoy more stability.

True enough, our calliper measured the heel to be only 27.0 mm thick, a number that is slightly lower than the average.

Just like the heel, the forefoot felt thinner than usual as well. Our calliper measured it to be only 14.5 mm thick, significantly less than our recorded average.

The elevation difference between the heel and forefoot areas was not so pronounced. It felt just like the typical sneaker, and we didn't have issues with heel-to-toe transitions.

Our measurements and calculations pegged the drop at 12.5 mm.

Despite its being thinner, the midsole was still able to deliver considerable softness and impact protection. It was such a pleasure to walk and run in it, even for longer periods.

Our HA durometer in the lab gave it a rating of 23.5, a number far lower (therefore softer) than our average on record.

The insole was just as thick as average at 4.5 mm based on our calliper measurements.

This retro sneaker from Adidas brings no surprises when it comes to fit. Our medium-width feet felt comfortable and received sufficient toe space in the Forum Low.

To see how the kick stacks up against other trainers, we poured a mould of its interiors using a custom gel substance. Once the replica was solid, we used a digital calliper to measure its dimensions. The widest area (between the pinkie and the big toe) showed an above-average reading of 94.6 mm confirming our initial impressions.

The shoe's balanced fit is complemented by a very mildly tapered toebox shape. Measuring its width near the big toe returned another slightly higher than average reading of 70.7 mm.

There is no compression from the top either. The Adidas Forum Low showed a standard vertical height of 28.5 mm.

We could say that the Adidas Forum Low was moderately supportive. We didn't have issues with it as we shifted our weights from one side to the other. 

Still, we think that the Adidas Alphaboost V1 did a little better in this regard.

Much of the stability that we enjoyed was because of the pretty rigid base. There was not a point during our wear tests where we had to second guess our steps or worry about painful foot twists.

We manually twisted the shoe in the lab, and we realised that we needed a lot of effort to make it yield. A score of 4 out of 5 for torsional rigidity was truly warranted.

The heel counter performed similarly to the base: it was stiff and was able to keep the rearfoot in place at all times. We gave it a good squeeze in the lab, and it got a rating of 4 out of 5.

The platform of the shoe felt enough (or perhaps even a bit more) for us. We didn't slide out of the footbed, and we did not experience any wobbliness whatsoever. 

Hence, it was a bit of a surprise for us when our calliper measured the forefoot area of the platform to be 104.2 mm. This number makes the Adidas Forum Low slightly narrower than average.

The heel, for its part, was just around the average at 82.0 mm wide.

When we had to tiptoe to reach for something up above, it was quite easy for us because the Forum Low did not have a lot of resistance to our flexions.

We subjected it to our standard flexibility test, and we found out that it needed only 18.2N of force to bend at 90 degrees. A typical sneaker would need more than that!

We have to admit, the Adidas Forum Low felt a little heavier than the usual sneakers. The scale in the lab pegged its weight to be 16.4 ounces or 465 grams. 

Though it was not the most breathable, the Adidas Forum Low was still quite reliable when it came to ventilation. We never reached a point where our socks were already soaking wet from the heat and profuse sweating.

We performed our breathability smoke test on it and we found that much of the ventilation was through the tongue, very reminiscent of the Reebok Classic Leather that got a 2 out of 5 in this test.

There were ventilation holes in the toebox and the sidewalls, but they didn't do much during the smoke test as seen in the video above. However, when the upper was put over a light source, the light successfully passed through the holes.

To be fair, the inward flow of air was OK when we were walking or running. The air vents were effective in this regard. Hence, a solid 3 was what the Adidas Forum Low deserved.

We also viewed the upper under the microscope, and it became clear just how opaque the material is. Without the air vents, this would have been a pretty toasty one.

Our doubts about the authenticity of the leather were lessened when we viewed the upper under the microscope. Our doubts were erased after we did the fire test.

Aside from the strong smell of burning hair during the test, the material was pretty much resistant to combustion. Probing the burnt area with our awl and seeing that it remained intact led us to conclude that the leather was real.

The leather upper endowed the Adidas Forum Low with pretty impressive durability. We were quite harsh with this shoe during our wear-tests, and it barely showed any signs of wear and tear.

Even our high-pressure Dremel drilling was no match for the sturdiness of this sneaker's upper. It only left a non-threatening scratch in the topmost layer of the upper. Hence, a perfect 5 for toebox durability was warranted.

The heel padding also showed amazing resistance to our hand-held Dremel. 

If it were human, the heel padding would be left only with ruffled hair after the Dremel was pressed on it. There was no serious damage! Hence, we do not have any doubt about its capacity to withstand intense rubbing against the skin or sock. It surely deserved the 4 out of 5 that we dished out for it.

The outsole of the Adidas Forum Low did not feel especially firm or soft. True enough, the reading was 83.4 when we pressed our HC durometer on it. This number did not deviate that much from the average.

This Adidas sneaker delivered moderate durability. We used this shoe on rough outdoor surfaces, and it held up so well. Still, we didn't think that frequent usage on rough surfaces would be a good idea.

We pressed our wildly rotating Dremel against the outsole and the dent that it left was 1.2 mm deep, which roughly equates to the average.

At 6.0 mm, the outsole of the Adidas Forum Low is just as thick as the typical outsole.

Gripping the floor was never an issue with the Adidas Forum Low. We were able to securely plant our feet to maintain our stances or stabilise our gaits. 

The tongue of the Adidas Forum Low was of average thickness at 7.9 mm. We appreciated how it felt so nice and comfortable on top of our feet.

The sides of the tongue were not at all connected to the upper. This design allowed us to move more freely. We also believe that this design is the main reason breathability wasn't compromised.

This sneaker from Adidas did not have heel tab. We didn't have problems going in and out of it, though.

The insole was removable, and it was quite convenient for those who wanted more space inside the shoe.

The upper has sufficient padding that ensured our comfort as we walked and ran around. The upper's thickness also helped with the fit.