Adidas Forum SQ Trainer Updates 1984 Model With Square Toe

Adidas Originals has introduced the Forum SQ Trainer, a contemporary reimagining of its 1984 Forum basketball shoe, which notably deviates from the original's rounded silhouette with a squared toe and a sharply angled cupsole. This updated design positions the sneaker as a smart-casual option while retaining visual cues from its basketball heritage through an architectural build. The most significant alteration is the shoe's front, where the toe has been flattened into a boxy, squared profile. This is complemented by a rubber cupsole featuring hard, angular edges, providing the Forum SQ Trainer with a geometric stance distinct from the original rounded basketball model. The cupsole extends upwards to encase the base of the upper, accentuating the new shape and reinforcing its blocky silhouette from all perspectives. The upper is constructed from premium leather, presented in a deconstructed manner that moves away from the polished finish of a traditional court shoe towards a more relaxed and raw character. Branding is debossed directly into the leather, maintaining a tonal, all-black execution and allowing texture to be the primary visual element. This approach results in a sneaker that leans more towards a dress-adjacent style than a typical heritage hoops retro. For functionality, Adidas has incorporated a rugged cleated rubber outsole paired with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elements. The cleated pattern provides a more substantial and aggressive base, ensuring dependable traction, while the TPU adds structural integrity to the sole unit. This utilitarian addition serves to balance the refined aesthetic of the upper with practical durability. The Forum silhouette carries a significant legacy, having debuted in 1984 as a premium basketball shoe. Its high-top iteration was particularly recognized for its X-shaped ankle strap, designed to enhance player stability on the court. Following its initial athletic purpose, the Forum evolved into a lifestyle staple over the years. The new Forum SQ Trainer, in its "Core Black" colorway, features a Core Black, Cream White, and Core Black palette with SKU KK3757. It is priced at ¥15,400 JPY, approximately $100 USD, and was released on September 25, exclusively available through adidas Japan. This release signifies Adidas's ongoing strategy to innovate its classic silhouettes for contemporary fashion trends.