Reinventing the Icons: Willy Chavarria and Adidas Give an ’80s Basketball Classic a Bold, Luxurious Makeover
It’s not every day that a heritage sneaker gets reimagined as a statement-making fashion boot—but that’s exactly what designer Willy Chavarria and Adidas are doing. Their latest collaboration transforms an iconic 1980s basketball silhouette into a plush leather boot that’s equal parts nostalgia and avant-garde design. But here’s where it gets interesting—can a sport-born sneaker truly thrive as a high-fashion boot?
Since teaming up earlier this year, Chavarria and Adidas have made waves with their fearless experimentation. Their previous creations include a sleek dress-shoe reinterpretation of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legendary sneaker, and a huarache-inspired hybrid that sparked heated debates about cultural appropriation within the sneaker community. Whether you see these designs as boundary-pushing innovation or controversy courting attention, one thing’s certain: this partnership refuses to play it safe.
The upcoming Willy Chavarria x Adidas Forum boot, set for release this December, continues that rebellious streak. This reworked version of the classic Forum trades its original proportions for an all-black, elongated upper that extends high above the ankle. Plush leather gives the boot a rich, tactile feel, while a newly engineered sole adds both visual flair and functional grit—with rugged lugs, a rippled midsole, and a ridged rubber toe. The iconic midfoot window with its Three Stripes branding remains—a subtle nod to the vintage DNA from which this futuristic piece was born.
But the creative overhaul doesn’t end there. Chavarria has also re-envisioned the Forum High, maintaining its 1984 silhouette while infusing it with dramatic new color tones. A deep black base sets the stage for vibrant red detailing on the Stripes, a rose-tinted tongue tag, and Chavarria’s embossed strap. For a finishing touch of refinement, his signature glows in gold beneath the lateral collar—a perfect blend of rebellion and sophistication.
Completing the capsule drop, the designer doubles down on versatility with three fresh colorways of the Jabbar Low, their ongoing collaborative sneaker. Options include white-and-gold, black-and-white, and a daring black version dressed in leopard-print pony hair across the vamp and shroud. Each pair carries subtle branding cues like ‘Willy’ debossing and that sleek lace shroud, tying the collection together in unmistakable style.
For sneaker historians, the Forum has always held a special place in Adidas’ lineup. When it launched in 1984, it became the brand’s first basketball shoe to come in both high-top and low-top forms—an early example of design versatility. Decades later, it resurfaced with the same cultural punch as part of Bad Bunny’s headline-making Adidas releases, proving that great design never truly fades; it evolves.
Now, with the Willy Chavarria x Adidas Forum boot and its accompanying footwear set to drop on December 12 through both brands’ websites and select retailers, this collaboration feels poised to spark even more conversation. Will sneaker purists embrace this plush, elevated remake of a basketball icon—or will traditionalists cry foul over yet another style crossover?
What’s your take—should heritage sneakers stay true to their roots, or is reinvention the only way they stay culturally alive? Drop a comment and join the debate.