u/DrunkenMasterII

Model JS1822 Billy’s x Size?

Every time I put those on I’m amazed by how nice that deep brown leather look.

Model IG6351

I purchased those out of curiosity reading the Dassler interview with From soul to sole co-author, Jason Coles. I was curious to see the different elements that were changed to make this pair more authentic to the original according to the original designer Jacques Chassaing. The good thing is I have a pair of forum 84 hi from the year before those so I can compare and honestly it’s kind of cool, like the more supporting sockliner or how the tongue is connected to the shoes leaving no extra tongue material hanging or the metal eyelets, it’s small details, but it’s nice and the overall quality on those is pretty solid.

I’m a perplexed though because while these small elements were important for authenticity the design of the shoes meant they stitched the strap to the upper rendering it almost useless in function, at least it’s not working as intended as it’s stitched all along the ankle part. It just seems to me like such a strange choice for one of the major design element of the Forum considering the attention for authenticity given to small elements. There’s other elements in the material choices of the upper that are not authentic, but I don’t mind like the toe cap in suede I’m curious if it was done consciously as like an hommage to the Top Ten which were basically predecessor of the Forum.

The design is inspired by NYC and its graffitis seeing during a blizzard by Chassaing while he was stuck waiting for his plane after one of the initial meeting for the forum project. I think it’s cool and gives off a strong 80s vibe that I dig, but if I’m being completely honest I personally would’ve much preferred if they tried to remake a 1:1 model of the forum like when it came out, with the extra attention to details that Jacques could provide than trying to sell a story. The strap situation for me works against what I found interesting about the shoes and I’m ending not liking them as much as I wish I did. It just leaves me craving for a really well made re-edition of the original Forum.

Model If5787

Easily in my top 10, I love these so much I often think maybe I should buy a second pair. I know it’s already quite unusual for SPZL collections that we got 4 variations of this model (excluding the oasis exclusive pair) so I’m not holding my breath to see these being made again, but I really wish we got these exact same with the synthetic tongue in other colours than just green and black. I’d give a huge chunk of my collection just for a pair of these in classic gazelle red and blue bird.