When sports culture meets streetwear, the most powerful connections are those that come from within the community. That’s exactly what’s happening in Cincinnati right now, where Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, local streetwear boutique UNHEARDOF, and adidas have teamed up once again to create a second edition of their “All For Cincy” Forum Low sneaker.

The release follows the success of their first 2023 connect and coincides with the club’s 10th anniversary season. This second installment—crafted with a mix of storytelling, heritage, and local pride—turns the classic adidas Forum silhouette into a modern emblem of city identity.

a silhouette reborn

The adidas Forum Low has lived many lives. Born in 1984 as a high-performance basketball shoe, it quickly became a lifestyle symbol before being reintroduced to a new generation of sneaker enthusiasts. Its sturdy structure, padded ankle collar, and signature cross-strap made it one of the most recognizable sneakers of the eighties.

In this collab, the Forum Low undergoes a transformation that’s subtle but deeply intentional. The familiar strap is gone, replaced with a higher, soccer-inspired tongue reminiscent of the adidas Gazelle Indoor. The change gives the shoe a sleeker line while referencing the sport that defines FC Cincinnati. What was once a basketball silhouette now borrows a touch of football heritage, merging two athletic cultures that share the same city’s pulse.

unheardof

Founded by Philip Lipschutz in 2008, UNHEARDOF has become a cultural cornerstone of Cincinnati’s creative scene. The store has long been a gathering point for skaters, sneakerheads, and artists—a hub where stories of identity and collaboration are crafted from the ground up.

For Lipschutz, this project isn’t about trend-chasing; it’s about local legacy. Partnering with FC Cincinnati, a club that rose from USL roots to MLS prominence, he translates the spirit of the stands into a tangible piece of design. Adidas, with its global reach, gives that narrative a broader platform—ensuring the city’s voice travels far beyond Ohio.

design

The second “All For Cincy” Forum Low arrives in two colourways, each celebrating a different side of the club’s aesthetic language—one in Orange Kit, the other in Blue Kit.

The Orange Kit version was the first to appear earlier in the year, echoing the club’s alternate jerseys. Wrapped in bright orange nubuck, it features metallic silver Three Stripes, reflective “All For Cincy” script across the side panels, and a chalk-white cupsole that grounds the vivid upper. The palette captures the passion of the fans and the optimism of the club’s recent silverware success.

The Blue Kit edition, released in October 2025, takes a more understated route but still radiates energy. The upper combines rich royal blue and navy pig nubuck with contrasting orange accents on the Three Stripes and heel tab. A winged lion—the club’s emblem—appears embossed at the back, lending an air of pride and guardianship. The shoe sits on a translucent outsole, balancing sport utility with collector appeal. Only 750 pairs were produced, amplifying its status as both a tribute and a keepsake.

 

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the narrative behind the motto

“All For Cincy” isn’t just a slogan. It’s the club’s rallying cry, a phrase that has defined FC Cincinnati’s community ethos since its foundation. For the team’s supporters, it’s shorthand for loyalty and belonging. For UNHEARDOF, it’s an anchor that connects every creative decision—from the reflective lettering to the packaging itself.

Each shoe comes with custom insoles depicting the club’s stadium and skyline, emphasizing how the design is rooted in place. Even the shoebox carries the story: an illustrated lid showing the city’s architecture rendered in orange and blue. Every unboxing feels personal—like stepping into the local pride that fuels the converge.

release

The Blue Kit Forum Low released on October 24, 2025, through UNHEARDOF’s Cincinnati storefront, with any remaining pairs offered online afterward. The in-store drop was a celebration in itself, drawing fans and sneaker collectors alike into the same physical space.

In typical UNHEARDOF fashion, the release wasn’t just transactional—it was communal. Local DJs spun records, FC Cincinnati players made appearances, and fans lined up down the block to secure their pairs. It was an event that blurred the lines between football, fashion, and music—a perfect reflection of how regional energy fuels streetwear at its best.

why

This connection stands out for one reason: authenticity. In a shoe landscape flooded with brand crossovers, All For Cincy doesn’t feel like a marketing exercise. It feels like an act of storytelling, one built from a genuine love of place.

Each partner contributes something essential: adidas provides the timeless platform, FC Cincinnati offers a living culture, and UNHEARDOF supplies the soul. Together, they’ve built a project that fuses athletic heritage with modern community design—a wearable form of civic pride.

Beyond its immediate appeal, the collaboration also signals how cities like Cincinnati are shaping the national conversation in streetwear. While major markets like Los Angeles or New York often dominate sneaker headlines, projects like this remind the culture that authenticity can thrive anywhere, especially when local voices lead the way.

fin

As FC Cincinnati’s anniversary season continues, the All For Cincy partnership suggests the potential for more city-rooted releases in the future—perhaps apparel capsules, art exhibitions, or even community youth projects inspired by the sneaker’s proceeds.

For now, the Forum Low serves as both a collectible and a statement piece: the kind of shoe that turns regional pride into a visual language. It bridges the roar of the stadium and the rhythm of the street, standing as proof that collaboration works best when it begins at home.

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