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If you’re gonna commit to a Samba in 2026, it’s either gotta be a fun, out-of-the-box pair or a pair like this. Classic in all the right ways but also… just retro enough to stand out.

This is the CLOT Samba by none other than Edison Chen.

If the name sounds familiar, it should. Chen and CLOT have been putting their own spin on adidas classics for years, and this latest take is a pretty convincing reminder of why the partnership works.

At first glance, it’s still very much a Samba. The black-and-white colorway keeps things familiar, but look a little closer and there’s more going on. The upper gets a woven finish, while the sole takes on a textured, espadrille-inspired construction that gives the whole thing a distinctly summery feel, even if fall is knocking.

It’s a funny little hybrid, but somehow it makes perfect sense. There’s enough of the original Samba here to keep the purists happy, while the extra detailing gives it enough personality to avoid feeling like another pair in the endless Samba parade.

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Basically, if you’re gonna wear the Samba, you might as well make it interesting.

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