Samba fever will go down as a defining chapter in sneaker culture of the 2020s. adidas’ classic design altered the trajectory of footwear when it was rediscovered, sparked in no small part by Grace Wales Bonner’s decision to use it in her first collaborative capsule with adidas, which would usher in an age of understated, lightweight sneakers in contrast to the bold, chunky silhouettes that preceded it.

But since the major explosion in popularity, the adidas Samba has taken a backseat as sneakerheads look for something less ubiquitous. And if they can deal with the pizzazz of this Rhinestone one, they may have found it.

This eye-catchingly embellished Samba isn't just worth one's attention, it practically commands it, defying anybody's potential fatigue of the silhouette in the process.

It’s not the first time that adidas has given the Samba a sparkly refit, after the Crystal White colorway that dropped at the end of 2025, and an all-over encrusted version we reported on earlier this month.

But while the Crystal White iteration does feature rhinestones, the Rhinestone Black version takes the sparkle to a different level. Instead of alternating between leather and rhinestone, this time adidas opts for a full rhinestone fit out.

The effect is a shoe which turns heads without being too bright. At its core, it’s a black colorway, but when it catches the light, prepare for a rainbow light show.

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