Making many turns in hype and popularity over the decades, this ultimate staple stands as one of the Three Stripes’ flagship sneakers, and in that capacity, it has never really gone out of style. However, the adidas Samba has popped up in some very high-profile rotations recently, putting it firmly back in the spotlight.
From coveted collaborations with Wales Bonner and Jonah Hill through to heavy usage from the likes of A$AP Rocky and A$AP Nast, and most recently on the feet of Frank Ocean as he dined with Tyler, the Creator, the adidas Samba is certainly having a renaissance moment. It's a perfect storm for the Samba, really; in the case of the A$AP and Frank Ocean, the Samba makes the perfect pared-back foundation for a pretty unpredictable style. It's a timeless, unchanging icon that goes with anything, from tailored trousers to the new and loud pieces from The North Face x Gucci collection.
So, while you might be more accustomed to seeing the A$AP boys dripped out in luxury labels, the adidas Samba comes as a welcome, and budget-friendly, change. It’s not often that you get the opportunity to cop rapper-favored sneakers for 70 bucks.
Shop our favorite adidas Sambas below.
adidas Samba Classic
Samba Classic
adidas
Originally released in 1950 to allow footballers to train on frozen pitches, the Samba’s classic white & black palette is near enough unbeatable. Combine the understated upper with a retro gum sole and you’ve got yourself an icon.
Alternatives
adidas x Wales Bonner Samba
Samba
adidas x Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner’s ‘70s-inspired capsule collection with adidas was a winner all round, but the real MVP came in the form of the Samba. With a classic football-style tongue after the shoe’s original raison d’être, this Samba rolls back the years to full vintage effect.
adidas x Jonah Hill Samba
Jonah Hill’s work with adidas began life in the shape of the Superstar but has since evolved to encompass the Samba, too. A soft leather upper features suede overlays, thick ‘90s-style laces, and highlight contrast stitching to the heel tab.
adidas Samba Vegan Shoes
Samba Vegan Shoes
adidas
The timelessness of the adidas Samba is one of its main assets and is proven fully by this recent update of the silhouette. Nothing changes visually (because if it ain’t broke don’t fix it), but all materials used on this pair are fully vegan.
adidas Samba White
Samba
adidas
Can a shoe be too clean? We don't think so but this would be a candidate if it could. An all-white upper puts the focus completely on the legendary, streamlined silhouette of the Samba.
adidas x Pleasures Samba
Samba
adidas x Pleasures
Pleasures made sure there was absolutely no mistaking the origins of its 2019 Samba collaboration with an all-black backdrop and contrasting white embroidery running across the whole outer side of the shoe.
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