The Adidas Samba isn’t going away any time soon.
No matter how many cookie cutter fits you scroll by on your timeline or memes you see about the shoe’s shelf life expiring, there’s still plenty of mileage left in the Samba. In fact, it’s one of Adidas’ oldest shoes, with the original version coming out way back in 1949 (originally designed to play football on frozen surfaces in Germany) and the revamped model continuing to endure decade after decade. It’s gone from a shoe for soccer fans, an indoor soccer ‘90s classic, to punk rock and oi, now all the way to being adored by fashion blogs and downtown types. It’s one of those classic shoes where even when it isn’t in the trend cycle, it’s still extremely wearable and hard to go wrong with. It’s also available in a wide variety of styles, from OG-inspired iterations to limited-edition collabs and even vegan-friendly variations. Shop the best Sambas available right now below.
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Adidas Samba OG 'White/Gum'
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The black-based colorway of the Samba may be the model’s most iconic, but the white version of the original provides a slightly more interesting option thanks to some added contrast. Unlike its black counterpart’s tonal upper, this version features a grey suede toe piece. It may not have quite the clean lines of a Stan Smith, but it offers a different take on a staple white sneaker.
Adidas Samba OG 'Black/Gum'
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This is the one. The black and gum Samba. The shoe that everyone’s owned. Comes with a short tongue, comes with a long tongue. You’ll see them at an MLS match in the stands. You’ll see them at a New Brunswick, NJ punk show. You’ll see them in the suburbs, in SoHo. Worn by ASAP Rocky, Sean Wotherspoon. ‘90s kids with the tongue slipped to the side or folded down. Football casuals and those who casually know football. The shoe won’t stop and everyone still wants a pair. So wear ‘em.
Humanrace x Adidas Samba
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Pharrell Williams’ partnership with Adidas formally began in 2014 and has produced sneaker collaborations including the Superstar, Stan Smith, and most notably, the NMD Hu. The Samba is a newer entry into his now-extensive catalog of footwear, and has been reimagined as a premium take on the silhouette that features full-leather uppers and leather laces. This latest collection is available in white, black, and terracotta colorways.
Adidas Samba Classic
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The Samba Classic is as close as you’ll come to the sneaker’s original form—although it’s still a far departure from the shoe’s very first incarnation in 1949. Nevertheless, this is the Samba that people came to know best in the decades that followed. Reworked as an indoor soccer shoe rather than one for the pitch, the Classic version features an extended tongue that was intended to be folded down and tied over with the shoelaces. It really comes down to personal preference, but if you’re a purist, maybe this is the Samba for you.
Adidas Samba Vegan
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This option doesn’t look any different from the original Samba in the iconic white, black, and gum colorway, but it’s produced without animal products. Unlike some make-believe meat, it really is hard to tell the difference. This Samba does come with a quick callout to its animal-friendly origin, though, with an insole mentioning the vegan status.
Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba 'Black'
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The Wales Bonner x Adidas work may not have caught on immediately with sneakerhead types who were busy blowing money on Yeezys, but her line has quietly been one of Adidas’ best for a few years running. This take on the Samba from 2020 adds crochet flair to the classic model, pushing it further than standard colorway manipulations. Note that these have become very coveted on the secondary market, so getting a pair won’t be easy.
Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba 'Cream/Green'
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There’s something hard to mess up about these shades of vintage cream and green. Despite the colors being something of a colorblocking cheat code, Wales Bonner executed it strongly here. There’s the shaggy suede overlays, two-tone laces, textured heel and Three Stripes, and the icing on the cake: a translucent gum outsole. These may not look like an $800 sneaker, but if you’re searching for an “if you know, you know” flex, this is the one.
Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba 'Silver'
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Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba was a shoe from last year that you cooked into the Nolita streets, huh? Well, try again. They’re back and this time in an even more noticeable fashion. In a liquid silver colorway, the Adidas Samba gets covered in a fashion that’s reminiscent of Air Max 1s from the 2010s—but kinda cooler this time. You’re seeing them everywhere, so now it’s your time to get a pair.
Kith x Clarks x Adidas Samba
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Three different brands collaborating to combine two iconic pieces of footwear has the potential to get messy, but Adidas, Clarks, and Kith were able to come together seamlessly for a shoe that just makes sense. The Samba’s gum sole is one of its signature features, so why not dial it up a notch with a full-on crepe sole from Clarks? The three-way collab proved to be so popular that demand far outweighed supply and Ronnie Fieg was able to convince the brands to open up preorders for the shoes.
Sporty & Rich x Adidas Samba
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I remember when Emily Oberg was starting her brand Sporty & Rich at the Complex offices nearly a decade ago with a run of embroidered crewneck sweatshirts. Crazy to see how far the brand has gone since that moment. The Samba is having its moment, and the S+R version of the shoe is something you see all over Instagram. Simple and clean and to the point. Done up in Argentina blue. Good job on these.