For more than seven decades, adidas has been a leading brand in both fashionable and athletic footwear. The adidas Samba is a classic example of this, as it was originally created in 1972 for soccer players who needed a special sole for frozen fields. Since then, the Samba has become a staple of indoor soccer.
However, the Samba is more than just a soccer shoe—it is also a versatile and chic sneaker for everyday wear. Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Rihanna have been seen rocking the Sambas, making them popular among both pop culture fans and sneaker enthusiasts.
In this article, you will discover the main characteristics of the Samba and what to keep in mind before purchasing it, as well as our personal opinion on wearing it. Keep reading to find out how this shoe has been keeping it cool and casual for over half a century.
Table of Contents
adidas unisex -adult Samba Og Shoes
The adidas Samba: A Sneaker for Both Sport and Fashion
The adidas Samba is a rare combination of comfort, style, and durability. The adidas Samba OG shoe has kept its simple, retro look, making it one of the most versatile sneakers to pair with any outfit. You can wear the Sambas with a tracksuit, athleisure, or chinos and a button down, depending on your mood. As adidas says, the Sambas are “from the archives but always looking ahead.”
This shoe is built to last (think: a gum sole that can withstand fast indoor soccer games) and easy to wear, so you can enjoy them for years to come.
We think the Samba is a great sneaker for casual occasions. However, if you want to walk more than a few miles or run more than a gentle jog, we suggest you check out some of our favorite walking shoes or long-distance running shoes that are more suitable for those activities and provide more support.
adidas Samba OG Womens White Energy Ink Gum Size
What we love about the adidas Samba:
Timeless and adaptable shoe Comfy and light
Gum rubber sole for grip and traction
Made for the soccer field, but also perfect for streetwear
What to keep in mind about the adidas Samba:
Some reviewers say the shoes are narrow
Not meant for long-term wear
Gum rubber can make a “squeaking” noise on court and polished wood floors
adidas Samba OG Big Kid Sneakers
The adidas Samba: A Classic with a Twist
The adidas Samba features the iconic three-stripe adidas design. Unlike the Superstars and Stan Smiths, which have a similar style, the Samba has a distinctive gum sole and suede details, giving it a more athletic look. Another subtle difference is that the Sambas lack the classic adidas trefoil logo on the back heel, unlike the Superstars and Stan Smiths. With 22 different colors to choose from, you are sure to find a Samba that suits you.
adidas Originals Men’s Samba Soccer Shoe
The adidas Samba: How They Feel and Fit
Comfort, support and durability: These shoes are very comfortable and supportive. Customers say they last for a long time. I only wore them for a few weeks, but I agree. Materials: Synthetic leather upper, textile lining, gum rubber outsole
Fit and sizing: Tight fit, true to size (you may need to size up if you have a wide foot or high arch)
I tested the Sambas for five days before writing this—two days of walking around the city, two nights out and one day of errands. The Sambas fit tight and true to size, but you may need to go one size up if you have a wide foot or high arch. I like how the Sambas are easy to put on—almost like a slipper, but with laces.
The shoes are light and comfy on my feet. The higher heel (called the “rake”) means you should wear socks that cover your ankles and avoid walking more than a few miles (to prevent heel blisters).
One thing to note if you play sports with these shoes—the Sambas make a “squeaky” noise when you pivot on hardwood floors, like a basketball shoe, because of the gum sole. You won’t notice this during normal wear, but just be aware that the gum rubber makes that noise with friction on a wood floor.
adidas Men’s Samba Classic Running Shoe
The adidas Samba: What Customers Think
These shoes have a 4.7/5 star-rating and nearly 9,000 reviews, proving they are durable and timeless. Customers adore the style of the shoe, from the synthetic leather upper to the gum rubber outsole to the classic design. One customer said they are the “forever design that will never go out of style.” Another said they are “effortless and go with everything you wear.” Many reviews also say wearers like the different color options available.
Customers also enjoy the comfort of the Sambas. One customer said, “Wearing them feels like walking on clouds.” Some customers did mention that the shoe can be a bit narrow, so we suggest you go a half size up if you have wider feet.
Adidas Men’s Samba Classic Soccer Shoe
The adidas Samba: Frequently Asked Questions
How comfortable are the Sambas?
The Sambas are very comfortable, unlike other sneakers that need some time to break in. I wore them right away and enjoyed walking around the city on a casual day out.
If you want to walk for several hours or run long distances, you should check out some of our picks for the best comfortable running shoes.
What makes the adidas Sambas so popular?
The Sambas, Superstars and Stan Smiths are three of adidas’s most popular shoes and they have been around for over 50 years. They all began as sports shoes and then became street style. The Samba was a soccer shoe, the Superstar was a low-top basketball shoe, and the Stan Smith was a tennis shoe. The Sambas are still popular because of their cool look, comfort and versatility.
How do the adidas Sambas fit?
The adidas Sambas fit normally with enough space in the toe box, but some customers say they are a bit narrow on the sides. We suggest you go a half size up if you have wider feet.
adidas Samba Classic Leather Soccer Shoe
The adidas Samba: A Sneaker for All Ages
Not many sneakers can appeal to different generations. Whether you are a Gen X, a Millennial, a Gen Z or anything else, you will find people of your age wearing these shoes. The adidas Sambas have proven their longevity, as they are both athletic and fashionable. If you want a shoe that lasts and performs well on and off the court, these are the shoes for you.
Read Also:
