adidas Samba

The adidas Samba is a low-top sneaker from German sportswear manufacturer, adidas. Having debuted in 1949, it is the company's longest-running model in production.

In its earliest stage, the now-iconic model served as a mid-top football boot geared at helping athletes train on icy conditions. Kangaroo leather was paired with an innovative gum outsole that delivered superior traction on frozen grounds. (A spiked-version was worn by the German National Football Team during its win of the 1954 World Cup, but landed on the “Samba” name right before the 1950 tournament in Brazil. In an attempt to gain popularity within the South American country, the shoe was named after an indigenous genre of music and dance.) The Three Stripes' full-leather shoe became a staple among players looking for indoor football footwear, and is still a go-to choice for the sport throughout the world. (This differs from other adidas Originals models that have moved from their original purpose to strictly fashion use.)

Throughout the decades, adidas' Samba silhouette has attracted many non-athletes, including musical artists the likes of Bob Marley. Unsurprisingly, celebrity co-signs have catapulted the sneaker into mainstream zeitgeist, with the most recent jump courtesy of Jerry Lorenzo. After news broke that the FEAR OF GOD frontman was partnering with the German manufacturer, the clock began ticking as spectators waited to see which of the Three Stripes' shoes Lorenzo would wear first. On January 19th, 2021, Lorenzo took to Instagram to reminisce on his de-facto uniform throughout high school in South Florida, which included Sambas.

The most common colorways of the shoe boast either a “Core Black” leather and suede upper with “Cloud White” accents and a “Gum” outsole or a “Cloud White/Clear Granite” upper atop a “Gum” bottom. Vibrant blue Originals branding appears on the tongue, which differs from the made-for-football Samba Classic featuring an extended tongue. Collaborators like Jonah Hill, Craig Green and Beyoncé's IVY PARK have reimagined the design through color palettes and retooling. The Three Stripes itself has also modernized its second best-selling sneaker of all-time by introducing Primeknit and vegan versions, the women's Sambarose and skate-ready Busenitz. As the shoe heads into its 72nd anniversary, it's sure to emerge in styles for all preferences.

The Samba is priced at $80 USD for adults, with kids' sizing arriving at $70 USD, however, they've frequently been discounted or had coupon codes applicable.

Shopping Links

adidas Samba

Extra Butter’s Movie-Inspired adidas Samba Releases On November 22nd

New York’s Extra Butter loves a good movie-inspired concept, and its adidas Samba entry to the inaugural Consortium Cup back in February is another example....

By Jovani Hernandez November 21, 2023
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Keep It Preppy With The adidas Samba’s Latest Allotment Of OG Efforts

As the adidas Consortium Cup semi-finalists bring their custom adidas Sambas to life with intricate details and boastful color blockings, the German sportswear brand’s longest-running...

By Jared Ebanks November 20, 2023
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The adidas Samba Consortium By END. Visits The Past Through Bespoke Details

END. Clothing is no stranger to collaborations, but its latest adidas Samba “Past” has the title of “Winner of the inaugural adidas Consortium Cup.” Back...

By Jovani Hernandez November 16, 2023
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Three Stripes Across 50 States: A Guide To The Best-Selling adidas Shoes In The U.S.

adidas was born in a small German town more than 70 years ago, but it’s become a global institution. Over the last decade, the Brand...

By Jovani Hernandez November 15, 2023
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Sneaker Politics Channels 70’s & 80’s Fashion With Their adidas Samba Collaboration

Back in November, adidas kicked off the Consortium Cup, a four-week bracket-style tournament pitting 16 internationally renowned shops against one another for the chance to...

By Jared Ebanks November 13, 2023
2871

BSTN’s Consortium Cup-Winning adidas Samba Releases Soon

As promised, winners of the first-ever adidas Consortium Cup will have their designs created and released to the public. BSTN’s spin on the classic adidas...

By Jovani Hernandez November 13, 2023
6982

Adsum’s adidas Samba Millennium Turns Back The Clock To 2009

Brooklyn-based masters of northeastern menswear Adsum have finally gotten their own adidas footwear collaboration: the Samba Millennium. Long-time fans of the Three Stripes, the independent...

By Jovani Hernandez November 13, 2023
8018

The adidas Samba Headlines The Spezial Winter 2023 Collection

adidas Spezial, though extremely popular across the pond, doesn’t quite receive the credit it deserves here in the states. That, however, could very well change...

By Michael Le November 9, 2023
3042

Where to Buy: adidas Samba by Wales Bonner

Wales Bonner isn’t solely responsible for the revival of the adidas Samba, but the menswear brand has played an immense role in the sneaker’s return...

By Jovani Hernandez November 6, 2023
12614