While adidas’ Samba was the shoe of the summer in 2022, its run into 2023 has not been without problems, mainly because it took on the nature of fellow adidas stalwart, the Stan Smith, in being well, kind of everywhere. It’s not surprising. The shoe is comfortable, versatile and is pretty much the only real way to avoid the avalanche of Jordan Lows we see on a daily basis, should that particular shoe not be your thing (sorry MJ).
But of course eventually something has to give (generally the point when you, your mum and your gran are seen wearing the same sneakers). Thankfully, there’s no reason to bench your Sambas just yet, however, you’ve just got to be creative. And while TikTok is full of videos with people customising their own Sambas, the collabs out there are keeping things fresh at retail. With young designers taking cues from old school footwear and intergalactic colourways, you’ll see that there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.
Here are some we love.
Jason Dill
The skateboard brand founded by pro-boarder and photographer Jason Dill dropped these editions of the Samba in May. Offering a clean, flipped colourway of the shoe with Dill’s branding on the tongue, it’s F****** Awesome by name, f****** awesome by nature.
Wales Bonner
The British designer and former LVMH Prize winner Grace Wales Bonner takes from both the modern iteration of the Samba and allies it to the thin ribbed tongue of the original. Being a favourite of internet’s boyfriend Timothée Chalamet can’t hurt, either.
Humanrace
Pharrell’s influence is all over these Sambas that dropped in April. The bold colourways are a nice departure from the myriad monochrome versions of the shoe, while the thin ribbed tongue once again pays tribute to the original shoe.
Sporty and Rich
The fledgling streetwear brand has made some bold moves, dropping in with three colourways of Samba. While the white with maroon stripes and cream with blue err on the side of tradition, the blue colourway offers up some adidas Gazelle vibes.