Samba

The adidas Samba is a low sneaker that started life as a football shoe and is now one of the most worn models from adidas. The flat silhouette, suede T-toe and gum sole make it easy to style, from wide-leg jeans to a skirt or tailored trousers. The Samba OG is especially popular, with women and men alike.

The history of the adidas Samba

adidas released the Samba around 1950 as a training shoe for footballers. It had to provide grip on hard, frozen pitches where regular studded boots did not work. Later the Samba became mainly an indoor football shoe, which kept it in the range for decades.

Off the pitch, the Samba was picked up by football fans and the casual scene in England. From the 2020s it grew into a true fashion sneaker, helped by collaborations with designer Grace Wales Bonner. Since then you see the Samba everywhere, in classic and bold colours.

Design and materials

The Samba OG has a leather upper with a T-shaped suede overlay across the toe. The three stripes sit on the side, with the gold Samba lettering above them. The thin gum sole sits close to the ground, just like the original indoor shoe.

Besides the OG there are versions in other materials, such as suede, pony hair or animal prints. There are also spin-offs such as the backless Samba Mule. The basic profile always stays low and slim.

Popular adidas Samba colorways

Much-searched Sambas right now include the Samba ‘Molly-Mae x Matcha’ in soft matcha green and the Samba Jane ‘White Pink Gum’, a women’s version with a strap across the instep and ruffles. The Samba OG ‘Preloved Red Leopard’ with a red leopard print and the Samba XLG ‘Denim’, with a thicker sole and a denim upper, are also viewed a lot.

What is the difference between the Samba and the Gazelle?

Both models have a low profile, three stripes and often a gum sole, but they feel different. The Samba has a leather upper with a suede T-toe and fits narrow. The adidas Gazelle is usually all suede, looks a little softer and has a slightly rounder toe. The Handball Spezial resembles the Gazelle too, but has a flatter sole.

How does the adidas Samba fit?

The adidas Samba fits narrow. Choose half a size up if in doubt. In length the Samba is true to size, so with narrow or regular feet you can keep your usual adidas size. If you like wearing it with thick socks, or you have wide feet, half a size up is often much more comfortable.

Buy the adidas Samba at WOOVIN

On WOOVIN you will find the adidas Samba OG and other Samba versions for women and men, from black and white to collaborations in striking materials. Looking for a pair that goes with everything? Start with the white or black OG with a gum sole. When ordering, pay most attention to the width, because that is where the Samba differs most.