Adidas Samba is an athletic shoe manufactured by German multinational Adidas. It was designed by Adidas Founder Adolf Dassler in 1949.[1] It is among Adidas' most popular shoes, being the second highest selling Adidas design ever with over 35 million pairs sold worldwide, behind the Stan Smith model.[2] It has been produced in a variety of color schemes.
History
The Samba was first produced in 1949 to enable football players to train on icy, hard ground (hence the suction design on the gumsole). Its original design featured the classic three stripes, as well as the gold trefoil on the foldable tongue. As years progressed, the Samba evolved into the Samba Millennium (which was made without the extended tongue) and the Samba '85.[3] Classic models of the shoe are still in production, under the name Classic M. The original model is sometimes used for training, street play, and futsal.[4][5][6]
The name 'Samba' originated from the timing of the shoes release, which coincided with the approaching 1950s soccer World Cup in Brazil. Given Brazil's strong association with samba music and carnival culture, Adidas launch the show in conjunction with the tournament. Hence, before the World Cup, the decision to name the sneaker 'Samba' was made.[7]
Model designs
The "Three Stripes" detail on Adidas sneakers, including the Samba, was not part of the original prototype. Over time, the design was updated to include the three stripes, which is consistent within all Samba models.[8]
Adidas Samba OG In White
Samba OG
Blue Suede Samba OG
The Samba OG is considered the classic and most prevalent Samba Silhouette available. It typically is constructed with a mix of suede and leather, complemented by a contrasting gum sole and the 'Three-Stripe' branding.[9] The "SAMBA" branding positioned near the three stripes, using a gold-colored embossed font highlights the model.
Samba ADV
During the 1990s, skateboarders started to embrace the Samba leading to its popularity in skateparks and indoor youth soccer clubs.[9] With this Adidas released the Samba ADV in 2017, a model specifically designed to meet the durability needs of skateboards while retaining the classic Samba aesthetic. The Samba ADV has a leather and suede upper panel, molded heel clip, support provided by a sockliner, tread, internal mesh bootie, and a gum capsule.[10]
Samba Classic
The Samba Classic shares similarities with the OG model but offers additional features that set it apart.[11] Specifically designed for indoor soccer, it has an extended tongue and a lightweight synthetic construction with EVA-injected soles. Additionally, the 'SAMBA' script branding on the side and tongue of the shoe are a larger font.[9]
Samba Vegan
The Samba Vegan is crafted using synthetic faux leather, entirely eliminating the use of animal products. Typically, these versions also incorporate more sustainable fabrics.[9][11]
Velosamba
While the upper panel of the sneaker resembles the Samba OG, it incorporates a distinctive feature in the midsole for biking. The underpart is designed to accommodate two-bolt pedal cleats.[9][12]
Sambae
A platform variant of the shoe. It includes a taller sole and a full leather upper.[13]
Samba Recon LT
The Reason LT is considered the most exclusive Samba silhouette, launched to coincide with the 2018 FIFA Russian World Cup. It released in two color ways- one with a black upper and gum sole and the other with a white upper and gum sole. This iteration also has a fold over tongue design.[9][14]
Samba Super
Adidas Samba Super in Black
The Samba Super was designed for more urban wear rather than athletic use. This model has a bulkier construction, a narrower foam sole at the back, and an extended outsole at the front.[9]
Samba Rose
The Samba rose was introduced in 2018 as a women's-sized model. Featuring the same upper as the Samba OG, Adidas added a textured platform midsole.[9]
Samba RM
The Samba RM was aimed to be an updated Samba iteration. The RM model was introduced with the Adidas BOOST soles, additional lateral branding displaying 'S4M3A' and a slightly raised midsole.[9][15]
The UK prime minister Rishi Sunak apologised in 2024 for wearing Samba trainers after some social media users were reported as saying they would sell their shoes because "Sunak had ruined the look for everyone".[19] Days later, the Sunday Times carried a Nick Newman cartoon of a shoe salesman with a speech bubble saying: "Thanks to Rishi Sunak nobody nicks Adidas Samba trainers any more."[20]
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