Facts
-
Top
Low Top
Extremely popular sneakers because of their price range, versatility when it comes to style, and freedom of movement. Almost everyone is guaranteed to have low-top sneakers in their shoe rotation.
Mid Top
Mid-top sneakers extend toward the ankle for a little more support and hold. These lie somewhere in the middle between low-top and high-top sneakers in terms of usage and popularity.
High Top
Sneakers with collars that go above the ankles for optimal hold and support are some of the most sought-after models in lifestyle shoes. Most of these shoes take their roots from basketball and have easily or fashionably crossed to mainstream wear.
Good to know
Regardless of cut, it's always good to start with sneakers that can be worn for the daily grind, also called as "beaters" by some, as these are usually cheaper, easy to clean, and still gives that lifestyle "edge" before going for those wallet-thinning models.
-
Inspired from
Sports
Sneakers dominantly take their heritage from running, basketball, skate, tennis, training, hiking, and football. Still retaining a few of their performance-based technologies, these sneakers have transcended their respective niches and have successfully and popularly transformed themselves as staples of fashion footwear.
Casual
Sneakers designed for a laidback, "cool" vibe that is built for lifestyle wear right from the get-go.
Good to know
Brands are now blending elements of performance and casual appeal in basically every sneaker. One can hardly go wrong with a sports-inspired sneaker or a simple casual shoe.
-
Collection
Good to know
Shoes sharing the same inspiration, history, materials, or technologies are routinely assembled under one compilation for the convenience of those who may wish to categorize or label their own collection as such. The classic collections like the Adidas Originals, Air Max 1, Air Force 1, new balance classic sneakers, and the Classic Leather head the pack of frequently asked about collections.
-
Price$70
-
Special editions
Summary
We spent 8.3 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
11 reasons to buy
- This shoe flaunts a vintage look that is simple and clean yet appealing to most Adidas fanatics. Others added that the gum soles on this model looks great.
- The majority of the reviewers considered this shoe as affordable. For its price, many were impressed with its quality.
- The Adidas Samba shoes received heaps of praises for its comfortable in-shoe feel. Some disclosed that it can be worn all day without any problems.
- More than a handful revealed that the shoe held up even after using it daily for several years.
- Those who wore the sneaker for cycling, soccer, running, driving as well as long walks and trail hikes were pleased with its satisfactory performance.
- The shoe is lightweight and solidly-built, based on a good number of reviews.
- Some wore the Adidas Samba sneakers during rainy days and were happy that the interior of the shoes remained dry.
- The shoe looked terrific in person than online, a few noticed.
- It broke in easily, a large number of buyers remarked.
- Not many wore this shoe with orthotics. Those who did felt contented with its fit.
- This sneaker is available in a wide array of colorways.
5 reasons not to buy
- More than a handful of buyers noted that the Adidas Samba runs a bit tight and small.
- A significant number complained about the shoe’s sole or leather upper squeaking.
- A couple of users were dismayed that the insoles on this model wore out after a month or so of usage.
- The tongue on this shoe slipped and twisted, a few users observed.
- Its sole was hard and was not as grippy as expected, not many advised. One or two wearers said that is slipped on wet surfaces.
Bottom line
This iconic soccer footwear turned lifestyle shoe, even after more than six decades, continues to make waves in the market. Its vintage look is considered by many as timeless. Not only is the Adidas Samba famous for its classic aesthetics, it is also well-liked for its affordability durability and versatility.
Despite its popularity, this shoe has also received its fair share of bad press. Over the years, it was nitpicked for being squeaky. A few also criticized the shoe for the inadequacy of some of its parts.
Regardless, its prominence in the market remains unchanged as the majority of the brand’s fans choose to tolerate the shoe’s minor flaws. Sold at $70, many remain pleased with its good looks and performance as well as the reliable comfort it provides.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are sneaker fanatics, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
Adidas Samba History
Created to survive the vigorous game of soccer while keeping the players’ feet dry and protected from the icy, hard ground during winter, the Adidas Samba was known to perform. Released in the year 1950, it was outfitted with a kangaroo leather upper for comfort and a gum rubber outsole for traction. It also flaunted the famous 3-stripes that provided lateral support.
This trainer, however, was not only praised for its high-performance. It was also admired for its simple, clean and retro look. Both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts liked its classic aesthetics that looked great both on and off the field.
Soon after, this athletic footwear transformed into a casual shoe that was loved by the popular culture including celebrities. Quick to meet the needs and demands of their new target market, the brand revamped and altered this model in various materials and colorways while clearly maintaining the shoe’s original look.
To date, this sneaker maintains its iconic status. In fact, over 35 million pairs of this shoe have been sold worldwide making it the 2nd most popular model among all Adidas’ shoes. Not only that, the sneaker, having been around for more than 65 years, is also the oldest classic model that is still in production.
The Adidas Samba Originals is only one among the many versions of this timeless silhouette. Despite the many color variations available in the market today, the classic black and white colorway remains the most sought-after.
Adidas Samba Style
Complete your look with the famous Adidas Samba. Both sporty and sleek, this model is capable of elevating your outfit without much fuss. Try to pair this with your jeans, chinos and shorts as well as leggings and dresses and be impressed with how this transforms your look.
Along with its attractive aesthetics, it also offers adequate comfort and improved durability. Thus, many consider this shoe as a wardrobe essential and a reliable everyday footwear.
Fit & Sizing
Crafted with a smooth, full grain leather upper, expect the men's and women's Adidas Samba to provide sufficient support in areas where you need it the most. However, its narrow construction will only provide minimal toe room.
This shoe is available for all genders. Commonly true to size, men’s models are offered in sizes 4-14. Women’s sizes, on the other hand, range from 5-12. All are released in Medium width.
Notable Features
Popular for its leather upper, the shoe’s look is further enhanced with the addition of the classic suede T-toe overlay. The Adidas Samba is also well-received for its durable rubber gum sole that offers sufficient grip and traction.
Additional Info
- For added comfort, the interior of the shoe is lined with textile and the collar is lightly padded.
- The famous three-stripe logo in contrasting color completes the look of the Adidas Samba.
- This shoe’s insoles are not removable.
- Adidas wordmark can be found on its tongue and heel tab.
- Traditional lace-up closure with flat laces is added to achieve optimal fit.
- The Samba callout, which is printed in gold, can be located on the sneaker’s lateral side.
- For some colorways, the option to personalize is available for an uptick in the price. This allows the buyer to add a personal name or a number of their choice on the right and/or left shoe.
