Verdict from 100+ user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- The majority of the reviewers express delight over the Adidas Samba OG FT’s excellent quality in construction and materials.
- Several users are infatuated with this model’s unique colorway options especially the “night cargo” option.
- Displaying the time-tested design of the Samba lineage, plenty of old and new sneaker fans adore the shoe’s aesthetic and thought it to be timeless.
- The Samba OG FT provides adequate comfort that is ideal for everyday use, according to some shoe users’ opinions.
- Most purchasers say that they recommend this sneaker to everyone.
- A few reviewers notice this kick’s stitching detail and think it was a great way to switch up the classic Samba aesthetic.
- A good number of consumers take joy in their Samba OG FT purchase and found it worth their money.
1 reason not to buy
- One commenter has disclosed that the Samba OG FT felt slippery on smooth and wet surfaces.
Bottom line
Adidas upgrades the Samba OG with style by supplementing quality construct with unique colorways and zigzag stitching design detail found on the Three Stripe logo and T-toe overlay.
Coveted for its retro good looks, the Samba OG FT also prides itself of excellent fit, time-tested comfort, durability and affordable price point keeping the legacy of the iconic Samba silhouette alive. It’s labeled under the Originals category.
Tip: see the best sneakers.
Good to know
Adidas men’s sizes are the standard Samba OG FT measurement. Although a unisex model, the shoe is solely available in men’s sizing. Ladies who fancy a pair should go one or one and a half sizes down from their usual shoe size. For example, you shop a size 9 in the women’s section, then you would have to get a size 8 or 7.5 every time you purchase from the men’s category. Moreover, this low-top kick utilizes the traditional lace-up system that provides an adjustable fit.
Displaying the Samba’s well-loved original silhouette, the Samba OG FT under the retro-styled Adidas Originals line exude a sophisticated style brought about by its monochromatic colorways and premium materials. The combination of several textiles of the upper and zigzag stitching details provide stylish textures that amp up the shoe’s overall aesthetic.
This sneaker’s straightforward design offers versatility and timelessness that withstood different trends and could easily be paired with a myriad of outfits. The ladies can complement this sleek sporty kicks by matching it with an equally laidback yet stylish pair of high-waisted jeans topped off with a pastel T-shirt or keep feeling cool and breezy during summer by opting for dresses in any length.
Additionally, men’s outfits work well with Adidas Samba OG FT too. Opt for cropped chino trousers and overall printed button-down tees for that stylish surfer look or go with walking shorts and a simple T-shirt for a chill day spent with friends. Consumers could also play around with color matching through their outfit as the Samba OG FT is available in neutral hues.
Many consumers initially covet the Samba OG FT for its versatile and iconic aesthetic alone but what keeps them hooked are the shoe’s premium materials and unique design updates. This pair’s upper is crafted from a combination of several materials: the base is crafted from high-quality full-grain leather while the T-toe overlay is made of Nubuck and the Three Stripe branding and heel counter are made of suede. Purchasers also praised the zigzag stitch detailing as, according to them, adds an interesting twist on the classic silhouette.
Before lovers of Adidas retro sneakers got to obsess over reissued models and before being proclaimed as the second best-selling Three Stripes model (next to the Stan Smith), the Adidas Samba went through many alterations that changed along with the trends of different times. Consumers were drawn to it and couldn’t get enough of the versatile kick as they wore it to work and almost everywhere imaginable. But how and when did the Samba come into being?
The Dawn of the Samba
As odd as it may sound the shoe was developed during a turbulent time in Adidas’ history. After a tumultuous fight, siblings Adi and Rudolf Dassler who once managed Adidas (then called the Gebruder Dassler Sportschuhfabrik) together had to go their separate ways. Adi stayed and developed the brand to what we know today as Adidas and Rudolf created Puma - another powerhouse in sports brands. Within the feuds, the Adidas Samba had somehow been created.
Designed to withstand the strenuous nature of soccer and protect the wearer’s feet from the elements of dry, icy grounds of winter, the Samba became coveted for its ability to perform. Upon its debut in 1950, the shoe was initially outfitted with a kangaroo leather upper for durability and comfort and gum rubber outsole for grip.
Apart from its superb functionality, most consumers praised the shoe for its simple, versatile and retro aesthetic. This is also the same reason why the Samba successfully captured the hearts of non-soccer players crossing over onto the lifestyle footwear section dominating it for decades and championing soccer-inspired casual sneakers.
Increase in popularity and iterations
The years following its introduction had shown the consistent rise of the Adidas Samba, as celebrities and famous personalities were seen strutting around with this kick. The shoe quickly rose as a staple for stylishly hip people that exude sleek yet bold personalities. One of the first personalities to be spotted with this kick on is Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. Not long after the Samba frenzy caught other British music collectives such as Arctic Monkeys and Oasis.
The infatuation for the once performance soccer shoe had just caught on throughout the decades and remains thriving until today. Celebrity spotting and appearances in movies and TV shows have greatly contributed to the shoe’s unceasing popularity. What’s more, is the brand’s consistent reissue of the Samba in countless versions to provide the market with every option possible without compromising the original iconic design.
The Adidas Samba OG FT is merely one of the bounteous iterations of the soccer shoe. It boasts of premium quality materials, unique colorway options, and unprecedented zigzag stitching details on the Three Stripe logos and T-toe overlay. These updates, although minor, offer Samba fans an interesting and fresh addition to their collection.
Consumers can cop the Adidas Samba OG FT trainers in the Crystal White or Night Cargo colorways.
- This sneaker features OrthoLite sock liners for in-step cushioning, comfort and odor eliminator.
- The Adidas Samba OG FT’s upper sits atop gum rubber cupsoles that provide excellent comfort and durable traction.
- Slightly padded collar provides added cushioning and comfort.
- Gold branding graces the kick’s tongue and lateral side callouts adding an elegant and luxurious flair to the shoe.
- Lace loops are placed on the tongue to help keep it from sliding out of place.
- Official colorway names of this shoe are called the Crystal White / Raw White / Gold Metallic and Night Cargo / Gold Metallic.
- Other celebrities who were seen rocking a pair of Sambas are Kendall Jenner, Katie Holmes. Ashton Kutcher, Eddy Murphy, and Julia Stiles.
- The Samba is the Adidas’ longest running classic sneaker that remains in production.
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