Sneaker culture has hit an all-time high. What once was a subculture reserved for in-the-know hype kids has turned into a global, mainstream phenomenon. (You can thank TikTok, Instagram, and resale sites like StockX, GOAT, and eBay for that.) And one of the most undeniably popular styles in history that continues to reign supreme is the Adidas Samba. Yes, there are the Nike AF1s, the New Balance 990s and 550s, and Adidas top seller, the Stan Smiths, but few sneakers have been comparable to the footprint these low-profile gummy kicks made on the world (no pun intended).
So, why are the Adidas Sambas so popular? The two C’s to success: celebrity endorsements and collaborations. A collaborative runway debut in 2020 with British menswear designer Grace Wales Bonner reignited this historical shoe which later graced the feet of Bella Hadid, Jennie Kim, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Harry Styles, and Frank Ocean, among many others. Plus, Sambas are notoriously comfortable and typically retail for $100 or less, appealing to the masses.
The History of Adidas Sambas
Like most iconic fashion pieces, the Adidas Samba comes with a history, dating back to 1949. Adidas originally designed the shoe as a men’s soccer sneaker with gum soles for hard surfaces and icy conditions. One year later, the brand officially dubbed the sneaker the Samba, timed to the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Since then, the shoe has evolved into what we now know as the Adidas Samba OG.
As with most trending items that center the Venn diagram of comfort, affordability, and style (with bonus points for being celebrity-approved), the Adidas Samba has reached cult status—which also means it’s sold out nearly everywhere. You’ll likely find a pair on resale sites like Stockx, Kicks Crew, and GOAT, just at a higher-than-retail price. (The fun part about that, however, is that you might find past-season colorways you didn’t know you needed). If you prefer to maintain a $100-or-less budget, fret not—there are still plenty of Sambas to go around.
Where to Buy Adidas Sambas Right Now
We’re officially filing the Adidas Samba under “sneakers everyone should own,” so we’ve scoured the internet to find a handful of in-stock styles from various retailers. After all, the style is one pair of hype sneakers topping the charts of the best 2023 shoe trends—and it’s turned into a lifetime staple. Ahead, we share the best Adidas Samba styles on the market now. Just be sure to double-check the sizing, as most options are listed for men. Let us warn you that they probably won’t be in stock for long, so act fast.
Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
Vanessa is an established editor, stylist and shopping expert covering all things style, gear and wellness. She lives in Los Angeles and is passionate about sharing innovative products, tips and trends for people and the planet.