Why These Sneakers Feel Just As Fresh Now As They Did In 1949
A retro footwear icon, the cult ‘Samba’ sneaker by adidas Originals remains a go-to choice for fashion insiders
Sneaker trends may come and go, but there are certain styles that will always remain constant, and adidas Originals’ three-stripe retro kicks are about as classic as they get. The heritage styles, such as the ‘Gazelle’ and ‘Stan Smith’, have charmed new generations of wearers and manage to feel nostalgic and modern at the very same time. This year, it is the ‘Samba’ that is putting a real spring in our step – and not just because of the rubber sole.
The ‘Samba’ has a sportier shape than others in the lineup, because it was originally released in 1949 for soccer players to train in frozen conditions and provide much-needed grip on icy grass. The model was designed by brand founder Adi Dassler and the innovative rubber sole provided a grip that made it the first of its kind. The connection with soccer is even reflected in the name, as the marketing team chose ‘Samba’ to align the shoe with the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Seven decades later, you’ll still see people all over the world scoring goals wearing the ‘Samba’. In the ’70s and ’90s, the style became an emblem of the Britpop scene, but the three-stripe ‘Samba’ has also become an integral part of style culture off the pitch, too.
“They have become the low-key footwear of choice among guests at fashion week
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The likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Kaia Gerber have all recently been photographed wearing the ‘Samba’, and they have become the low-key footwear of choice among guests at fashion week. In 2020, British-Jamaican designer Grace Wales Bonner teamed up with adidas Originals for her first of many collections, inspired by Bob Marley and how British-Jamaicans wore sportswear in the ’70s and early ’80s. The ‘Samba’ was her sneaker of choice, confirming that this nostalgic style is a firm fashion favorite.
“The original white-and-black colorways are having a renaissance thanks to their versatility when it comes to styling
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The silhouette is as simple and streamlined as the ‘Gazelle’, and the original white-and-black colorways are having a renaissance thanks to their versatility when it comes to styling. They add a subtle retro flair to any outfit, and will see you through all of your weekend plans, from gallery trips to walks with a coffee in hand. When it comes to styling, anything goes, but we love playing up the nostalgic charm – think socks pulled up high, double denim, cargo pants, striped knitwear in a ’70s color palette and wide-leg jeans. The ‘Samba’ has been a bestseller for over 70 years, and so we have no doubt that they will remain a cult classic for as long as we’re all still wearing sneakers.