{{short description|Athletic shoe by Adidas}} {{Infobox product | title = Adidas Samba | image = Adidas Samba OG.jpg | alt = | caption = Adidas Samba OG in white | type = [[Sneakers]] | inventor = [[Adolf Dassler]] | manufacturer = [[Adidas]] | available = Yes | url = {{URL|adidas.com/us/samba}} | launch year = 1949 }} '''Adidas Samba''' is an [[sneakers|athletic shoe]] manufactured by German multinational [[Adidas]]. It was designed by Adidas founder [[Adolf Dassler]] in 1949.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-25 |title=Brief History Of The adidas Samba |url=https://sneakernews.com/2022/11/25/adidas-samba-2022-releases/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=sneakernews.com|language=en-US}}</ref> It is the second-highest selling Adidas design with over 35 million pairs sold worldwide, behind the [[Adidas Stan Smith|Stan Smith model]].<ref name="love">{{Cite web|url=http://lovevintageadidas.com/adidas-samba/|title=Ultimate Guide to the adidas Samba | love vintage adidas|access-date=March 20, 2024|archive-date=March 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320180936/https://www.lovevintageadidas.com/adidas-samba/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has been produced in a variety of color schemes.
== History == The Samba was designed in 1949 to enable [[association football|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 trainer evolved into the [[Samba Millennium]] (which was made without the extended tongue) and the Samba '85.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-19 |title=Adidas Samba Shoes - Evolution of Adidas Classic Samba Shoes |url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/adidas-samba-india-evolution |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=GQ India |language=en-IN}}</ref> Vintage versions of the trainer are still in production, under the name Classic M.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/triple-s-kicks/fda4f9575204b668b0f7e0d2c50b5155 |title=Triple S Kicks Latest Posts / Blog Profile |access-date=2009-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930173953/http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/triple-s-kicks/fda4f9575204b668b0f7e0d2c50b5155 |archive-date=2011-09-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-latest-about-adidas-products-and-where-you-can-buy-it-online/269bdac79dcc4eb10e8c0b208c9072ad |title=The latest about adidas products and where you can buy it online // BlogCatalog |access-date=2009-08-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906094524/http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/the-latest-about-adidas-products-and-where-you-can-buy-it-online/269bdac79dcc4eb10e8c0b208c9072ad |archive-date=2010-09-06 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freshnessmag.com/2010/02/19/adidas-originals-samba-ot-tech-available-now/|title=Adidas Originals Samba OT-Tech | Available Now|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Adidas Samba.jpg|thumb|Black/Almost Yellow Samba OG]] Some sources have said the name was inspired by the Samba being released close to the [[1950 FIFA World Cup|1950 soccer World Cup in Brazil]] and the country's association with [[samba music]] and carnival culture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laura |date=2023-07-17 |title=The ultimate adidas Samba FAQ |url=https://www.sneakerjagers.com/en/n/the-ultimate-adidas-samba-faq/48954 |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Sneakerjagers |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2022-12-29 |title=How Did an Old Soccer Shoe Become the It Sneaker of 2022? |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/a42329261/adidas-samba-sneaker-trend/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |magazine=Harper's BAZAAR |language=en-US}}</ref> However, Adidas has said this was not the case, and that the shoe was given the nickname at German football matches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=anon |date=September 2023 |title=We gave the world a Samba |url=https://www.adidas.co.uk/blog/1060276-we-gave-the-world-a-samba-a-legendary-shoe-with-a-rich-history |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=Adidas.co.uk}}</ref>
It is the second-highest selling Adidas design with over 35 million pairs sold worldwide, behind the [[Adidas Stan Smith|Stan Smith model]].<ref name="love2">{{Cite web |title=Ultimate Guide to the adidas Samba | love vintage adidas |url=http://lovevintageadidas.com/adidas-samba/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320180936/https://www.lovevintageadidas.com/adidas-samba/ |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>
== Models == Over time, the [[three stripes]] detail has been made consistent on all versions of the Samba.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.otokomaeken.com/masterpiece/222583/2|title=What is the history of Adidas' oldest model "Samba" and what are its four characteristics? | Men's Fashion Media OTOKOMAE|date=January 2022 |access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>[[File:Adidas Samba In White March 2024.jpg|thumb|Adidas Samba OG In White|223x223px]] ;Samba OG [[File:Blue suede samba.JPG|thumb|Blue Suede Samba OG]] The Samba OG is typically constructed with a mix of [[suede]] and [[leather]], a contrasting gum sole and the three-stripe trademark.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Buyers Guide: Breaking Down the adidas Samba Variations |url=https://www.sneakerfreaker.com/features/adidas-samba-differences-buyers-guide/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=www.sneakerfreaker.com |language=en}}</ref> The Samba name in capitals is embossed in gold alongside the three stripes.
;Samba ADV During the 1990s skateboarders and flatland BMX riders, like J Stolze, were commonly photographed wearing Sambas.<ref name=":0" /> So in response to the retro inspired fashions of the 80's and 90's Adidas, in 2017, designed the ADV for this market. The ADV has a premium leather and suede upper panel, molded heel clip, support provided by a sockliner, tread, internal mesh bootie, internal tongue stay strips, and a gum capsule.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-15 |title=adidas Skateboarding Introduces the Samba ADV |url=https://hypebeast.com/2016/12/adidas-skateboarding-samba-adv |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref>
;Samba Classic The Samba Classic is specifically designed for [[Five-a-side football|five-a-side]] and [[indoor soccer]]. It has an extended tongue and a lightweight synthetic construction with EVA-injected soles. The Samba branding on the side and tongue of the shoe are in larger type.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Dunne |first=Riley Jones, Matt Welty, Zac Dubasik, Brendan |title=The 10 Best Adidas Sambas Available Now |url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/riley-jones/10-best-adidas-sambas-available-now |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
;Samba Vegan The Samba Vegan is crafted using [[faux leather]], eliminating the use of animal products. Typically, these versions also incorporate more sustainable fabrics.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="auto"/>
;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.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sabukaru.online/articles/alternatives-to-the-adidas-samba|title=12 Alternatives For The Adidas Samba|date=July 13, 2022|website=sabukaru|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>
;Sambae A platform variant of the shoe. It includes a taller sole and a full leather upper.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-22 |title=Meet the adidas Sambae: the Premium Samba Sneaker for Elevated Style |url=https://footwearnews.com/shop/shoes-guide/adidas-sambae-shoes-review-1203571063/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Footwear News}}</ref>
;Samba Recon LT The Recon LT was launched to coincide with the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 FIFA Russian World Cup.]] It had two color ways; one with a black upper and gum sole and the other with a white upper and gum sole. This version also has a fold-over tongue.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/adidas-samba-recon-lt-core-black-crystal-white/|title=The adidas Samba Recon LT In Core Black And Crystal White|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>
;Samba Super [[File:Adidas samba black.jpg|thumb|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.<ref name=":0" />
;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.<ref name=":0" />
;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.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=adidas Samba RM BOOST |url=https://hypebeast.com/drops/adidas-samba-rm-boost |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref>
'''Samba MA'''
The Samba MA was aimed to be an exclusive Samba iteration for the Sir Williams R. The MA model was introduced with right to left stripes as opposed to the normal left to right to be more streamlined for Iron Mans as per request and additionally displaying "MA" on the side as signature proof that they were "Sure as Henry" that these were one of one. Its current possession is unknown.
== Pop culture == The Samba has been featured in various television shows and movies. [[Kelso (That '70s Show)|Kelso]] in ''[[That '70s Show]]'', portrayed by [[Ashton Kutcher]], also wore Sambas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-24 |title=The Most Iconic Trainers In Movie History |url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/style/a26424531/most-iconic-trainers-in-movie-history/ |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Esquire |language=en-GB}}</ref> In the 1996 film ''[[Trainspotting (film)|Trainspotting]]'', [[Mark Renton]] ([[Ewan McGregor]]) sports the Samba Super in burgundy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-16 |title=The It-Girls' Current Favorite Sneakers Have History |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/adidas-sambas-history |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> Characters in ''[[Entourage (American TV series)|Entourage]]'', ''[[Remember the Titans]]'', and ''[[You (TV series)|You]]'' highlight the shoe in popular culture.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-17 |title=The Adidas Samba Has Quietly Become the Sneaker of Hollywood's Elite |url=https://underthelaces.com/posts/the-adidas-samba-has-quietly-become-the-sneaker-of-hollywood-s-elite-01h5gwsqg58y |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Under The Laces |language=en-US}}</ref>
The UK prime minister [[Rishi Sunak]] apologised in April 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".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Adu |first1=Aletha |author-link=Aletha Adu |date=2024-04-10 |title='I'm a longtime devotee': Rishi Sunak apologises for wearing Adidas Samba trainers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/10/im-a-longtime-devotee-rishi-sunak-apologises-for-wearing-adidas-samba-trainers |access-date=2024-04-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liddle |first=Rod |date=2024-04-14 |title=Slugging it out for a hard-fought title: Stupidest MP |newspaper=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/slugging-it-out-for-a-hard-fought-title-stupidest-mp-m9n0bwqhg |access-date=2024-04-14 |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref> In April, Samba sales in Britain fell by 11% compared to the prior month.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Titcomb |first1=James |title=Adidas Samba sales sink after Sunak 'ruined it for everyone' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/05/10/adidas-samba-trainer-sales-suffer-after-sunak-wears-pair/ |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=Daily Telegraph |date=10 May 2024}}</ref>
Dingyun Zhang, a Chinese designer and former collaborator with Yeezy, has partnered with Adidas for his first-ever Adidas collaboration. This unique shoe will be available for purchase starting on 10 May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shoes |first=Fashion Brand |date=2024-05-08 |title=Dingyun Zhang Partners with Adidas to Design Samba Sneakers |url=https://medium.com/@shoesclubnet/dingyun-zhang-partners-with-adidas-to-design-samba-sneakers-7f8feb4ebd44 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref>
== Collaborations == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Collaboration partner !Release date |- |[[Fiorucci]] |February 15, 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/app/adidas-wmns-fiorucci-sambarose/|title=Adidas WMNS Fiorucci SAMBAROSE|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> |- |Pleasures |April 27, 2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=adidas Consortium Samba x PLEASURES |url=https://packershoes.com/blogs/packer-shoes/adidas-consortium-samba-x-pleasures |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=PACKER SHOES |language=en}}</ref> |- |Oyster Holdings |May 31, 2019<ref>{{Cite web |title=adidas Originals x Oyster Holdings Samba OG Shoes |url=https://hypebeast.com/drops/adidas-originals-x-oyster-holdings-samba-og-shoes |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> |- |[[Jonah Hill]] |November 14, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Riley |title=Jonah Hill's Samba Collabs Are Releasing Soon |url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/riley-jones/jonah-hill-adidas-samba-superstar-release-date |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref> |- |[[Grace Wales Bonner|Wales Bonner]] |November 20, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marielle |date=2024-01-15 |title=Wales Bonner and adidas will release new Samba colorways in 2024 |url=https://www.sneakerjagers.com/en/n/wales-bonner-and-adidas-will-release-new-samba-colorways-in-2024/75495 |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Sneakerjagers |language=en}}</ref> |- |Maite |March 16, 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/app/maite-x-adidas-samba-adv/|title=Maite X Adidas Samba ADV|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> |- | [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] x [[Bob Marley]] |August 1, 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=Park |first=Joey |date=2021-07-31 |title=Ajax x adidas Samba OG "Three Little Birds" Release Date |url=https://www.nicekicks.com/ajax-x-adidas-samba-og-three-little-birds-gx2913/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Nice Kicks |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |[[Jason Dill]] |April 9, 2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/app/jason-dill-x-adidas-samba/|title=Jason Dill X Adidas Samba|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> |- |[[Gucci]] |June 7, 2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Everything We Know About adidas x Gucci So Far |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/gucci-adidas-collab-shoes-price-release-date/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Highsnobiety |language=en}}</ref> |- |IRAK |October 12, 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Raymond |date=2022-10-19 |title=IRAK x adidas Samba GX4041 |url=https://www.nicekicks.com/irak-adidas-samba-gx4041/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Nice Kicks |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Atmos x Face |November 19, 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Raymond |date=2022-11-18 |title=FACE x atmos x adidas Originals Samba |url=https://www.nicekicks.com/face-atmos-adidas-originals-samba/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Nice Kicks |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |[[Plug Palace]] |February 3, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-31 |title=Palace x adidas Puig Samba Release Date {{!}} SNKRDUNK Magazine |url=https://snkrdunk.com/en/magazine/2023/01/31/palace-x-adidas-puig-samba-is-cruising-into-spring/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=SNKRDUNK Magazine {{!}} sneaker news and release information find your favorite Jordan, Nike adidas and more. |language=en}}</ref> |- |[[Disney]] |April 27, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Adidas Debuts Mickey and Minnie Mouse Sambas for Disney's 100th Anniversary |url=https://hypebae.com/2023/4/adidas-samba-mickey-minnie-mouse-disney-collaboration-100th-anniversary-vegan-release-images |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Hypebae}}</ref> |- |"Humanrace" by [[Pharrell Williams]] |November 3, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=Pharrell's adidas Humanrace Samba Returns in Two Colorways |url=https://hypebeast.com/2023/10/pharrell-adidas-humanrace-samba-fw23-release-date |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> |- |[[Sporty & Rich]] |November 10, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Falcon |first=Cheyenne |date=2023-05-01 |title=Sporty & Rich x adidas Samba |url=https://www.nicekicks.com/sporty-rich-adidas-samba/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Nice Kicks |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Sneaker Politics, "Consortium Cup" |November 15, 2023 |- |[[Sean Wotherspoon]] |November 15, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Servantes |first=Ian |date=2023-11-10 |title=Sean Wotherspoon Crafts the Adidas Gazelle Indoor With a Hemp Knit Upper |url=https://footwearnews.com/shoes/sneaker-news/sean-wotherspoon-adidas-gazelle-hemp-release-date-2023-1203554763/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Footwear News |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |[[Extra Butter]] |November 22, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Jovani |date=2023-11-21 |title=Extra Butter's Movie-Inspired adidas Samba Releases On November 22nd |url=https://sneakernews.com/2023/11/21/extra-butter-adidas-samba-consortium-cup/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Sneaker News |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |BSTN, "Consortium Cup" |November 22, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/app/bstn-x-adidas-samba-consortium-cup/|title=BSTN X Adidas Samba Consortium Cup|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> |- |[[Kith (brand)|Kith]] x [[Clarks (shoe retailer)|Clarks]] |December 25, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ebanks |first=Jared |date=2023-12-02 |title=Ronnie Fieg's 8th Street Samba With Clarks Releasing On Christmas Day |url=https://sneakernews.com/2023/12/02/clarks-kith-adidas-samba-december-release-date/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Sneaker News |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |[[Fucking Awesome]] |January 17, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/app/fucking-awesome-x-adidas-samba/|title=Fucking Awesome X Adidas Samba|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> |- |[[Kader Sylla]] |February 10, 2024<ref>{{Cite web |last=Briguglio |first=Mario |date=2024-02-09 |title=Kader Sylla x adidas Samba ADV Releases February 2024 |url=https://sneakerbardetroit.com/kader-sylla-adidas-samba-adv-2024/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Sneaker Bar Detroit |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |[[Dover Street Market]] |March 30, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kicksonfire.com/app/dover-street-market-x-adidas-samba/|title=Dover Street Market X Adidas Samba|access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref> |- |[[Grace Wales Bonner]] |May 21, 2024<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-29 |title=Why the adidas x Wales Bonner Collaboration is So Beloved: A Detailed |url=https://solemarket.eu/blogs/news/why-the-adidas-x-wales-bonner-collaboration-is-so-beloved-a-detailed-look |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=solemarket |language=en}}</ref> |- |[[Clipse]] |''TBA'' 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Briguglio |first=Mario |date=2025-07-08 |title=Pusha T Teases Clipse x adidas Samba Collab |url=https://sneakerbardetroit.com/clipse-adidas-samba-thorn/ |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=Sneaker Bar Detroit |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{Commons category-inline}} *{{official website}}
{{Adidas}}
[[Category:Adidas]] [[Category:Sports footwear]]