All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
These days, fashion trends are fickle and fleeting, but there’s one that’s proved an anomaly in recent years: Adidas Samba Shoes. And, don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. The sporty-chic soccer kicks were crowned Footwear News’ 2023 Shoe of the Year to no surprise and continue to dominate street style trends on the most fashionable feet. A meteoric style statement is rarely so versatile, but that’s exactly what makes the heritage shoe a boundless wardrobe staple. If you’re finally dipping your toe into the mega trend, or searching for outfit inspiration that does your prized Samba shoes justice, follow in the footsteps of off-duty top models that prove the shoe is a transitional wardrobe staple for any and all occasions.
Whether or not you saw the Samba shoe trend coming, Bella Hadid certainly did — all the way back in early 2022 when she served up a marathon of runway-worthy street style looks during Paris Fashion Week. Ever since, nearly every tastemaker has taken the soccer shoe in stride, from Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner, and countless more. After two years, the sneaker has proved a chameleon for practically any style perspective — and its resurgence even sparked a major spike in the soccer shoe market, surpassing trendy tennis shoes and the ever-growing category of kids shoes. Today, the Samba is a sidewalk staple, and top models like Karlie Kloss are continuing to sport them this summer, from classy occasions in Paris to errand runs New York City.
Sambas shine for their luxe suede and leather uppers that offer an understated and clean finish, akin to ‘quiet luxury’ trends, along with their streamlined look that injects a sporty-chic feel into fashion-forward ensembles. Beyond their sartorial starpower, Sambas are comfortable Adidas walking shoes, too, thanks to lightweight and plush EVA cushioning and grippy retro gum soles. Sambas wouldn’t be on the feet of your friends or co-workers — or achieve TikTok fame to the tune of one billion views — if they didn’t deliver on comfort. Plus, Sambas are made with premium materials that hold up to daily wear and tear, from rain to shine and everything in between.
If you spend long days on your feet (perhaps romanticizing your busy days as if you were a model flitting between Fashion Week appearances), or are in need of a comfortable walking shoe that doesn’t sacrifice on style, Sambas are a certified must-have. Any fashionista or sneakerhead can appreciate the range of different iterations offered in the Samba lineup, including the signature Samba OG and the long-tongued Samba Classic, along with special vegan construction and chic monochromatic colorways. There’s even updated silhouettes like the Sambae platform sneakers that offer an added boost of height.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to styling Sambas, but don’t just take our word for it. Look to the stars for a myriad of Samba outfit ideas to inspire your street style looks from summer to fall.
Minimalist Chic
In this simply chic summer look, Kendall Jenner paired essential white Samba Og Shoes with a maxi skirt, tank top, and canvas tote. The palette of earth tones is great for September days when the weather is still warm but you’re ready for a pumpkin spice latte, and the neutrals serve as a blank canvas for accessorizing with ’90s-inspired sunglasses, designer handbags, and minimalist jewelry. It’s an outfit formula that can move through the seasons with a few simple subs. In the chillier months, layer your tank with a long-sleeve button down or chunky sweater, then ground the look with Samba shoes and slouchy socks. Or, swap the long hem for a pleated Adidas tenniscore skirt and knee-high socks for a preppy feel.
Shown with: Veronica Beard Jordyn Cotton Crewneck Tank Top ($138), Gap Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt ($34), Laurinny 90s Sunglasses ($11.90), Adidas Corduroy Mini Tote Bag ($35)
Adidas Samba Classic Shoes
Burgundy Biker
The Hadid sisters are certified runway staples, but that doesn’t mean they shy away from their own street style experimentation. Gigi’s wardrobe undoubtedly takes a more playful approach than her sister’s, as she embraces heavy texture and rich color. The star of her show? Her Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Low Top shoes. The burgundy hue is one of the biggest color trends of the year, which Hadid teamed with a matching biker jacket, a soft knit top, and distressed baggy jeans. Her look proves that you don’t need to limit your wardrobe to a neutral Samba colorway. Choose whichever bold colorway speaks to you, then add on statement pieces that match its energy.
Shown with: Coach Restored Biker Jacket ($850), Adidas Women’s Go-To Sweater Vest $66), Rag & Bone Logan Wide-Leg Jeans ($368)
Brat Summer Core
Amelia Gray Hamlin’s street style is the epitome of the “Brat” summer trend. The internet it-girl brings the edge in this ensemble with dark denim and black suede Adidas Sambas. She polished off the look with futuristic sunglasses and a shoulder bag with heavy silver hardware to bring a bit more textural intrigue and allow the top’s flattering zipper lines to pop. While each piece in her outfit may speak different languages on their own, her black Samba shoes help to tie everything together in a casually cool ensemble you can wear from a coffee date to a night on the town. Plus, you can even grab a pair of leather Samba OGs that don electric Brat-green stripes.
Shown with: Mango Halter Neck Denim Top ($49.99), Adidas Atlanta Cut Line Nylon Track Pants ($90), Cos Valley Eyelet Shoulder Bag ($190), Le Specs Slinky Sunglasses ($89)
Transitional Trench
Bella Hadid’s street style pretty much always goes viral — not just because she’s a top model, but because she’s always got a double-dose of inspiration up her sleeve. It’s hard to track just how many colorways of the sneaker the top model owns, but she opted for a pair of beige Sambas in this comfy-chic transitional look. Leaning into brown tones, she teamed her sneakers with a classic trench and yellow-tinted frames for an eclectic, expertly styled ‘fit, per usual. While the trench can read more posh than the sporty soccer shoes, the key here is to pair colors carefully for an overall harmonious feel.
Shown with: Adidas City Escape Cropped Tank Top ($30), Adidas Adicolor Neuclassics Track Pants ($80), Sojos Trendy Aviator Sunglasses ($14.99), Coach Relaxed Double Breasted Trench ($279)
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She updated this story in July 2024 with new Samba Shoe releases, top-trending styles, and more outfit ideas for summer and fall.
