From the chunky platform boots of the 1990s, to the criss-crossed gladiator sandals of the late 2010s, trending footwear is constantly seeking to imitate earlier fashions. Now, in 2024 it is the return of the Adidas Samba.
Adidas Sambas and other sneakers initially designed for athletic support have made an immediate comeback for trendy Gen-Zs.
The History of the Adidas Samba
Originally designed by Adi Dassler, founder of Adidas, the Samba originated as a men’s soccer shoe. The original pair from 1950 was bulkier and included a rocker gumsole for both hard and icy surfaces. During this time, Dassler used the Brazil FIFA World Cup occurring as a marketing opportunity: the trainers were advertised as a shoe for both viewers and players.
Brazil’s interest in Dassler’s newest sneaker inspired the name “Samba,” a traditional Brazilian dance and music genre, to be forever associated with the shoe.
As it evolved through time to take on a slimmer, more lightweight design, it quickly rose to popularity in the 1990s as both a fashion and indoor soccer essential.
Although the shoe’s popularity surpassed expectations, the demand for them faltered in the mid 2000s. Vans and Converse sales were increasing amongst teenagers, replacing the Samba.
The Samba suddenly became prolific in “dad fashion,” with the vast majority of Samba wearers being Gen-Xers. With time, these sneakers collected dust in closets around the world for nearly two decades. Until 2020.
During the winter of that year, English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner dusted the Samba off. In collaboration with Adidas themselves, she reimagined it through a multitude of stylish, quickly sold-out designs. With her fourth collection, debuting on the runway in 2022, Bonner further solidified the revived relevance of the shoes.
She, alongside celebrity influence from models Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, boosted Sambas back into the younger sphere while paying homage to sneaker trends of the ’90s and early 2000s.
The Adidas Samba was officially back in style.
Styling the Samba in the Present Day
Today, the Adidas Samba and other indoor soccer shoes can be spotted on fashion-forward celebrities and Gen-Zs around the world.
Due in part to the trendsetting capabilities of celebrities like, Kaia Gerber, Jennifer Lawrence, and Hailey Bieber, the Adidas Samba, Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, and PUMA Palermo are now the go-to accessories of today’s most popular Gen Z fashion aesthetics.
The most popular iteration of the Samba, the Adidas Samba OG shoes, are currently retailed at $100 on the official Adidas website. These trendy sneakers are relatively accessible to the vast majority of teenagers and young adults.
Other shoes within this price range like Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s and the PUMA Palermos are also in high demand. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 trainers retail at £130 (or $164 USD) on Onitsuka Tiger’s official website, while the PUMA Palermo sneakers retail at $90 on PUMA’s official website.
Among the many favorable aspects of these sneakers, the versatility of their styling patterns is the most evident.
Amongst Gen-Zs and influencers alike, Sambas, Onitsuka Tigers, and PUMAs are the reliable choice to spice up a casual streetwear outfit. Pair them with low-rise baggy jeans or jorts, along with a slouchy off-the-shoulder top or oversized tee and you are good to go!
Although designed with the intent to be worn athletically, these shoes can also enhance and dress up outfits. Their unique appearance, slim fit, and wide array of bright colors allows them to elevate looks of nearly any level of showiness. For example, when paired with a flowy, white maxi skirt and a classic baby tee, or long sleeve, they can complete the perfect chic spring outfit.
The Future of the Adidas Samba
While the future of incorporating the Adidas Samba and other indoor soccer shoes into fashion may be difficult to predict, their sleek design, low retail cost, and overall convenience have cemented their timeless reputation within the Gen Z community.
What is sure, is that, for the present-day, whether for use on an indoor soccer field, a crosswalk in New York City, or a runway in Paris, the Adidas Samba is here to stay.
