As we know, the Adidas Samba has quite literally hit the ground running with its dramatic rise in popularity in the past couple of years and has retaken the sneaker world by storm. But why and how did the Samba become everyone’s go-to shoe? I’ll tell you.
Though the Sambas have seen a colossal resurgence in the past couple of years, the sneaker has been around way longer than you might realize. Originally designed by Adi Dassler as a football training shoe, the Samba has remained a bestselling staple since its origin in the 1950s. In recent years, however, the shoe has undergone a complete transformation, re-establishing itself as an essential accessory in contemporary streetwear.
Delving into the shoe’s history, the Samba had its shining moment in its overtaking of the athletic world in the 1970s, when the three stripes became an iconic symbol of football terraces. Twenty years later, the shoe extended its reach into pop culture, with well-known celebrities like Noel and Liam Gallagher of the band Oasis sporting both the Adidas Samba and Gazelle in an homage to the earlier terracewear. The sneaker was able to maintain long-lasting popularity primarily due to its affordability and durability. However, the ongoing intrigue in the fashion world with the reintroduction of retro and vintage trends has also been an important factor in the Samba’s re-establishment.
Adidas’ extensive collaborations and limited edition drops helped to revitalize the shoe and keep it relevant by introducing new colourways, styles, and materials. Limited edition styles also created an element of exclusivity, thereby driving up demand. Additionally, the rise of social media and influencer culture has made a monumental impact on fashion trends, both in the use of their platforms for style inspiration and in forging partnerships with brands and releasing their own specialized products.
Additionally, if any of you are as tuned in to celebrity streetwear as I am, the Samba has made numerous appearances in several iconic celebrity wardrobes. Some examples include models like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner, all of whom are accredited for their casual but chic street style that people constantly try to emulate. Celebrities like Rihanna, Zoe Kravitz, and Jennifer Lawrence have also been seen out and about sporting their Sambas, thereby solidifying its return as the it-girl go-to sneaker.
However, with all this being said, I believe the largest factor in the resurgence and lasting popularity of the Samba is its complete versatility as a shoe. It can be easily paired with any outfit, whether it’s casual jeans and a tee, or a long summer dress. Any simple outfit can instantly be elevated by adding a colourful Samba pairing. Especially in the depths of St Andrews winter, when my wardrobe consists almost exclusively of darker sweaters and pants, one of my favourite ways to make my outfits more vibrant and exciting is by adding my bright pink Sambas.
Though fashion trends are constantly cycling in and out, and there’s no telling what the next big sneaker trend will be, I hope that the combination of the Samba’s extensive history and its extreme versatility, comfort, and style will cement its status as a cultural icon, and a staple in everyone’s wardrobe for many years to come.