Adidas’s latest made-in-Italy, old-school Samba is the brand‘s sleekest by far

By Shu Xie

I’ll be the first to admit that I have yet to be bowled over by the Adidas Samba, lest so now that the popularity of this shoe is waning. But when I saw this pair, the latest of the infrequently issued, made-in-Italy Samba, I was convinced it spoke to me, persuasively. This clearly is a handsomer version of the shoe that had in the last years been the sneakers to cover and, hence, fight for. They were touted for their old-school good looks and their relative simplicity, which is versatile enough to go with either trousers or skirts. But somehow, the classic Samba did not appeal to me. It is largely due to my experience in trying to acquaint myself with it, it’s initial scarcity, and the reception I had at the stores, both the Adidas flagship and resellers. Let’s just say they did not encourage purchases.

And then came this version. This is not the first of Adidas’s made-in-Italy kicks for their Samba, but it certainly is the first to be made to appear somewhat like a pair of luxury sneakers. It is, foremost, entirely “handcrafted” (Adidas proudly declared), with polished calf leather, in the nut brown that breathes elegance. The Three Stripes, for visibility, is in beige. What’s somewhat unusual is the label on the tongue—it’s missing. Instead, the Adidas logo is embossed onto the leather. The gum soles discreetly complete this clean-cut Samba. It is hard for me to say at the moment if the comfort factor of the shoe would be improved concurrently with its exterior. I am also unsure if Adidas will issue sufficient numbers of this particular reiteration, but if it does, the availability might halt the brand’s post-Yeezy popularity that threatened to push it across to the side of the uncool.

Adidas Samba OG Made in Italy is expected to launch on 7 October 2024. At the moment it is not known if it would be available here. Their website is a good place to know for sure. Expect to pay not inconsiderable US$350 for a pair. Photo: Adidas