Adidas’s Sambas. I don’t have to say much because everybody has either heard of them or has them — a big trend since the beginning of 2023 (even before that). I remember trying to buy them in February of 2023, and it was almost impossible, but now they are everywhere. Nearly every better sports shop has them. Plus, they came out in many collaborations, my favorite being with Wales Bonner (folded tongue ones).
Lucky us they’re available! I like them a lot. For me, it’s a classic with the perfect silhouette. I find it to be a very versatile shoe. You can wear it with jeans, suit pants, and even skirts/dresses. Even better, you can get them in any color to better match your personality and preferences! Regularly they are 100-120€. Size wise, like all of Adidas shoes, they even run a bit smaller. If I had to rate them on comfort, it wouldn’t be the highest score. For some, they are perfect but for me, the heel part scratches my foot a lot. The first few wears I had blisters and bleeding, with time it’s better, but it seems I can’t break them in.
Most say that their time is over, and I agree. I mean their peak has passed, but they will continue to be very popular. According to Google Trends, most Google searches on ‘Adidas Samba’ were in mid-April 2023, meaning a score of 100. Compared to today’s score of 75, it decreased 25% in popularity.
Another trend related to the Sambas I saw and did way back is spicing them up with ribbons — so coquette core. Recently I saw you can buy Sambas with ribbon laces. They were sold out, but you don’t have to wait for them or overpay for them. You can simply DIY them, like I did with mine. I created a Pinterest board where you can find inspiration, but it’s quite simple. Take your Sambas and buy a quality satin ribbon for gift wrapping in any color you like. Measure the ribbon to your old laces, wrap ends with sellotape (so it’s easier to pull them through), and lace your Sambas. While doing that, you can even add cute little charms. In the end, make sure to ‘seal’ the ends of the ribbon with a lighter. And that’s it!
I think this DIY will uplift your Sambas and make them more fun. If you’re worried they will be too fancy, don’t be. I’ve had mine for over a year and wear them with anything. I even got complimented a few times. They hold up well (if you buy good ribbons), but for this fall season, I decided to switch up mine (see it on my TikTok or Instagram)!
