I'm going to start by saying I was fully prepared to write how adidas Sambas are very much style over substance. But I'm very happy to report I couldn't have been more wrong.
Price: £89.99
Size range: UK 2.5 - 10.5
Fastening: Lace-up
Upper/sole material: Leather, suede, gum rubber
I had been searching for a pair of the most comfortable trainers for women for a while – fashion, not gym trainers – so when adidas presented its original Sambas in all their retro black and white glory, I couldn't resist. But I was apprehensive. I have wide feet and live in trainers outside of work, and so need shoes I can comfortably walk around in all day. But surely these were far too chic to be functional too, right?
Wrong. I bought my Sambas back in January this year, and have worn them almost daily ever since - without a single blister. They are the most versatile trainer I own, working with everything from casual joggers and jeans, to more formal workwear in the office.
Adidas Samba review: comfort & support
It's hard to find fashion trainers that offer a good enough level of all-day comfort and support. But the biggest surprise I found with adidas' Sambas is how comfortable they were from the minute I put them on. You expect, to some degree, a little time to 'wear' shoes in - not these.
I guess, when you look into the Samba's history, however, that's not so surprising. These shoes date back to the 1950s, and were initially designed as trainers to play football in. Obviously their purpose has changed, with them now much more focussed on fashion than football, however the construction is clearly still very much aimed at comfort and flexibility to move. And that is obvious as soon as you wear them. They are light enough to not feel heavy on your feet, flexible to let your feet move freely and a smooth midsole and gum rubber outsole provide just the right amount of cushioning and grip.
Of course, there are trainers available now with specific technology to help keep feet comfortable all day. Are the Sambas as comfortable and good for your feet as those? Doubtful. But when it comes to comfortable fashion trainers – and I've tried a lot – these are the best I found to date.
Adidas Samba review: Style
I mean, what can I say about style that you probably don't already know - or can see. Just look at them. What I love the most about these trainers is how versatile they are. I invested in two classic pairs - black and white - and I could happily never wear another shoe all year as these go with almost every outfit I own.
They are casual enough for everyday, but chic enough to wear with more formalwear and not look out of place. They are sporty but in a sophisticated way, and the signature Adidas stripes offer a retro feel I will never tire of. The mixture of suede and leather elevates the look overall – even the gum sole adds styling detail they would be amiss without (and offers amazing grip). The style makes me feel cool when I put them on, and, comfort-aside, that's what I want from a pair of fashion trainers.
Adidas Samba review: Cleaning and care
While the mixed material elevates adidas Sambas, they also make cleaning them a little tricky. My black pair fair very well, a quick wipe with some lukewarm water works wonders on the leather, and I find a suede brush is all that's needed to give the front panel a new lease of life.
My white pair, however, require much more in the way of maintenance. I decided straight away to help protect them, particularly the light taupe suede at the front, and covered them in Crep Protect shoe protector spray. If I could recommend one thing to keep your Sambas clean and help them last as long as possible, it would be to invest in a suede brush and protector spray – the difference they make to the longevity and look of your trainers is huge.
Adidas Samba review: Verdict
You'd be hard pushed to walk down the road and not spot someone wearing a pair of adidas trainers right now – and for good reason. Not only are they stylish, they are so versatile (they honestly go with everything), and comfortable for all day wear – surprisingly so, in fact.
At a little under £100 a pair, they are an investment piece, but cheaper than many other main brand trainers on the market, and when you consider the amount of wear you will get out of them, and just how many outfits you can pair them with, they are excellent value for money. If you're anything like me, the biggest issue you'll have with these is choosing a colourway (and then not being able to decide so buying multiple pairs).
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My second pair of Sambas, I cannot rate this colourway highly enough. I wear mine mostly with wide leg trousers, so often only the cool taupe against the bright white can be seen. They are so versatile, there will never be a time during the year that I won't wear these – an investment piece that will more than earn your money.
Part of the adidas trainer family, and very similar in look to the Samba, is the Handball Spezial sneaker - which also comes in a stunning array of colours. The Handball Spezial differs in it having a slightly more fitted design than the Samba, and has thicker rubber outsole to provide more cushioning and support.
And last, but by no means least, is the adidas Gazelle, which is strikingly similar to the Samba, but with subtle differences, including logo placement and a shorter toebox on the former. The main difference is the gum sole on the Samba, and a standard foam material on the Gazelle.
