Adidas Samba sneakers are literally everywhere. For a long time, I held off on jumping onto the bandwagon. I didn’t want a sneaker that everyone else had, but I eventually caved and got a pair. It’s now months later, I currently have four different colors of Adidas Sambas (plus the similar Spezial Handball style), and I have no plans on quitting this shoe habit.
Adidas Samba sneakers are popular for a reason. The sleek design lengthens your foot, and the low profile feels like a chic, elevated update to other sneakers from years past. They seem to go with just about everything, from wide leg jeans to barrel styles, trousers to dresses. Adidas makes these shoes in tons colors, so it’s fun to experiment outside of classic white sneakers, especially with a style that goes with so much in your closet.
Here are 18 Adidas Samba outfit ideas to show you just how versatile these sneakers are!
How to Wear Adidas Samba Sneakers
Although Adidas Samba sneakers have recently catapulted into millions of closets, the shoe we know today has been around since 1972. And trust me when I say it’s a classic for a reason. Adidas Sambas are the elevated casual sneakers, and they aren’t going anywhere.
The only rule you need to know is that there are no rules – I’ve basically worn these sneakers with everything except a cocktail dress.
Are Adidas Sambas Comfortable?
Yes, Adidas Sambas are comfortable. I know some people have mentioned issues with the tongue rubbing at the top of the foot, but I personally have never had any issues with this.
Of course, with any leather shoe, the leather will feel its most stiff out of the box, but I’ve been able to put them on and go. I’ve found these sneakers require little to no break in time.
Since the shoe has a low profile, it doesn’t have as much padding or bounce as a chunkier sneaker like my New Balance 990s. However, I find that I can still wear these all day, and that’s coming from someone who spends half the year in NYC walking around the city.
Do Adidas Sambas Run Big or Small?
I find Adidas Sambas to run true to size. I am a true 7 in nearly every single shoe, and that’s the size I wear in these sneakers. If you’re between sizes, you may want to go down a half size.
I am a women’s size 7/men’s size 6 and they fit me great.
Adidas Sambas are available in women’s, men’s, and unisex sizing, so it could be confusing determining what size you’re actually purchasing. Be sure to pay attention to any size guide or gender indicators on the shopping page. I’ve typically found that most sites list the men’s and women’s equivalents side by side since so many people are buying them.
Adidas Sambas are available in many more colors in the men’s and unisex sizes, so I prefer to shop those. I recommend making sure you look at Adidas Originals Samba OG Shoes. This is the universal unisex version (you’ll know this on the Adidas site because it does not list the gender on the page).
Adidas Samba Outfits
Wide Leg Trousers & t-Shirt
My absolute favorite way to style Adidas Samba shoes is with wide leg trousers, a t-shirt, and a sweater over my shoulders. It’s the perfect elevated casual look. The trousers are fancier than jeans, but the sneakers provide that casual, everyday vibe to dress them down for everyday. Add a hat for the weekend.
Wide Leg Jeans & Baseball cap
Sneakers and jeans is a classic pairing. Try of the moment wide leg styles with a baseball cap for an easy weekend outfit.
Wide Leg Jeans & Long Coat
For colder days, trade your t-shirt for a cozy turtleneck sweater and add a long wool coat to stay warm.
Straight Leg Jeans & sweater vest
Try your Adidas Samba sneakers with some straight leg jeans that hit at the ankle. The sneakers offset the preppy oversized button down shirt and sweater vest and add a tomboy appeal.
teddy coat & beanie
Pair your sneakers with slouchy jeans, then add a cozy teddy coat and matching beanie to stay warm on crisp fall mornings and mild winter days.
With A Midi Dress
When it’s hot, pair a smocked midi dress like this one with some sneakers and a crossbody bag. This is my uniform for what to wear in NYC in summer.
head to toe tonal
Grab a pair of Adidas Sambas in a fun color, then coordinate your top and pants in different shades of the same color for a tonal look.
with a trench coat
Here’s why we like versatile pieces like Adidas Sambas and trench coats: because they pair with lots of things in your closet and look good every time.
With Barrel Pants
Pair your Adidas Sambas with on-trend barrel pants or jeans. Make sure the pants skim just above the ankle to show off your sneakers.
blazer & cargo jeans
I love mixing dressed up components with casual pieces – as seen here with the sneakers, cargo jeans, and the blazer.
A Graphic Tee & Coat
A retro-inspired graphic tee is the perfect top for these sneakers; it gives a nod to its 1970s beginnings.
Blazer & WIde leg trousers
For mild days when you don’t know what to wear: Adidas Sambas, wide leg trousers, and a blazer. It’s the perfect smart casual look for errands, meetings, and after-work drinks.
With a Suit Set
Looking to get more miles out of your office suit set? Pair your pants and matching blazer with Adidas Sambas for a laid back take on the classic set.
Shirt Dress & Sweater over shoulders
A shirt dress is a transitional weather staple. Pair your Adidas Sambas with one, then add a sweater over your shoulders as a third piece outfit finisher.
With Athleisure
Sneakers are of course the perfect shoe for any weekend activity. No need to reinvent the wheel here, just throw on your favorite athleisure set and you’re ready for a coffee run!
Where to Buy Adidas Sambas
Adidas Sambas notoriously come in and out of stock since they’re so popular. Luckily, there are several places that sell them outside of the Adidas website. Since these sneakers are so popular, you may also have some lucky finding the pair you want on sneaker re-seller sites. I’ve used StockX before to purchase hard to find shoes.
I’m looking how to wear dark colored or black samba. Is it really hard to pair with?