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I can’t go a single day without spotting a pair of Adidas Sambas. They’re on the subway, in the office, on the streets, in bars, and the list goes on. They’re also in my social feeds and on every celeb ever. It Girl stans include Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, and Kaia Gerber. But It Boys are wearing them, too, with A$AP Rocky, Robert Pattinson, Harry Styles, and Paul Mescal in the mix.
So, what exactly has gotten this $100 shoe to the top of the sneaker trend totem pole? It was initially created for the soccer field in the 1950s, which is probably why they’ve become associated with the “blokecore” trend and other similar aesthetics. Design-wise, the sneaker features a leather construction, a gum sole, suede overlays, and a low profile. These elements create the sporty-retro edge these kicks have become known for.
This casual shoe goes with just about anything and can go almost everywhere, but if you’ve worn your pair to death and need to invest in a new sneaker, don’t love how Sambas look on you (relatable), or would prefer not to go the mainstream route, don’t stress. As a StyleCaster shopping editor who browses shoes all the time, I’ve taken the time to gather a handful of sneakers like Sambas from brands like Puma, Gola, Adidas, and more. They all have that slim, streamlined silhouette, a low profile, and plenty of color options (since many Sambas wearers have been branching out of the classic white and black shades and are experimenting with bright pops of color instead).
Ahead, find seven pairs of shoes like Sambas to twin with all the cool fashion girls and boys, while still standing out a little. Who knows, you might even start a new shoe trend that knocks the crown right off of the ever-popular Adidas Samba.
