The 7 Best Shoes Like Sambas If You’ve Worn Your Pair to Death & Need a Fresh Look
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Today's Top Deals
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.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Walmart is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Puma Palermo Sneaker
Puma Palermo Sneaker
$90 BUY NOW ON URBAN OUTFITTERS
Puma went to its archives and dusted off the Palermo, which debuted in the early 1980s and quickly dominated British soccer stadiums. These kicks might take the cake as the closest match to the Samba, since they feature a T-toe construction, a gum sole, a leather base, and suede overlays.
Sizes: 5.5-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 3
Gola Elan Sneakers
Gola Elan Sneakers
The Elan Sneakers are the inverse version of the Adidas Samba with its suede construction and leather overlays. However, they still feature the OG’s signature gum sole and striking color range. Head to Free People for an exclusive cerulean blue option and Anthropologie for two exclusive colorways (rusty orange and buttery yellow).
Sizes: 5-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 8
Adidas Originals Gazelle Sneaker
Adidas Originals Gazelle Sneaker
Ever since the Sambas rose to the top, the Gazelles have been living in its shadow. However, A-list fashion boys like Harry Styles, Austin Butler, and Jacob Elordi (three’s a trend, am I right?) are helping the sneaker gain tons of traction. Of all the shoes on this list, this one has the second widest color range, so if you’re after Samba-adjacent vibrant pops of color, add these gems to your cart.
Sizes: 5-14, including half sizes
Colorways: 17
Puma Club II Era Sneakers
Puma Club II Era Sneakers
This shoe’s pink and green colorways feel very Samba-coded to me. The Club II Era Sneakers check off the boxes for T-toe construction, gum sole, and low profile.
Sizes: 6-11, including half sizes
Colorways: 2
Gola Badminton Sneaker
Gola Badminton Sneaker
If you’re not about the Samba’s T-toe construction, the Badminton Sneaker has a unique, almost wavy, suede overlay at the toe. However, it still keeps the OG’s signature gum sole and low profile.
Sizes: 5-11, some half sizes available
Colorways: 5
Adidas Originals + Sporty & Rich Handball Spezial Sneakers
Adidas Originals + Sporty & Rich Handball Spezial Sneakers
Adidas Originals and Sporty & Rich teamed up on the Handball Spezial Sneakers. The chocolate brown colorway, suede material, and gum sole make these shoes look incredibly luxe and might even convince me to add a brown pair of sneaks to my closet.
Sizes: 3.5-14, including half sizes
Colorways: 3
Dolce Vita Notice Sneakers
Dolce Vita Notice Sneakers
Don’t sleep on these Dolce Vita kicks because their color range (the biggest on this list!) includes everything from striking pops of color to neutrals and metallics. Is anyone else feeling the silver distressed leather version?
Sizes: 5-13, including half sizes
Colorways: 22
Best of StyleCaster