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Every ‘It’ girl needs an ‘It’ shoe, and today’s tastemakers are opting for one pair: The coveted adidas Sambas. These kicks were crowned Footwear News’ 2023 Shoe of the Year, to no surprise, and continue to dominate street style trends on the most fashionable feet. A meteoric style statement is rarely so versatile, but that’s exactly what makes the classic soccer shoe a boundless wardrobe staple. If you’re finally dipping your toe into the mega trend, or searching for outfit inspiration that does your prized Samba shoes justice, follow in the footsteps of off-duty top models that prove the shoe is an essential for any and all occasions.
Whether or not you saw the Samba shoe trend coming, Bella Hadid certainly did — all the way back in early 2022 when she served up a marathon of runway-worthy street style looks during Paris Fashion Week. In time, her tastemaker counterparts, like Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie, Jennifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner, and countless more, took the shoes in stride, certifying them as the hottest shoe on the market, with appeal for every style perspective.
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What makes Sambas so beloved? Perhaps it’s their luxe suede and leather uppers that offer an understated and clean finish, of which defined this year’s ‘quiet luxury’ trend. Or their streamlined look that refreshed and simplified previous chunky sneaker trends, with a profile that injected a sporty sentiment to fashion-forward ensembles. Or perhaps their stardom stems from lightweight and plush EVA cushioning embedded in the shoe, with retro gum soles and the iconic Three Stripes branding that’s a style statement in its own right. Aside from fashion figures, Sambas wouldn’t be on the feet of your friends or co-workers — or achieve TikTok fame to the tune of nearly one billion views — if they didn’t deliver on comfort.
If you spend long days on your feet (perhaps romanticizing your busy days as if you were a model flitting between Fashion Week appearances), or are in need of a comfortable walking shoe in the new year that doesn’t sacrifice on style, Sambas are bound to be your new go-to (and make for a winning holiday gift for her). Any fashionista or sneakerhead can appreciate the range of different iterations offered in the Samba lineup, including the signature Samba OG and the long-tongued Samba Classic, along with special vegan construction and chic monochromatic colorways. There’s even Samba skate and golf shoes, plus new silhouettes like the Sambae shoes, which just launched from adidas as a modern, platform take on the original.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to styling Sambas, but don’t just take our word for it. Look to the stars for a myriad of Samba outfit ideas to inspire your street style looks in the New Year.
Bella Hadid: Brainy Blokecore
Bella Hadid’s street style pretty much always goes viral — not just because she’s a top model, but because she’s always got a double-dose of inspiration up her sleeve. In true trendsetter fashion, she wore her black adidas Samba Classic Shoes well before everyone else, and kicked off new sartorial concepts that are already framing fashion in 2024.
Fashion lovers and critics alike dubbed this look ‘dweeb core,’ referring to her brainy eyeglasses, girly-cool braids, and preppy yet messy styling — think Miu Miu spring 2024. Not only did her styling turn the traditional school girl uniform on its head, it also evokes the prominent ‘Blokecore’ trend, which embraces Euro-sporty elements and soccer staples such as polo shirts and leather-topped gum soles synonymous with the iconic Samba shoe.
Gigi Hadid: Quirky Colors and Mixed Textures
The Hadid sisters are certified runway staples, but that doesn’t mean they shy away from their own street style experimentation. Gigi’s wardrobe undoubtedly takes a more playful approach than her sister’s, as she embraces tonal texture and mismatched prints. The star of her show? Her trusty yellow Samba shoes.
She’s constantly photographed sporting them on the streets of New York City, whether in an all-black ensemble or her signature rainbow palette. It goes to show that you don’t need to limit your wardrobe to a neutral Samba colorway, as a vibrant hue can go on to elevate an outfit as a statement piece, too. Choose whichever Samba colorway speaks to you, and follow Gigi’s cues with quirky touches and soft knits.
Kendall Jenner: Simply Chic
A foolproof way to look sophisticated without feeling stuffy is with a trusty sweater vest and comfy sneakers. In this look, Kendall Jenner’s black Samba OG shoes take the place of a women’s dress shoe or loafer, as they pair seamlessly with crisp white pants, a simple brown belt, and a minimalist handbag. The shoe’s soft, black suede upper adds a luxe touch, while it’s all-day comfort cushioning allows you to take your chic look from the office to dinner or late-night drinks.
This outfit formula can work for any season with a few simple subs. In the chillier months, layer your vest with a long-sleeve button down, and ground the look with black Samba shoes and thick adidas socks. Or, cool down in a simple white t-shirt, tennis skirt, and knee-high socks for a preppy feel. Match your knit to your kicks or mis-match your neutrals like Jenner for an added twist of personality.
Amelia Gray Hamlin: Elevated Athleisure
Amelia Gray Hamlin is not only a rising star on every major runway, she’s also an avid adidas fan when she’s off duty. Her street style melds the most prominent trends — from goth e-girl aesthetics to coquette-balletcore with a sporty twist — making her outfits a treasure trove of cutting-edge inspiration. In this ‘fit, Hamlin sports Samba Classic Shoes in white, with tall socks, and an athletic adidas maxi snap-skirt. Comfy and cool, she tops the look with an oversized crewneck, her signature pitch-black sunglasses, and red barrettes that allow the adidas logo to pop.
Whether athliesure is your vibe for stylishly-acceptable loungewear, or you simply live life in the fast lane, Hamlin demonstrates that the quick addition of Sambas can add polish to any casual look. Pair them with track pants, trendy athletic shorts, and your go-to hoodie, with feminine stye touches like hair bows or minimalist jewelry for a dynamic ensemble that’s almost as effortless as it looks. Plus, you can never go wrong with a crisp white adidas sneaker.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. In her free time, Olivia can be found scrolling Instagram and FN’s fashion section for the latest shoe trends and celebrity style inspiration.
