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These days, fashion trends are fickle and fleeting, but there’s one of the footwear variety that’s proved an anomaly in recent years: adidas Samba Shoes. And, don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. The sporty-chic soccer kicks were deemed one of Footwear News’ Greatest Shoes of All Time for their universal appeal and lasting legacy through fresh colorways that are constantly seen on the most fashionable feet. A meteoric shoe statement is rarely so versatile, but that’s exactly what makes this heritage shoe a style magnet. 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 street style trendsetters that prove the shoe is an outfit essential in every season.
Whether or not you saw the Samba shoe trend coming, off-duty models certainly did — all the way back in early 2022 when they served up a marathon of runway-worthy street style looks during Paris Fashion Week. Ever since, nearly every tastemaker has taken the soccer shoe in stride, from Rihanna to Jennifer Lawrence to Kendall Jenner, and countless more. Not long after, the adidas Samba was crowned Footwear News’ 2023 Shoe of the Year (to no surprise), and went on to spark a major surge in the soccer shoe market, surpassing trendy tennis shoes and the ever-growing category of kids shoes.
Today, the adidas Samba is a sidewalk staple, and top models and celebs like Sienna Miller and Olivia Rodrigo continue to sport them for fall, be it a classy occasion in Paris, a chilly morning commute, or an errand run in New York City. Bieber herself was spotted in a black and green pair in Los Angeles in October 2024 — these kicks are here to stay.
Sambas shine for their luxe suede and leather uppers that offer an understated effect akin to ‘quiet luxury’ trends, along with their streamlined look that injects a sporty-chic feel into fashion-forward ensembles. Beyond their sartorial star power, Sambas are comfortable adidas walking shoes, too, thanks to lightweight and plush EVA cushioning and grippy retro gum soles. Sambas wouldn’t be on the feet of your friends or co-workers (or achieve TikTok fame to the tune of one billion views) if they didn’t deliver on comfort. Plus, Sambas are made with premium materials that hold up to daily wear and tear, from rain to shine and everything in between.
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 need a comfortable walking shoe that doesn’t sacrifice style, Sambas are a certified must-have. 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 are even updated silhouettes like the Sambae platform sneakers and Samba XLG shoes that offer an added boost of height.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to styling adidas Sambas, but don’t just take our word for it. Look to the stars for fool-proof Samba outfit ideas to inspire your street style looks this fall and winter.
Sneakers can be chic. Case in point: Sienna Miller’s recent look at Paris Fashion Week. Whether you’re headed to the office, a special brunch, or simply want to feel a little more dressed up, sleek black Samba shoes can take you far — consider them a more casual (and comfortable) loafer alternative. All you need is a few more polished pieces to pair with the simple soccer shoes, like a feminine blouse and a leather slouchy bag. The key to Miller’s look is her high-contrast color choices. So, if you’re pairing a blue top with denim, make sure they are in different hues, then match your black Samba shoes to your bag to tie everything together.
Shown with: Cos Tie-Detail Pleated Blouse ($120), Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Women’s Jeans ($98), Appassal Inflated Sunglasses ($13.99), A.l.c. Simone Studded Leather Bag ($395)
When in doubt, stick with Hailey Bieber’s signature outfit formula: an oversized jacket, baggy jeans, and trendy sneakers. You’ll stay warm on brisk days, while still looking enviably cool. Here, Bieber chose to spotlight her vivid red adidas Samba shoes, but you can opt for any color that catches your eye. Then, throw on your favorite jeans and a jacket that screams “I borrowed this from my boyfriend.” Gold chunky earrings, vintage-inspired sunglasses, and a statement lip (might we suggest a red lipstick to match your shoes?) are quick and simple finishing touches.
Shown with: adidas Oversized Sst Bomber Jacket ($91), adidas Premium Essentials Denim Straight Leg Pants ($88), Air Avior Sunglasses ($40)
In this simply chic transitional look, Kendall Jenner paired essential white Samba OG Shoes with a maxi skirt, tank top, and canvas tote. It’s great for fall days when the sun is still shining strong — but you’re craving a cozy pumpkin spice latte. Jenner’s palette of trending fall earth tones serves as a blank canvas for accessorizing with ’90s-inspired sunglasses, designer handbags, and minimalist jewelry. Plus, it’s an outfit that can move through the seasons and trending aesthetics with a few simple subs. On chilly weather days, layer your tank with a chunky sweater or bomber jacket, then ground the look with Samba shoes and slouchy socks. Or, swap the long hem for a pleated adidas tenniscore skirt and knee-high socks for a trendy preppy feel.
Shown with: Veronica Beard Jordyn Cotton Crewneck Tank Top ($138), Gap Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt ($34), Laurinny 90s Sunglasses ($11.90), adidas Corduroy Mini Tote Bag ($35)
Olivia Rodrigo always brings a punk edge to her outfits — even in bone-chilling weather. Start with black wardrobe staples, like these black-on-black adidas Samba shoes, dark denim, and a wool trench coat to block the breeze. Then dial up the cool-girl factor with a black beanie and block-out sunnies. For a little added flair, we recommend scooping up these rare Samba shoes that come speckled with blue floral details to sync with a blue tee.
Shown with: Wilfred The Only Coat ($350), adidas Y-3 Fitted Short Sleeve Tee ($130), adidas Premium Essentials Wide Leg Denim Pants ($88), adidas Essentials Cuffed Beanie ($19)
This easy ensemble from Jenner can work for work and play, fall and spring, and pretty much everything in between. Just round up your favorite jeans, cargo pants, or trousers; a cropped top or tank; and any button-down shirt you’ve got hanging in your closet. Below, we kept tones in step with fall trends, with mossy greens and off-white hues that tow a similar contrasting level as Jenner’s. These adidas Samba XLG Shoes add a bolder profile to the otherwise low-key look.
Shown with: adidas Y-3 Graphic Shirt ($280), adidas Fear of God Athletics Cropped Tank Top ($160), adidas Essentials Woven Cargo Pants ($57)
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
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. She wrote this story in October 2024 with new Samba Shoe releases, top-trending styles, and more outfit ideas for fall.
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.