If you're one to keep up with the latest and greatest trends, then you've probably seen the viral Adidas Samba once or twice. Trending on (quite literally) every social media platform, these sneakers have sold out multiple times due to their popularity.
From your favorite celebrities and even friends alike, it seems like everyone owns a pair of these sneakers nowadays. And who I am to not jump on the bandwagon and pick up a pair for myself? After all, I shop for a living!
As someone who walks a fair amount every day (hello living in NYC!), finding a staple pair of sneakers that allow me to get my steps in comfortably while also looking stylish is no easy feat. After being bombarded on social media enough times, I finally caved and purchased a pair of Sambas to add to my sneaker rotation.
So, are these trendy sneakers worth the pretty penny? Keep reading to hear all of my honest thoughts and opinions. And spoiler alert: They're worth every cent.
Adidas Samba OG Shoes
- Closet staple
- Durable, long-lasting design
- Completely unisex
- Little to no support
Award: Most commuter-friendly | Sizes: Men 4-14 and Women 5-15 | Colors: 21 | Features: Rubber midsole, lace closure
Why I tried the Adidas Samba OG Shoes
They’re everywhere on social media
Sometimes you have to wonder if viral finds are actually worth it or not. And honestly, I've tried a product or two that people on the internet swore they loved only to be let down by either quality or effectiveness.
Luckily, it's in my job description to try out viral products and give my honest thoughts and opinions and I was game to try these shoes out for myself.
That being said, after countless wears, I can confirm all of the hype around these shoes. Between their comfort, timeless style and fun colorways, it's hard to pick my favorite thing about these kicks.
Why I like the Adidas Samba OG Shoes
They’re comfy and durable for everyday wear
If you live in a walkable city like New York, you know how important it is to have shoes that won't leave you with blisters and sore feet. Since I walk over an average of 8,000 steps a day, I need shoes that not only walk the walk but talk the talk. And after countless wears, these definitely deliver!
When I first got these, I eagerly laced them up and hit the streets to run some errands. Right off the bat, I noticed how sturdy they felt and how they immediately fit my foot with ease. There weren't any tight spots and they broke in pretty quickly, which I appreciate.
Fast forward to a year later and my pair is still going strong! Some of the suede has peeled a little and they certainly have a scuff or two but it's nothing outside of normal wear and tear.
The styling possibilities are endless
Apart from their comfort, my favorite part of these shoes is how versatile they are. They’re easy to dress up or down, and they look good with practically any outfit. I’m limited on closest storage so owning shoes that work in multiple settings is make or break for me.
I’ve worn them with everything, from exercise dresses to black slacks perfect for the office. And on days that I’m feeling a little lazy, they pair well with many of my matching sweat sets.
The perfect way to describe these is that they are simple but stand out. Plus, I still gravitate towards these when getting dressed over a year later, and to me, that says a lot.
They're unisex in many colors and materials
No matter your color preference, there is most likely a pair of Sambas for you. Available in every combination, like vibrant green or classic black and white, you can pick to go the minimalist or maximalist style route. Plus, the Sambas style is unisex so everyone can enjoy them.
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Award-winner from our Sneaker Awards
Not to mention, these took home the gold during our first-ever Shop TODAY Sneaker Awards for most commuter-friendly! Other editors on the team loved how these were comfortable for all-day wear if you're spending a significant amount of time on your feet.
Even if you aren't catching the subway like us, these will get you where you need to go while keeping your feet as comfortable as possible.
What to consider
Little to no support
My only note for those interested in trying out the Samba is that they are relatively flat and offer little to no support. This doesn't particularly hinder me, but if your feet often get sore in flat shoes, then you might want to think about ordering insoles for these to add a little extra something, something.
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Why Trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Camryn Privette is the production coordinator for Shop TODAY. She has been with the team for over two years running our quarterly award series and covering everything from sales to product reviews.
