This Special Adidas Samba Hasn’t Been Seen Since the 1960s

The Samba is one of the most recognizable sneakers on the planet, with countless collaborations, limited editions and celebrity sightings only furthering its fame in recent years.

But the truth is it didn’t always look like the shoe everyone from Harry Styles to Rishi Sunak reveres today. In fact, it would take decades of subtle variations to arrive at the so-called “OG Samba,”as characterized by its low-cut ankle and light-brown gum sole.

Adidas

Before the “OG”

You see, contrary to popular belief, the Samba didn’t start out as an indoor-soccer shoe. Nor was it conceived for traditional Brazilian dancing, despite its not-so-subtle name (allegedly passed down by the press at the time).

The Samba was originally designed to tackle wintry soccer fields; early iterations even featured cutouts in the sole to function as suction cups for improved traction in the snow.

Adidas

Well, over half a century later, a prior version of the shoe returns in the form of the Samba 62, which borrows many elements from the original but boasts updated proportions and subtle adjustments for general wearability.

Adidas

Just like that archival shoe from the early 1960s, the Samba 62 has cutouts in the bottom of the sole for grip on icy surfaces. It also comes in a classic black-and-white colorway, with gold-foil lettering and blue highlights from the interior lining of the shoe.

Adidas

As far as difference go, the primary point of departure rests with the height of the upper, which sits lower on the ankle like the present-day Samba. Moreover, the rubber toe bumper is colored black, rather than blue, for an understated, everyday look.

Adidas

Nonetheless, the Samba 62 reissue stands as an authentic homage to one of the most storied shoes of all time.

Available now at Adidas, the Samba 62 costs $140 and comes in men’s sizes 4 through 14. A white-upper variant is also available.

Adidas

Adidas Samba 62

• $140 at Adidas

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