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This New Adidas Samba Already Looks Like a Modern Classic in the Making

It turns out, black-and-white Sambas can still look as fresh as they did 70 years ago.

Adidas sambaAdidas

By Jack Seemer

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The Samba dates back to the 1950s, so it should come as little surprise that Adidas has given the shoe few face lifts over the years.

In fact, the Samba we commonly recognize today didn’t arrive until the early 1970s, when the brand retooled the shoe into a simple indoor trainer.

Today, the shoe now comes in countless colorways and material combinations, including over-the-top versions that cost hundreds of dollars (and even more on the secondhand market).

black adidas samba cordura
The Samba now comes in countless colorways and materials, including Cordura (above).
Adidas

That said, the Samba is at its very best when it keeps it simple, as last year’s sold-out collaboration with JJJJound proved with a subtle variation on the classic black-and-white color scheme.

adidas JJJJound samba
The JJJJound x Adidas Made in Germany Samba keep it simple with two black-and-white colorways that stayed true to the original.
JJJJound

Now the mainline Samba will pick up where that collab left off, with Adidas adopting a similar vibe for a general-release version that borrows its white tongue and brown interior — two of its defining traits.

adidas samba
A new black-and-white Samba OG, releasing later this year, picks up where the JJJJound collaboration left off.
Adidas
Adidas samba
The new Samba OG adopts a white tongue and brown-leather lining but adds white stitching for a subtle touch of contrast.
Adidas

Rather than clone the colorway one-for-one, however, the new Samba does offer some visual distinction in the form of white contrast stitching and a black heel underlay.

Adidas samba
Unlike the JJJJound collaboration, this version has a simple black heel underlay.
Adidas

Keen eyes will also notice that it has the traditional curved eyestay panel, as opposed to the straight version found on the JJJJound collab.

Nonetheless, the new version proves that, even in 2025, a black-and-white Samba can look as fresh as it did 70 years ago.

Availability and pricing

Adidas has yet to confirm a release day for the new black-and-white Samba. Expect it to release later this year for $100 — a bargain when compared to the $250 price tag of the JJJJound version.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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