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When it comes to trainers, the adidas samba is as ubiquitous as it gets. In the last couple of years, it’s been nearly impossible to walk down the street without spotting their recognisable design.
Inspired by an archive adidas football boot from the Fifties, the samba had a moment in the sun during the Nineties, but nothing compared to its renaissance in 2022. The style has since amassed more than 1.7 billion views on TikTok, leading to limited edition drops, the launch of more than 70 colourways and approval from the likes of Harry Styles, Hailey Beiber, Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence.
Made from full-grain leather, the shoes are characterised by a streamlined silhouette. Of course, you’ll likely have seen the iconic three stripes and the adidas logo on the tongue, too.
But with the sambas reaching peak popularity last year, their star began to fade (after all, who wants to wear a trainer that everyone and their mother also has?) Then, Rishi Sunak wore the black and white pair and it seemed the final nail in the coffin for the viral shoe.
But the latest Wales Bonner collaboration came to its rescue last autumn (it sold out immediately, of course) – and now, the samba design we know and love has had a wild make-over for 2025. In the sports brand’s upcoming spring/summer collection, the trainers are returning in a leopard print.
The new colourway will likely sell out fast, so here’s everything you need to know.
A fashionable spin on the hugely popular style, the latest adidas samba trainers are designed to be a style statement in their own right. Characterised by an all-over leopard print, the trainer features the signature white three stripe detailing, tongue and heel, while burnt orange laces and panelling add a playful touch. The style is also available in black stripe with forest green panelling (£100, Adidas.co.uk), for a darker look.
If you missed out on the Wales Bonner x adidas collaboration, the brand’s latest design boasts the same textured finish and print but will set you back just £100 (the Wales Bonner style is re-selling for upwards of £500).
Launching on Friday 31 January at 6pm, you can sign up for a reminder when they drop on the Adidas website.
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English (US) ·