We all get tired of the tried and true sometimes. While the Adidas Samba is a staple in most closets these days, the look can be overdone, and we encourage you to add something else to your closet this summer. Here are our top 5 picks for Adidas Samba alternatives that you should check out.
PUMA Fenty X Suede Creeper 'Oatmeal'
The Creeper: an iconic product of the celebrated collaboration between Puma and Fenty. The global icon in all things beauty, fashion, and music, Rihanna and Puma have partnered together since 2015. This pair is a match made in heaven, effortlessly blending Puma’s rich sports history with Rihanna’s trend-setting style and edge, giving us shoes for every season. The Creeper, originally released in the 1940s, has resurged in full swing after being named “Shoe of the Year” in 2016, all thanks to Fenty. This collaboration took a hiatus in 2017, as Rhianna focused on other growing businesses, such as her lingerie and beauty line, but made an incredible comeback in 2023.
Now, the reimagined Creeper comes in multiple colorways and styles, leaving you with many choices. There is no question that this ‘Oatmeal’ colorway deserves a place in your closet. The sleek monochromatic design with gold accent is guaranteed to elevate any outfit, and we mean that literally. The platform sole adds edge and height for a unique silhouette that is a must-have in your closet. Puma and Fenty consistently deliver the perfect intersection of high fashion and urban street style; what more could you ask for? Shop them here.
Onitsuka Tiger Tokuten Low 'Blue Fusion Gum'
Onitsuka Tiger is a brand that has taken over the streets at no surprise, given its rich history in pop culture. Founded in 1949, it was funnily inspired by an octopus. A tentacle got stuck to a salad bowl served to Kihachiro Onitsuka, which became an inspiration for a suction cup sole, a breakthrough in sport's shoes. The brand continued to grow, and the iconic tiger stripes first appeared in 1968 for the Mexico Olympic Games. Cinematic appearances on Bruce Lee in Game of Death and Uma Thurman in Kill Bill played a pivotal role in the lifestyle adoption of the Mexico 66 as it brought awareness to general consumers that carries on today.
The Tokuten model features an incredibly sleek design with an easygoing silhouette. The gum sole adds support and the perfect contrast against the baby blue exterior. This breezy shoe is perfect for your summer picnics. Wear them as a pop of color with your summer linens or as an added staple to your loud patterned style. Shop them here.
PUMA X Palomo Palermo 'Red'
The Palermo, originally part of a special series created by Puma that paid homage to famous European capitals, remains one of the most interesting and sleek shoes on the market. It rings of football nostalgia as it was made extremely popular by football fans in the 1980s. The retro and vintage style perfectly blends timeless and colorful edge. Collaborating with Palomo, a menswear fashion brand created by Spanish designer Alejandro Gomez Palomo, this shoe was designed with heavy inspiration from retro surfing culture.
The real eye-catcher for this shoe is the color. The monochromatic yet dynamic colors give this shoe a whimsical and beautiful feel. The gum sole allows it to be worn with athletic pieces, and the color is perfect for this upcoming season. Shop them here.
Nike Cortez 'Sail Gorge Green'
The Nike Cortez is a classic favorite, reflecting the genius of Bill Bowerman, a legendary track and field coach. The Cortez was a revolution in running footwear. Launched in the late 1960s, it featured a level of cushioning unknown to American distance runners. Coach Bowerman recognized a need in his athletes and promptly delivered. It was the first running shoe to combine a full-length midsole with a sponge rubber layer below the upper. It quickly became one of Nike’s best-selling running shoes, forever defining the standard of technology needed behind footwear. Now, their styles are worn worldwide and have flooded into the streets of style.
This colorful yet quiet design is perfect for everyday wear because while it looks unassuming from far away, up close, you can spot the “gorg” green color as well as the suede toe, adding the perfect balance of texture. The Cortez has an unmistakable silhouette, perfectly eye-catching for everyday use. It's big on the vintage aesthetic and compliments a range of outfits from staples to loud designs. Shop them here.
Adidas Handball Spezial 'Aluminum Core Black'
The cousin to the favorite, the Spezials resemble a silhouette and style similar to the samba, but up close, they are very different. Originally designed as a handball shoe, this shoe is made for sharp movements. It features a high-quality suede upper exterior with plenty of cushioning on the feet. While it looks much like the samba, it has much better arch support and a sleeker silhouette. It's very reminiscent of the '70s and '80s, and after having been redesigned and imagined, it has skyrocketed into all your favorite style icon's closets.
It perfectly balances comfort and style, supporting your long treks across the city for your favorite drinks and appetizer plans. This shoe symbolized the perfect intersection of sporty chic with a beautiful brown, black, and cream blend. It is incredibly stylish, and you will be reaching for them every day. Shop them here.
