A Review Of The Adidas Samba OG Sneakers

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Classic design stands the test of time. A brilliant form often needs no explanation or introduction. Even those who generally lack an aesthetic sensitivity know it when they see it. Perhaps in part because it's so plainly evident when we come across an exceptional composition that is both functional and beautiful. It's a rare occurrence, but these anomalies do exist. Creations such as the Triumph Spitfire, Leica M6, Chemex coffee makers, and Lacoste polos come to mind. We're talking about offerings that have a rich history of generational relevance. Objects that simply never go out of style.

The earliest history of Adidas traces back 100 years, when Adi Dassler and his brother Rudolph laid the groundwork for what would later become the influential footwear brand that we all know and love. Arguably the company's most iconic silhouette was born in the early 1950s, when Mr. Dassler designed a shoe that was tailor made for withstanding icy football matches in Germany. It was instantly a functional success. Consequently, this sneaker was iterated upon over the years to later include various comfort and performance improvements which would eventually lead to a perfected visual design that has transcended time. We know this shoe today as the Adidas Samba OG.

I recently picked up a pair of Adidas Samba OG sneakers in the 'Night Navy Gum' colorway to get an intimate sense of what makes these shoes so sought after. Right out of the box, I was immediately taken by the shoe's striking appearance. Adidas uses a gorgeous premium leather throughout the shoe along with luxuriously soft suede adorning the toe caps. It features a grippy gum sole with no shortage of traction to aid in traversing rough or slippery surfaces. The stitching is of a high standard as well, and overall it looks like it can take a beating based on the superior quality of materials that have been used. Clearly no shortcuts have been taken here.

The sneaker comes with two pairs of laces, each of which nicely compliment its respective colorway. In my case, the box included navy blue laces to match the predominant color of the sneaker, as well as a white cream pair of laces to pair with the three white stripes. Adidas has kept it simple on the physical details of the Samba OG, but the ones that are there are lovely. From the Samba lettering on the side, to the logo on the tongue, everything looks and feels timeless. What might be my favorite design choice on the shoe are the attractive details on the upper heel area, where the navy blue and cream leather meet. Those vivid colors combined with classic lines are nothing short of a visual treat.

While the Adidas Samba OG sports a beautiful slim profile, that slender appearance does come at a slight cost. Although the tongue looks and feels nice, it's also quite thin and lacks a protective lining. The shoe has a well cushioned heel and nicely padded ankle area, but that's where the protection ends. There's no arch or toe support to speak of. As a result, it's not the most comfortable sneaker to wear for long periods of time, at least during the initial break in period. This was an interesting discovery considering that the Samba OG has its roots in soccer, however they're indeed far more enjoyable to run in on grass rather than hard concrete.

Don't get me wrong, it's comfortable enough and there's nothing inherently wrong here. And on the flip side, these qualities allow you to feel more connected to the terrain beneath your feet. This is precisely what has made the Adidas Samba ADV such a popular shoe for skateboarding, as it offers superior board feel. However, when compared to more advanced technical options from companies such as New Balance, I wouldn't necessarily recommended the Adidas Samba OG purely for running or all day walking. I also suspect the comfort level would improve substantially by buying some specialty insoles to pair with this shoe. Lastly, I found that it is somewhat narrow in fit, which could potentially end up fitting smaller than expected for some people. If in doubt I'd recommend going half a size up just to be safe.

Pros

• Excellent construction and use of high quality materials
• A truly a beautiful sneaker with a timeless design
• The thin nature of the shoe provides a strong feeling of connection to the ground
• Easy to clean and maintain a fresh look
• An accessible price point and a good value for what you're getting

Cons

• Doesn't offer as much foot support or protection as other modern sneakers
• Not recommended for running on hard surfaces or walking all day
• Sizing can potentially run half a size small if you don't have narrow feet

Verdict

The Adidas Samba OG is not a technical performance sneaker by any means, but maybe that's not the point of a shoe like this. Despite its minor comfort shortcomings, it's still a must have staple in your sneaker rotation. With a history dating back roughly 75 years, it has a heritage that few sneakers can match with a timeless design that is universally respected. Additionally, Adidas now offers several style variations including the Samba Classic, Samba XLG, and Samba ADV for skateboarding, so there's something appealing here that almost anyone will gravitate towards.

There's no doubt that this shoe remains a style icon, especially given the more recent collaborations with influential designers such as Wales Bonner. This is the type of sneaker that goes well with almost any outfit, allowing you to dress it up or down with ease. Where the Samba really shines however, is that it's the perfect sporty casual shoe for nearly all occasions where style matters. And for some that might be pretty much always.