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, the iconic three stripes and the adidas logo on the tongue.
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.
Now, the trainer design has had a wild makeover for 2025. The start of the samba redemption arc, the trainers are returning in a pony hair leopard print for the sports brand’s upcoming spring/summer collection. The new colourway is, unsurprisingly, selling out fast, so here’s everything you need to know. Plus, we’ve also found a new leopard print version of the SL72’s.
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 today, the trainers are available exclusively on the Adidas app, which you can download using a QR code on the brand’s website.
Reminiscent of trainers from Adidas’s archive in 1972, the silhouette of this style is low profile and streamlined with a playful leopard print finish and orange pops on the laces and sole. Featuring the brand’s instantly recognisable three stripes and trefoil logo, the trainers marry comfort and style.
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