Well, it’s been a good few years for the Adidas Samba. The football-turned-fashion trainer can currently be spotted just about anywhere that requires shoes, sweeping the nation like antihistamines in spring. And if you haven’t copped a pair, you’re very late to the 'it' shoe party.
Their popularity, in part, can be attributed to the fashion-forward collabs the German marque has embarked upon. Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace, JJJJound and Kith and Clarks have all had their take on the silhouette to great success, but this summer sees another edition of one of their most longstanding relationships: one with Wales Bonner.
And now the new take on the shoe is finally here, and you can buy it here.
The British-Jamaican designer makes a return with an updated take on the Samba as well as the well-loved SL72 Knit, both of which first made an appearance in the duo’s autumn/winter ’20 and spring/summer ’22 drops. One of the former comes in a shiny gun-metal finish, topped with a retro oversized tongue and adorned with lace-like stitching for its Three Stripe branding. The other soil-hue iteration has the same features but is more resemblant of its original design. Both are contemporary updates of the standard indoor football boot (the brands also collaborated together on a football kit for the Jamaican Football Federation earlier this year).
Adidas Samba Vegan Shoes
Adidas Originals Samba Shoes
Coming in brown with orange accents and green with tan, the SL72’s colours nod to Bonner’s Caribbean heritage and love of vintage design. Funky but refined, they’re for those with a penchant for the '70s and accessories that'll pair well with mid-century furniture. And in an equally quaint font, the brand’s moniker can be found stamped onto the style’s rear.
While the shoes have always commanded the most attention in previous collection drops, the collab's cracking garms shouldn't go unnoticed. Inspired by the Trefoil's consistent presence within Jamaican culture, expect sporty silhouettes imbued with colours of Bonner's heritage homeland for this year's take. A nylon tracksuit in teal, a musty-brown towelling two-piece and a geometrically-printed knitted vest all will, no doubt, have many frantically tapping 'Add To Basket'. But the real star? The introduction of a two-tone Harrington jacket.
But as one TikToker proved, these ‘kicks are in really high demand. A couple of styles leaked (intentionally? Who knows) onto the Adidas website earlier in May, and the dedicated sneakerheads followed. Get in there quick.
