The Rise and Fall of the adidas Samba and Everything In-Between

Introduction

• adidas Samba: Originally released in 1949.
• For decades, it was a minimal, sleek, accessible shoe, considered everyday footwear.
• By 2024, it became one of the most popular shoes, though its appeal began to diminish.

Historical Popularity

• 1970s-80s: Part of UK football hooligan culture.
• 1990s: Adopted by the skate scene.

Resurgence in Popularity

• Slow Burn Resurgence: Over the past three years, marked by collaborations, celebrity influence, and social media virality.

Collaborations

• 2020: Partnership with UK designer Grace Wales Bonner, introducing crocheted detailing.
  • The collaboration was highly successful, leading to sell-outs and high resale values.
  • Follow-up collaborations with IRAK, Kith, and Palace.

Social Media Influence

• 2021: Instagram and TikTok moodboards featured the Samba, increasing its hype.
• TikTok hashtag #adidassamba amassed over 147 million views.
• Became trendy among fashion circles, particularly those focused on tote-bag and workwear styles.

Celebrity Influence

• Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, Frank Ocean, Jonah Hill, and A$AP Rocky contributed to the trend.
• SEO trends showed significant interest in these celebrity endorsements.

Peak and Decline

• 2023-2024: Marked peak popularity.
• 2024: Decline noted with celebrities like the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak being seen in Sambas.
  • The adidas Campus model started outselling the Samba in some regions.

Current Status

• Despite the hype decline, the Samba remains a good shoe at an accessible price.
• The two original colorways have returned to being readily available, sitting on shelves.

Additional Resources

• Sizing guide and variations are available for those interested in the adidas Samba.