Sambas: trendy or timeless?
By: Samia Adjei
Walking around campus, certain sights never fail to catch the eye—Mr. Meepers strolling around outside of Ross, a group of friends playing pool in Wilson, and approximately every other person you pass donning a pair of Sambas. The resurgence of these shoes has been a head-turner for many, raising the question: are Sambas just another fleeting trend, or have they secured their place as a timeless wardrobe staple?
In today’s world, where trends shift as fast as you can scroll, the very concept of “trendy” has taken on a new meaning. What constitutes a trend in an era saturated with microtrends and fast fashion cycles? Here enters the Samba: the latest popular sneaker, following in the footsteps of Nike Air Force 1s and other iconic predecessors like the Adidas Superstars and the highly divisive Fila Disruptors. What sets the Samba apart, however, is its enduring versatility—it’s not just a fleeting craze catering to a single aesthetic. Unlike niche footwear—think cowboy boots or ballet flats—the Samba has managed to integrate seamlessly into a variety of styles, from streetwear to high fashion, establishing itself as a timeless piece that transcends what’s “in.”
This lasting appeal of the Samba can be traced back to its origins of function before fashion. Created in 1950 for soccer players navigating icy pitches in post-war Germany, the Samba wasn’t initially designed for streetwear. It was an essential piece of athletic gear, built to perform. By the time the original, 1972 version hit the shelves, it still served its purpose on the soccer field but had begun to appeal to the general public as well. In 2020, Adidas collaborated with British designer Grace Wales Bonner who elevated the sneaker with her innovative designs and new colorways, refining it from a sporty beater to a fashion must-have. She arguably gave the shoe its most recent boost into the limelight, shuffling in a new era of the Samba.
The Samba’s minimalist design lends itself to versatility, making it a staple in wardrobes for both fashion enthusiasts and casual wearers. From Bella Hadid to A$AP Rocky, high-profile sightings of the shoe have flooded Pinterest mood boards and TikTok videos, adding fuel to the shoe’s current popularity. Despite this surge, the draw of the Samba remains its simplicity—a classic, unassuming shoe at an accessible price point around $100.
But what does it mean for a shoe to be considered timeless? It isn’t just one that we see everywhere; rather, it’s one that we keep seeing year after year, irrespective of the fashion cycle. Consider the Air Jordan 1s: even when not at the forefront of sneaker trends, Jordans remain cherished by a loyal audience. The same could be said of Sambas. They are universal in style, and if not Sambas themselves, similar silhouettes like the Onitsuka Tigers or Puma’s Super Liga will step in to fill the void.
So, are Sambas trendy or timeless? The answer is both. While the current wave of popularity may wane—as all trends do—the foundations laid by its history, simplicity, and universal appeal ensure that Sambas will always have a place in fashion. Whether spotted across college campuses or on the runway, they embody a rare intersection where trendiness meets timelessness and are a go-to piece for everyday style.