adidas Samba

With more than 35 million pairs having been sold since they were first produced in 1950, the adidas Samba has easily withstood the test of time. Originally developed for practicing on the frozen pitch, these soccer trainers have evolved and are now worn by as many fashion-conscious sneaker fans as soccer players. The hard, icy surfaces of the European soccer fields proved to be a challenge for clubs and teams. Performing drills and running on such unaccommodating surfaces resulted in discomfort and poor performance. Adidas introduced a high-ankle leather boot to combat those forces of nature, called the adidas Samba Special. These innovative soccer boots featured a crepe sole with three suction cups beneath the heel, toe area and ball of the foot. The suction cups were designed to allow the wearer the ability to better grip the frozen surfaces. It was from this unusual, though inventive boot that the adidas Samba was born. The upper changed from a mid cut to a low cut and featured a thicker Three Stripes logo. The toe bumper was elongated and is now made of suede, and the outsole was modernized to be comprised of gum rubber, but still features the symbolic suction cups in the forefoot. It has become an instantly recognizable shoe that pays homage to its roots in soccer. Still worn by indoor soccer players, the adidas Samba has also become a favorite casual sneaker. Throughout the decades, the Samba has been in the spotlight - always on the scene, always a fashion favorite, the simplistic yet comfortable Samba knows no boundaries, crossing from sport to street with ease.