As is the lifespan of any hyped sneaker, Samba SZN has quickly spiralled into a death-by-deluge situation. What was the coolest shoe of 2022 is now kicking about on every footpath, in every cafe, in every city across the globe, probably. While it's easy to get cynical about the sneaker's prominence, the truth is it's popular for a reason; behind the Stan Smith and Superstar, the Samba is easily the most beloved silhouette from adidas.
@russhmagazine These are the sneakers we predict you’ll be wearing soon (if you aren’t already) 👟 #adidassamba #nike #onitsukatiger #balenciaga #sneakertrends ♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim
The first prototype of the shoe emerged in 1949, as adidas' answer to a football cleat. In the years since, the sneaker has been unable to shed its ties to football which reached fever pitch in the 70s, when terrace culture emerged from Britain's working class. Later, this found its way into 90s pop culture, most notably via Oasis and would inspire what is now known across TikTok as Blokecore.
Given how salient football culture currently is, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup barely in the rearview mirror and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup taking place on Australian and New Zealand soil as we speak, it's unsurprising the way the adidas Samba has kicked off. Add a handful of collaborations between adidas and Wales Bonner since 2020, as well as approval from Bella Hadid and ASAP Rocky and you've got a sensation on your hands.
So if you've invested in a pair of Sambas and you're looking to prolong their life long after the hype has died down, TikTok has provided an answer in the art of DIY. Because what is a collaboration like adidas x Wales Bonner, if not designer-led DIY itself?
All across the social platform, users are personalising their adidas Sambas to suit their style. Some are finding inspiration in Balletcore, threading pink ribbons embellished with cutesy charms in lieu of laces and knotting them in big pussy bows. Others have taken to adding brooches, pins and badges on top of the Samba's signature long tongue. The very keen have replaced the outer suede leathers with everything from brocade to tapestry. Whatever pathway you choose, the simple appearance of the shoe makes it the perfect blank canvas to customise. So when everyone is rocking their fresh-out-of-the-box Sambas, here's a way to stand out from the sea.
Find a host of inspiration from TikTok, below.
@katiehub.org Replying to @._. i also bought the iron on patches because i want to make funny shirts for frat parties next year #fyp #fashion #style #trending #adidassamba #shoes #diy ♬ original sound - katie
@protectegorngl this took a while♬ Watch This (ARIZONATEARS Pluggnb Remix) - Lil Uzi Vert & sped up nightcore & ARIZONATEARS
@nathmamed Eu amei essa ideia mds #balletcore #adidassamba ♬ girls like me don't cry (sped up) - thuy
@ra3von This Saturday 7/8/23…#fyp #viral #trending #foryoupage #fp #fy #fashiontiktok #handmade #upcomingclothingbrand #streetwearbrand #sambas #diy #smallbusiness #brandowner #entrepreneur #clothingbrand #youngentrepreneur #joinmyjourney ♬ original sound - Lil yachty
@sergfly I love these 🤍🤍 #tiktokfashion #adidassamba #fashioninspo #customshoes ♬ original sound - 🫵
@zionfrombrooklyn Taking a classic sneaker and making it mine. Adidas Samba. #sewingforyoupage #adidas #samba #leathercraft #fypシ゚viral ♬ NOTHING - Westover
@danielgrantm what do we think lol #sneakers #sneakerhead #samba #diy #bow #streetwear ♬ original sound - Nova
@natalieziye in my hello kitty pajamas ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ #fyp #diy #customizedshoes #adidassamba #style ♬ original sound - Phoebe
@artistberrios This isnt anything revolutionary but its cool DIY that makes your pair unique over time #foryou #foryoupage #fyp #trending #mensfashion #fashion #streetwear #mensstreetwear #dayinthelife #thrifting #adidas #samba #adidassamba #thriftstore #sneaker #sneakerhead #thrifthaul #streetweardesigner #mensdeisgner ♬ Sticky - Drake
