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I've Rounded Up Five Chic Alternatives to Adidas Samba Trainers | Who What Wear

Published 1 month ago4 minute read

We all know that when it comes to It trainers, few can be called as iconic as adidas Sambas. These trainers have long since left the shoe trend territory and cemented their place as a cool-girl staple. In fact, whether I'm scrolling my Instagram FYP or walking through the bustling city centre at lunch, it's basically a guarantee that I'll spot at least one pair of Sambas trainers.

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But I'll admit that lately there have been a few other trainers styles that have caught my eye. First up, adidas as a brand have so many designs that I think rival Sambas in both style and comfort, with just as many fun colourways and ways to wear. Then, there's the likes of Onitsuka Tiger and Nike, both of which have some pretty iconic trainers beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Dakota Johnson. That's fairly powerful sway in my books.

That's why this spring, I'm shining a spotlight on my favourite alternatives to adidas Sambas. And thanks to some of my favourite fashion influencers, it's been only too easy to visual how I'd wear my top picks and still get that retro, sporty look that's part and parcel of adidas Sambas outfits.

So if you fancy reaching for a different pair of trainers with an equally cool aesthetic, you've come to the right place. Here's my edit of the best alternatives to adidas Sambas trainers, and quick links to shop them yourself.

camillecharriere

Aisha wearing Adidas Tokyos and sporty white ensemble

It doesn't get more sporty chic than this. Adidas Tokyos lend themselves to an athleisure style (which Aisha has nailed perfectly), and their low-profile design means they're the ideal trainers to wear with skirts.

Adidas Originals Tokyo Trainers in White and Black

adidas Originals

Tokyo Trainers in White and Black

Opt for the classic black and white to get that retro sporty look.

Tokyo Nubuck-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

adidas Originals

Tokyo Nubuck-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

I'm loving a zingy pop of blue this spring.

Green & Yellow Tokyo Sneakers

adidas Originals

Green & Yellow Tokyo Sneakers

I'd style these with loose-fitting jeans or a black midi skirt.

Tokyo Sneakers - Adidas Originals - Women - Black/white - 4 Uk

adidas Originals

Tokyo Sneakers in Black and White

The perfect blend of comfort and style.

Kim wearing jeans, grey blazer coat, and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

The Mexico 66 sneakers from Onitsuka Tiger went pretty viral a couple of years ago, but they've remained a firm favourite of mine since. The yellow and black pair are without a doubt the most iconic, but I'm just as much a fan of the more neutral colourways, too.

Mexico 66

Onitsuka Tiger

Mexico 66 in Black and White

A pair you'd reach for on repeat.

Mexico 66

Onitsuka Tiger

Mexico 66 in Yellow and Black

Fashion influencers have shown us time and again that there are so many ways to style these sneakers.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

Onitsuka Tiger

Mexico 66 in Beige and Green

Mexico 66

Onitsuka Tiger

Mexico 66 in Sand Red and Cream

Oluwaseun in Sezane stripey jumper, green cargo trouusers, and Adidas Gazelles

Adidas Gazelles are probably the closest match to Sambas, but while the Samba features a leather upper with suede overlays, the Gazelle uses a full suede upper. And a full-suede trainer brings a soft, velvety touch to an outfit.

adidas Originals, Gazelle Bold Shoes in Green and Pink

adidas Originals

Gazelle Bold Shoes in Green and Pink

Green and pink always make a fun pairing.

Gazelle Indoor Sneakers - Adidas Originals - Women - Red/white - 3.5 Uk

adidas Originals

Gazelle Indoor Sneakers in Red and White

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to Gazelle colourways, but I find it hard to look past the red.

Gazelle Indoor Suede Sneakers

adidas Originals

Gazelle Indoor Suede Sneakers in Beige

Less than £100 for a pair of Gazelles feels like a win.

Gazelle Indoor Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

adidas Originals

Gazelle Indoor Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

Aude wearing red Nike Cortez and brown midi skirt

Originally designed as a track shoe for long-distance running, Nike Cortez sneakers are made with comfort in mind. And they still manage to get that iconic retro look.

Nike Cortez Txt Trainers in Red and Blue

Nike

Cortez Txt Trainers in Red and Blue

I predict that all the cool girls will be wearing these this summer.

Cortez Vintage Sneakers - Nike - Women - Pink Foam /whit - 5

Nike

Cortez Vintage Sneakers - Pink Foam and White

I'm simply obsessed with this baby pink shade.

Cortez Vintage Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede Sneakers

NIKE

Cortez Vintage Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede Sneakers

Though the baby blue would look just as cute as the pink.

Nike Cortez Textile Shoes

Nike

Nike Cortez Textile Shoes

For the neutral lovers amongst us.

Francesca in cream knit, white slip skirt, and Adidas SL72 trainers

Adidas really do spoil us when it comes to iconic trainers. The Sl 72 style is popular for its ultra-lightweight design, and again, there's so many colours to choose from.

Shop the Shoe:

Adidas Originals Sl 72 Og Trainers in Brown and Yellow

adidas Originals

Sl 72 Og Trainers in Brown and Yellow

These look stunning against off-white and creamy tones.

Sl 72 Og Metallic Cracked-Leather Sneakers

adidas Originals

Sl 72 Og Metallic Cracked-Leather Sneakers

There's something about metallic trainers that just feels so right.

Sl 72 Og Sneakers - Adidas Originals - Women - Black/white - 3.5 Uk

adidas Originals

Sl 72 Og Sneakers in Black and White

I love the intricate black stitching on the white stripes.

Adidas Sl 72 Og

adidas Originals

Sl 72 Og in Green

I can picture these with so many spring outfits.

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