The Adidas Samba Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Adidas Samba is a durable lifestyle shoe that combines classic aesthetics with reliable performance. Ideal for casual wearers who appreciate both style and function, it features high-quality materials that enhance its longevity. The shoe's construction supports everyday use while maintaining comfort, making it a practical choice for those seeking a dependable footwear option.


Pros

  • Clean and minimalist style
  • Unbelievably affordable
  • Real leather and suede
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Long-lasting construction
  • Lighter than average
  • Highly flexible build
  • Good grip for casual use

Cons

  • Poor breathability
  • Tongue slides to the side
  • Not for all-day wear
  • Slippery when wet

Key Features

  • T-shaped suede toe for enhanced durability and comfort.
  • Faux leather lining that adds a touch of softness while maintaining breathability.
  • Non-marking rubber sole designed specifically for indoor surfaces, ensuring traction without scuffing floors.

Specifications

  • Fabric type: Smooth Leather
  • Fur description: 3.5m for added comfort
  • Sole material: Rubber, providing excellent grip and durability
  • Shaft height: Alla caviglia, offering a supportive fit around the ankle

Adidas Samba Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Adidas Samba PUMA Palermo Adidas Samba OG Adidas Handball Spezial
Price $90 $90 $100 $100
Style Business casual Business casual Business casual Business casual
Breathability Moderate Moderate Warm Moderate
Weight lab 12.1 oz / 342g 13.1 oz / 371g 11.8 oz / 335g 12.1 oz / 344g
Size True to size True to size True to size Slightly large
Midsole softness - Firm - -
Material Leather Gum Sole Cup Sole Gum Sole
Season Spring Spring Spring Spring
Inspired from Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer
Width / fit Medium Narrow Medium Narrow
Toebox width Medium Narrow Narrow Medium
Leather/suede quality Real suede Real leather Real leather Real suede
Toebox durability Decent Good Good Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Decent Good Decent
Outsole durability Bad Decent Good Good
Heel stack lab 19.3 mm 22.6 mm 20.3 mm 25.1 mm
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Flexible Flexible
Tongue padding Thin Very thin Thin Thin
Drop lab 7.4 mm 7.0 mm 8.6 mm 14.4 mm
Forefoot 11.9 mm 15.6 mm 11.7 mm 10.7 mm
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate
Sustainable
Closure Laces Laces Laces Laces
Top Low top Low top Low top Low top
Ranking Top 43% Top 39% Top 14% Top 9%
Popularity Top 3% Bottom 46% Top 21% Top 24%