Sneakers That Aren’t Sambas

The Adidas Samba is super popular right now and the hype hasn’t died down. I think they’re really cute, but I don’t feel like having to hunt down the colorway I want to stalk the Adidas website for the latest drops.

I totally understand the current obsession with Sambas.

1. They’re affordable – Most options are about $100 unless you’re looking for a unique colorway or special edition.
2. They’re easy to find – They can be found pretty much anywhere you buy sneakers.
3. They have a sleek silhouette – I have nothing against a platform or chunky sneaker, in general, but most of the time I don’t want my feet to look bigger. Sambas have a slimming silhouette kind of like a ballet flat, but warmer and with more cushion.
4. Versatility – You can throw on a pair of Sambas with pretty much anything and it will look chic. Jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses…they all work. Plus, you can wear any sock you want with them and they won’t clash.

Full disclosure: I haven’t gotten my hands on my own pair of Sambas yet. I’m not 100% sure that I will. I don’t mind following a trend, but I also like getting something with the same vibe to see if I really like the shoes or if I just want to be trendy. I want a closet full of things that I’ll want to wear regardless of their current popularity status, but I also need to find some more sneakers to wear once it gets cooler. I purged and donated most of mine earlier this year so I’m working with slim pickings.

Adidas Gazelle

The Gazelle is an easy alternative to the Samba. They basically look the same, but the Gazelle has a transparent sole and is a little less flat. I like that it comes in a ton of colors so you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from. The only downside is that most of them are suede so you don’t want to ruin them by getting them wet. This is not a rainy day shoe.

Adidas Spezial

Another option is the Adidas family, the Spezial is like a sister to the Samba it’s a little more angular at the back and has a bit of a raised heel, but the overall vibe is the same.

Dolce Vita Notice

The Dolce Vita Notice sneakers have an obvious similarity to Sambas. These also come in an array of colors and even a fun leopard print and glitter option.

Puma Palermo

I can picture myself wearing the Puma Palermo with jeans and a button down or with a sweater dress to run errands. There is a sea of colorways so you’re bound to find something that will make your heart smile.

Converse Run Star

I’m digging how the Converse Run Star has a more interesting sole than the Samba. This is a really good option if you want the sleekness of a Samba without looking like a Samba. I’m loving this green and there’s a blue pair I’m looking at too.

Now for a few lesser-known options…

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Gola Viper

I love the idea of this pair of Gola Vipers as an alternative to the Samba OG in the colorway that’s everywhere. It’s the picture at the top of this post. I like how the sole is warmer here so the shoe overall isn’t as grey.

Alohas Tb. 490

I love these red Alohas Tb. 490! They come in neutral too, but I didn’t want this list to be overly neutral colored. Though I love wearing neutrals, I’m working on introducing color into my looks again mostly via my accessories. I might have to add these to my cart.

Goala Torpedo

I have a chocolate brown sneaker on my wishlist and this might be the one I get. I like the Gola Torpedo better than the Dolce Vita Notice because of the sole. This one has a more sleek silhouette than the Dolce Vita and that’s what I’m going for. This will work with dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans…basically everything I want to wear.

Fenty x Puma Avanti VL

The Fenty team strikes again! I have this shoe sitting in my cart right now. I’m trying to decide if I’ll really wear it. I love how it’s styled with a dress on the website and I’m thinking I want to do the same. I also think it would look cute with a black mock neck body con dress I already have. The Fenty X Puma Avanti VL is a combination of all of the styles I’m loving right now: an interesting sole, soccer shoe/ballet slipper-like silhouette, and a slight platform.

Only time will tell what I end up getting. My current bet is on the chocolate brown Gola Torpedos. They are meeting a current need. The Puma Palermo is right behind it, though. I wouldn’t mind having another pink shoe.