There’s little doubt about it: Adidas Samba OG Footwear are the It woman sneakers of 2025. They’re smooth, sporty, and go along with just about any outfit. However if you happen to’ve ever tried to purchase a pair, you may’ve seen that in style sizes and colours often promote out. That’s why we’re on a quest to search out Adidas Samba alternate options—sneaks that look simply as cool however are simpler to get your fingers on (that’s, till they go viral).
SELF editors are continuously testing sneakers as a part of our annual Sneaker Awards, so discovering stylish, cozy Samba swaps turned out to be as simple as asking across the lunch desk. Take a look at our favorites beneath.
Our high picks
- Greatest Total: Gola Elan Sneaker, $110
- Runner-Up: Nike Cortez, $90
- Greatest for Slender Toes: Vans Tremendous Lowpro Sneaker, $85
- Greatest for Flat Toes: Reebok Basic AZ Sneaker, $75
- Greatest for Vast Toes: Naturalizer Medina Lace Up Sneaker, $99
On this article
Store the most effective Adidas Samba alternate options
We gained’t blame you if you happen to can’t select only one pair.
Greatest Total: Gola Elan Sneaker
A number of SELF editors love Gola Elans as a result of they’re fast to interrupt in, simple to fashion, and run true to measurement. “They arrive in so many enjoyable and distinctive colorways, add some spice to any outfit, and are so snug,” SELF’s particular tasks coordinator, Paige Levinson, says. “I wore them strolling all day in NYC and skilled zero foot ache or blisters!”
SELF’s visuals director, Kathryne Corridor, throws them on with each outfit. “I can put on all of them day on the workplace and exit at night time after with the identical pair,” she says. “The low profile makes them look nice with denims or a costume.”
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Supplies: Suede, leather-based, rubber
Runner Up: Nike Cortez
“The Nike Cortez is a real retro traditional,” says SELF’s affiliate social media supervisor, Katie Gunderman. “They have been first designed in 1972 and are nonetheless being worn as we speak, which is fairly spectacular, if you happen to ask me!”
The sneakers have a slim profile, like Sambas, however stand out with a sporty cloth higher, the enduring Nike swoosh, and metallic particulars that Gunderman is “completely obsessed” with. “The Cortez are a snug life-style shoe that’ll by no means exit of favor—I’ve actually had mine for 9 years, and I nonetheless attain for them,” she says.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Supplies: Suede, cloth, foam, rubber
Greatest for Slender Toes: Vans Tremendous Lowpro Sneaker
Can’t discover a sneaker that’s really snug in your slender toes? The battle is actual—give these a strive. SELF senior commerce author Sara Coughlin is a self-confessed “trend sneaker hater” as a result of “they by no means really feel cushioned, supportive, or sturdy sufficient,” however these are the exception.
“They’re simply the comfiest Samba-esque sneakers I’ve tried,” she says, including that their form matches her slender toes rather well. “Their insoles are padded sufficient to cushion my steps—I don’t really feel the pavement as firmly as I do with different life-style sneaks—and preserve my occasional plantar fasciitis from flaring up.”
Sizes: 5 to 14.5 | Supplies: Leather-based, suede, rubber
Greatest for Flat Toes: Reebok Basic AZ Sneaker
These throwback Reeboks are a supercomfy must-have—simply ask Erica Sloan, SELF’s senior well being author. “The ribbed outsole offers them a sporty really feel (and a few further traction), however they pair simply as nicely with athleisure as they do with denims,” she says.
Due to their delicate, versatile higher, these sneakers are comfortably comfortable on Sloan’s slender, flat toes—no rubbing or pinching to talk of, even when she’s logging some critical miles. “They’re the best bopping-around shoe with a enjoyable, retro silhouette,” she says.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Supplies: Suede, EVA, rubber, textile
Greatest for Vast Toes: Naturalizer Medina Lace Up Sneaker
I’ve been carrying these sneaks nonstop since I obtained them a couple of months in the past—the Lilypad Inexperienced model turned me into an announcement shoe fan.
My first weekend in them, I walked for miles and didn’t assume something of it—they seamlessly molded to my toes (and didn’t trigger blisters, due to some further padding across the ankles). They’ve rapidly develop into my go-tos for working errands or assembly up with mates across the metropolis. Bonus for my extensive toes girlies: They arrive in medium and extensive sizes (which is fairly uncommon—if you recognize, you know).
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Supplies: Leather-based, suede, artificial rubber
Extra nice choices
Nonetheless haven’t discovered your excellent match? Store much more tried-and-true picks.
New Stability RC42 Sneaker
These New Stability sneakers happy my want for Sambas once I purchased them a yr in the past. Their minimalist design is precisely what I used to be searching for in an on a regular basis shoe, and their delicate, frivolously padded soles preserve my toes feeling contemporary once I’m out and about.
Sizes: 6 to fifteen.5 | Supplies: Suede, mesh
Skechers Slip-ins Hotshot Sneaker
I imply it once I say that these Skechers should go viral. They’re a real slip-on, that means their stretchy laces don’t should be tied and you may actually step proper into them. I not too long ago wore these on a visit to Boston, the place I knew I used to be going to be strolling loads—I do know I like (and belief) a shoe if I’ll journey with it.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Supplies: Artificial leather-based, suede
Puma Speedcat OG
Puma actually knew what they have been doing with the Speedcat OG. These low-profile sneaks are available in funky colours that’ll positively get you some compliments.
“I’ve the pink ones, they usually make any outfit with denims or trousers look a lot extra enjoyable! I believe they’re the right pop to boost my work outfits,” Gunderman says. “They’re additionally cozy to put on strolling all day, in your commute, and across the workplace.”
Sizes: 5.5 to 11 | Supplies: Leather-based, suede, rubber
How we selected the Adidas Samba alternate options
The SELF workers examined each single pair of sneakers on this checklist for months (and, in some circumstances, years). We’ve worn them whereas strolling, working, touring, brunching, concert-going, and extra. Now that we’ve put them by means of their paces, we’re optimistic that these are the most effective Samba-esque sneakers cash should purchase.
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