Sambas are back

One of Adidas oldest, best selling and most recognizable shoes are back with a new look. With 35 million sold world wide it is Adidas's second best selling shoe. The shoe was originally produced in 1950 for soccer players training on icy hard ground. The signature tan gumsole is what gives it so much traction, making it popular among indoor soccer players, and distinguishes it from other Adidas shoes.

The original sambas were almost all black with three stripes down the side, a tan gumsole and a long foldable tongue allowing you to tie the lasses over it. Their popularity in the soccer world caused them to transfer over into mainstream popularity and were no longer worn just for sport.

New Sambas maintain a similar look, yet put more emphasis on style than on practical usage. They are still low tops with the signature three stripes and swayed front tip along with the visible sole around the edges. The difference is now the tongue is much shorter and they have a slightly thicker and flatter bottom. Perhaps the biggest change, however, is the colors. Originally sambas only came in black or other bland colors, but now you can get them in almost any vibrant color you please. This new look has brought an old favorite back to life with a new style and purpose.