The Adidas Samba is everywhere. It's become one of the most popular trainers around, with influencers and celebrities alike loving the trainer's timeless design, iconic gum and how easy it is to pair with various outfits and looks.
If you're considering joining the trend of ultra-wearable, ultra-versatile trainers, you might want something different from Adidas Sambas.
Or, you might be looking for cheaper alternatives that replicate the classic sneaker look without replicating the price tag.
And that's precisely what we're doing in this guide from Slingo’s Lifestyle Blog.
Here, we explore the best alternatives and Samba lookalikes so you can try something different, save some money and tap into the minimalist aesthetic that seems to have the fashion world in a chokehold.
The 5 Best Adidas Samba Alternatives
In this section, we're rounding up some of the best alternatives to the Samba. These trainers boast similar design features to the Samba but are sure to freshen up your wardrobe and outfits.
So, without further ado, here are five of the best Samba alternatives.
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Nike Killshot 2
Price: £84.99
The Nike Killshot 2 is a fan favourite that boasts a clean, minimalist design similar to the Adidas Samba. However, the original Killshot trainer was released in 1979 as a court shoe, and this modern interpretation follows the same tennis shoe aesthetic.
Complete with a gum sole and leather upper. The main difference is that the Killshot 2 is adorned with Nike's iconic swoosh rather than Adidas's three-stripe motif.
Despite the differences in branding, the vibes are equally retro, making this one of the best Samba alternatives on the market.
Read our Nike vs Adidas guide to see which brand came out on top in our comparison.
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Onitsuka Tiger GSM
Price: £130
The Onitsuka Tiger GSM is a classic tennis sneaker with perforated detailing and a sporty edge, making it a great alternative to Samba.
This sneaker is ideal for those who want a timeless, athletic style with a modern twist. It's slightly more athletic than the Samba but offers similar versatility, making it suitable for casual streetwear and low-key sports activities.
Learn more about Onitsuka Tiger in our 'Onitsuka Tiger vs ASICS: Which Shoe Brand is Best?' guide. -
Veja Volley Canvas
Price: £110
Sustainability meets style with the understated Veja Volley Canvas. Known for its eco-friendly practices, Veja delivers a simple and chic low-top that closely mirrors the Adidas Samba's clean lines.
Inspired by Brazilian volleyball from the 1970s, Veja's Volley silhouette has a canvas upper and a subtle V logo on the side, making it a sleek, understated alternative to the Samba.
The Volley doesn't have the same suede and leather detailing as the Samba, but its ethical production and lightweight, breathable material make it an excellent alternative to the Samba that matches its timeless style.
Discover more about Veja's story and approach to sustainability in our Veja Esplar vs Campo guide.
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Vans Cruze Too ComfyCush Shoes
Price: £75
The Cruze too ComfyCush is a comfortable, street-ready trainer that takes the casual aesthetic of the Samba and gives it a bit of Southern Californian style. Equipped with Vans' signature ComfyCush technology, the Cruze is perfect for wearing all day, and their sleek upper and subtle detailing make them versatile enough to pair with most outfits.
While the gum sole isn't as prominent, the overall design exudes the same effortless style as the Samba. These are great for those who prioritise comfort without compromising on the minimalist aesthetic. -
Puma Palermo
Price: £80
Our final Samba alternative is the Puma Palermo. Originally released in the '80s, the Palermo is a regular sight on the terraces of football grounds across Europe, much like the Samba.
This latest version of the Palermo combines a soft grain leather upper, suede overlays, and a distinctive gum sole, echoing the beloved features of the Samba. Although there are clear similarities, the Palermo's slightly chunkier sole could be a comfier alternative to the Samba's slimmer profile.
Adidas and Puma have a long history, and you can explore it in our Adidas vs Puma comparison guide.
The 5 Best Adidas Samba Dupes
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Peacocks Women's White Retro Plimsoll Trainers
Price: £18.00
For an affordable alternative, the Peacocks Women's White Retro Plimsoll Trainers are a stylish solution that's less than half the price of the real deal. These classic white trainers have a simple design that is perfect for casual, everyday wear.
Complete with the T-shape toe box and gum sole, this Samba dupe includes a subtle grey side stripe that's similar to Adidas' legendary three stripes. -
Truffle Gabrielle Women's White Lace-Up Trainer
Price: £24.99
Available from Shoe Zone, this Truffle Gabrielle Women's White Lace-Up Trainer is another budget-friendly dupe for the Adidas Samba. With its simple white upper, black stripe, and classic lace-up design, this shoe offers a similar sleek and sporty look.
Elsewhere, the Gabrielle's brown sole and minimalist aesthetic make it easy to pair with a huge range of outfits, from jeans and joggers to dresses.
While it lacks the premium materials found in the Samba, the Truffle Gabrielle is the ideal stylish and affordable option. -
Zara Metallic Trainers Silver
Price: £35.99
For a more eye-catching alternative, the Zara Metallic Trainers offer a unique twist on the Samba style. These shoes are reminiscent of the hugely popular Silver Samba, made in collaboration with Wales Bonner.
Zara's striking metallic silver sneakers add a trendy, futuristic edge to the classic low-top silhouette, which debuted in the 1950s. Like the Wales Bonner shoe, the Zara trainer's mirror-like colour contrasts well with the clean, sleek silhouette of this Samba dupe.
If you want something with a bit more flair that makes a statement while maintaining the low profile of the Samba, the Zara trainers are a great option.
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H&M Trainers
Price: £27.99
H&M's trainers draw on the Samba's versatile, minimalist style, making them a perfect everyday option. Available in different colourways, including an understated light grey, these trainers include the T-style toebox and gum sole that Samba is famous for.
Our favourite colourway is natural white, which has a distinctive fraying effect on the fabric, making the trainer really stand out. Although the materials aren't as high-end as the Samba, this H&M dupe has an understated design and comfortable rubber sole, making it a perfect budget alternative for casual wear. -
Primark Gum Sole Low-Top Trainers
Price: £14.00
Finally, we have Primark's Gum Sole Low-Top Trainers. At first glance, these could be Sambas as they feature the hallmarks of the Adidas classic, like the toe box, white laces and sole.
The beige trainers, in particular, are a super-wearable Samba dupe that’ll pair perfectly with your favourite jeans and jacket combination.
While they might not be an exact replica of the Samba, these trainers are ideal for outings with friends and wearing as part of your laid-back weekend gear.
Where to Buy the Best Adidas Samba Alternatives?
The Adidas Samba remains an undoubtedly iconic trainer, but it's good to know there are plenty of alternatives and dupes on the market so you can refresh your style.
Whether you're looking for something as close to the original as possible, like the Shoe Zone or Primark trainers, or a trendy alternative like the Nike Killshot or Puma Palermo, we hope this guide has given you plenty of options.
For more dupes, check out the Slingo Lifestyle Blog, where you'll find the following guides and comparison pieces:
- Best Oodie Dupes
- Best Ugg Dupes
- Canada Goose vs The North Face: Which Jackets are Best?
- Hollister vs Abercrombie: A Clothing Brand Comparison
- Best Luxury Shoe Brands
- Best Mens Luxury Shoe Brands
- Best Affordable Luxury Clothing Brands
- Belstaff vs Barbour: Which Clothing Brand is Best?
- Gymshark vs lululemon: Which is Better?
- Rab vs The North Face: Which Outdoor Clothing Brand is Best?
- Gucci vs Louis Vuitton: Which Luxury Brand is Best?
- Fjern vs Rab: Which Outdoor Jacket Brand is Best?
