There's still plenty of football boot in the adidas Samba. The reinforced toe, flat gum sole and closely stitched leather panels all go back to its origins as a football training shoe in the 1950s. Those details have survived decades of changes in footwear, and the classic Samba OG remains remarkably close to the original design. Women's adidas Samba trainers now cover a much wider range, though, with different soles, materials and even fastening systems giving the familiar three stripes a new look.
adidas Samba OG: Leather, Suede and Gum Soles
The Samba OG is where most people start. A smooth leather upper, suede T-toe and textured gum rubber cupsole give it the low-profile shape that's been associated with adidas Originals for generations. Gold Samba lettering sits alongside the serrated three stripes, with the reinforcement across the forefoot remaining one of the shoe's most recognisable details.
White adidas Samba trainers with black stripes and a gum sole are probably the best-known combination, closely followed by the reverse black-and-white colourway. The OG is also available in cream, brown, burgundy and metallic finishes, with selected editions introducing full suede uppers, contrasting leather panels or different textures. The materials are worth checking, particularly if you're choosing between a traditional leather pair and a special edition.
Samba OG vs Sambae, LT and Samba Jane
The adidas Sambae keeps the recognisable Samba upper but lifts it onto a slightly higher, semi-translucent gum rubber sole. The raised profile is the main difference from the OG, alongside revised upper details and material combinations. It's an option for anyone who likes the original Samba but prefers a little more sole beneath the foot.
Samba LT goes back to the football archive for its defining feature. The extended fold-over tongue and stitched detailing resemble traditional leather football boots, with the familiar low rubber sole beneath. It has a stronger football influence than the standard OG, particularly around the laces and tongue.
The Samba Jane is the biggest departure. Its open instep and adjustable strap replace the traditional lace-up construction with a Mary Jane-inspired shape. Leather uppers, serrated three stripes and gum rubber keep the connection to the original Samba, while the different fastening creates a noticeably different fit and appearance.
Women's adidas Samba Colours and Collaborations
Black and white remain central to the range, but there's plenty to explore beyond those originals. Metallic silver Samba trainers make the leather panels and stitching more prominent, while brown, cream, green and red editions offer different combinations of contrasting stripes and gum rubber. The same colour can look quite different across an OG, Sambae or Samba Jane because the sole and upper proportions change.
adidas Originals has also revisited the Samba through collaborations, including Liberty London. These editions bring floral prints, patterned textiles and different leather finishes to the original design. Pro:Direct has carried Liberty London Samba OG releases alongside the regular range, making them worth looking out for if you're after something less familiar.
How Do Women's adidas Samba Trainers Fit?
adidas recommends your usual size for the standard Samba OG, although its own sizing guide notes that the shape can feel narrow for wider feet. Going half a size up may provide more room across the forefoot. The leather upper can soften with wear, but that doesn't replace choosing the correct length and width from the start.
Sizing is worth checking separately for Sambae, LT and Samba Jane. The higher sole of the Sambae, extended tongue of the LT and strap fastening of the Jane all change the construction, so don't assume every Samba will fit exactly like an OG.
For other adidas Originals classics, the women's Handball Spezial offers a predominantly suede upper and indoor handball heritage, while women's adidas Gazelle trainers include the classic Gazelle, Indoor and platform Bold editions.
Browse women's adidas Samba trainers at Pro:Direct Lifestyle by colour, model and UK size, or explore our wider women's adidas trainers collection.
