13 Adidas Sambas Alternatives Set to Be the Next Viral Sneaker

We’re undeniably amidst a major Adidas Sambas wave. The viral sneaker style has been trending for a while, but it seems like in recent months, we’ve seen some variation of Sambas everywhere we look. We’re not saying that’s a bad thing, but given the shoes have gotten so popular that they’re hard to find and subject to major markups, it might be time to look at similar-but-different options to Adidas Sambas for fall. We’ve searched Adidas and other go-to sneaker brands and found some of our favorite sneakers that give off the Samba vibe in their own way. Scroll on for 13 Sambas sneaker alternatives to shop right now.

About the Trend

In case you haven’t noticed in the past few years, Adidas Sambas are the it-shoe. More than just a trend at this point, they’re an ever-popular viral staple, and it’s easy to see why. The shoe’s retro design, affordable price tag (when available, of course), and wearability all make it have major appeal, plus when you pair that with their go-to status among trendsetting celebrities like Bella and Gigi Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, and countless influencers, we have a bona fide hit on our hands.

The only downside? All these perks have made the shoe hard to find, and it can go for double the price on resale sites. Luckily, there’s a range of other trending styles on the rise, alongside plenty of lesser-known sneakers worth your consideration for achieving a comfortable, street style-adjacent vibe. Whether your dream pair is sold out or you’re looking for a new addition to your lineup, scroll on for 13 standout shoes like Sambas to consider.

The Best Adidas Sambas Alternatives to Shop

Adidas Velosamba Vegan Cycling Shoes

The Adidas Velosambas are almost dead ringers for the original Sambas design. The only difference is that these sneakers were designed specifically for cyclists, hence the two-bolt cleats on the bottom, which can click into your bicycle. You definitely don’t need to be a biker to rock these sneakers, though: They’re great city shoes, and we love that the vegan upper is coated for water resistance.

Adidas Gazelle Shoes

The Adidas Gazelles were first released in the ’90s, but the brand has brought the style back as an archive edition. This may be a controversial take, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the Gazelles soon become the most coveted Adidas sneakers. The design doesn’t stray far from the Sambas, but the suede upper feels like a perfect fit for fall.

New Balance RC30 Sneakers

If Adidas is the go-to sneaker brand right now, New Balance isn’t far behind. While the brand’s Sambas sneaker alternatives may be more functional than fashionable, they’re great walking shoes, which we certainly value. Some influencers have even paired the shoes with sundresses and skirts, in the spirit of the wrong shoe theory.

Gola Elan

Gola’s sneakers are a more under-the-radar version of Adidas Sambas. Our favorite part is that they come in a whole range of fun colors. Like Adidas Gazelles, these sneakers are also made with suede, giving them a retro feel.

Adidas Originals + Wales Bonner SL76

Adidas’s collaboration with Wales Bonner gave us one of the most talked-about sneaker styles in recent memory (the metallic silver Sambas), but these knit low-tops are also getting lots of love. The blue colorway with black accents feels both classic and cool, so these sneakers are welcome Sambas alternatives.

Puma Suede Classic XXI Sneakers

This style of Puma sneakers, dubbed “The Suede,” first released in 1968, yet the style remains just as relevant today. These classic shoes are great for daily wear, whether paired with jeans and a sweater or even a maxi dress. Plus, you can’t beat that price point.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

Want to jump on the next trend? Onitsuka Tiger’s Mexico 66s are almost as hard to get as Sambas. The ultra-popular shoes appeal to all genders and ages, much like their Adidas counterparts. The black and white variant is great for everyday, but the yellow and black version, also known as the “Kill Bill shoe” (IYKYK), is also having a moment.

Adidas Originals Handball Spezial

The Handball Spezial sneakers from Adidas closely resemble Sambas, but the sole was created with handball players in mind. Even if you aren’t wearing these shoes on the court, they’re just as stylish as the Sambas, plus they come in striking color options like this mineral green pair.

BrandBlack No Name Suede

BrandBlack has quickly become a name to know in the sneaker world. These fashionable yet sporty sneakers are just as easy to wear as Sambas, with some key differences. For one, this is a platform sneaker style. The Samba is a very flat shoe, so if you’re looking for a little lift, this might be a great option.

Staud + Keds The Court Sneaker

Keds is having a renaissance of sorts thanks to high-profile collaborations, like this one with Staud. These sneakers are designed for courts (pickleball courts, that is), but the style is sleek enough to wear every day. We definitely plan to jump on the Keds train this fall.

Adidas Campus 00s Shoes

Adidas’s Campus 00s are becoming just as popular as the Sambas and the Gazelles. These are designed with skateboarding in mind, so they’re a bit more durable, and they’ll mold to your feet over time. Also, given the current onslaught of Y2K trends, you can trust us that these shoes are only going to grow in popularity.

Løci Neo

Not only are Løci’s sneakers incredibly cool-looking, but they’re also ethically made, which makes them all the better. While they’re a bit pricier than Sambas, the brand’s focus on sustainability is a major plus and worth the investment if you’re into this design. We love the accent colors, which add a fun pop to the otherwise white sneakers.

Puma Palermo Leather Sneakers

Puma Palermos have recently kicked off as the next viral sneaker, with celebs like Emily Ratajkowski jumping on the trend. Available in an array of color options, their low profile and retro design make them versatile and quickly becoming comparable in popularity to Sambas.