While the resounding return of the adidas Samba may have initially seemed surprising, in hindsight it turned out to be quite logical.
Let us clarify the context of this return.
It's the very beginning of 2024. Nike , the world's number one shoemaker, seems to have covered the issue with its Dunk Low , which sneaker lovers and newbies alike are starting to abandon. The desire for new products is sorely felt. However, the Swoosh brand is unable to offer them anything. All eyes are therefore logically turning to its rival, adidas , with the welcome support of a handful of models whose aura goes far beyond the confines of Fashion Week catwalks. Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner... These undisputed queens of fashion with millions of followers on social media will propel the adidas Samba to the top , to the great pleasure of its manufacturer, who then only had to finish the job. And the least we can say is that he didn't need to be asked twice.
You have the proof right here, on Limited Resell , and every day on the street, in transport and even in the office.
However, does Samba owe its salvation solely to the cream of influencers?
Not at all. We're talking about a shoe that's both historic and classic, and which also boasts many assets that just needed to be dusted off to allow it to better win back the hearts and feet of all those who love sneakers, near and far.
The adidas Samba was born in its original form in 1949. It is the work of Adi Dassler himself, the founder of the brand with the 3 stripes, who at that time was looking for a way to offer more stability, and more generally comfort , to footballers playing on frozen ground . It is therefore not born yesterday, even if the trainer as we know it so well today owes its style above all to the 1972 version . A style specific to adidas "terrace shoes" which is characterized, as its name suggests, by a low upper and a thin, flat sole , close to the ground. The other distinctive element of the Samba is certainly its T-shaped " toe box " which can be found on another sure value of the German firm: the adidas Gazelle . It is not uncommon for the two references to be confused. Fortunately, the creatives at the adidas Originals division quickly took the initiative to brand their best-sellers with gold.
Did you know: The adidas Originals division, whose logo is a trefoil, brings together adidas' lifestyle models.
Over the years, adidas has done everything to preserve the comfort of the Samba , both for futsal fans and sneaker fans. This is ensured by a soft leather upper coupled with a lightweight sole characteristic of these famous "terrace shoes". This is certainly the main asset of the oldest of adidas trainers .
Yes, the Samba is even older than the Stan Smith , whose first traces date back to (only) 1964. And, just like it, the shoe initially designed for playing football was released in a wide range of colors to establish its dominance on the streets. In the 1970s, the Samba was able to seduce the supporters of the major British football teams, starting with hooligans who were able to wear the colors of their favorite club from head to toe.
From the football pitch to the stage, it was a short leap that some artists, like Freddy Mercury (see photo above), took brilliantly. This ensured a bright lifestyle future for the silhouette. Its expansion into the street continued even more strongly 20 years later when it found favor with skateboarders. The adidas Samba is far more versatile than you might think.
Did you know: The adidas Samba comes in different forms. The first, more popular, is none other than the Samba OG . It differs mainly from the Samba Classic thanks to its shorter tongue and construction more suited to everyday use. Conversely, with its raised tongue and more robust structure, the Samba Classic will flourish on the feet of football players, and even more so futsal players.
Since the beginnings of its urban reconversion, Samba has always maintained a strong connection with trainers while preserving its sporting roots. Roots to which the equipment manufacturer paid homage in 2014 through the various versions of the Super Battle Pack. That year, the FIFA World Cup was hosted in Brazil, as in 1954. On this occasion, adidas wanted to highlight the excitement of the competition, heightened by the Brazilians' naturally festive penchant and their traditional dance: the samba.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Limited Resell (@limited_resell)
With the recent strong comeback of the model, including on Limited Resell , adidas has initiated a series of major collaborations with some of the most prominent labels and designers of the moment. These include Pharrell, JJJJound, Sporty & Rich and of course Wales Bonner . It is undoubtedly to the young London designer that we owe the most hyped limited editions of the timeless low-top sneaker. By marking it with her signature style, a perfect balance between sport and fashion, Wales Bonner has brought the Samba into a new, subtly luxurious era, preserving the football heritage left by Adi Dassler. This is evidenced by the ''Wonder Clay/Royal'' version that you can find on the store, in a new and 100% authentic version , alongside the other essential references of the collection.
Please note that the adidas Samba fits true to size . You can therefore opt for your usual size, unless you like to be particularly comfortable in your shoes, especially in the arch area. Please note that the shoe has a small reinforcement in this area. In this case, we recommend you opt for a half size larger . And if you are still unsure, do not hesitate to contact our customer service to choose the right pair of Samba for you on Limited Resell .
If you're looking for rare Sambas, we recommend checking out the Limited Resell website, THE place to find authentic limited edition trainers !
Available on Limited Resell
Father’s Day is coming up, and like every year, the real question is back: what can you give a dad without falling into the same old, overdone gift? This time, forget the “best dad in the world” mug and go for a selection of cool, useful and stylish pieces instead. Everyday essentials he can actually wear, well-chosen sneakers, a bit of comfort, and a few ideas that genuinely feel good to receive. Here’s our gift guide for dads who like to have style, without overdoing it.
June 15, 2026 · 2 min read
Which trainers to wear to work? Stylish and office-appropriate models Wearing trainers to the office is now widely accepted. Dress codes have evolved, and many companies now allow more casual attire, provided it remains professional. The goal is to choose trainers suitable for a professional environment that combine comfort, understated style, and elegance.
February 11, 2026 · 2 min read
Our selection of running shoes: performance, comfort and style Running has become an essential activity, whether for improving endurance, clearing your head, or simply staying active. But to run comfortably, choosing the right shoes is crucial. Each type of run requires a suitable pair, capable of absorbing shock, stabilizing the foot, and providing good energy return. At Nike , as with other major running brands, innovations now cater to all types of runners, from beginners to seasoned pros.
April 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Tired of sneakers you see everywhere? At Limited Resell, we also love pairs that clearly don’t go unnoticed. Flashy colors, unexpected prints, original collaborations… we’ve picked out 6 of our quirkiest models for those who’d rather stand out from the crowd than follow the trend.
August 13, 2026 · 1 min read
This summer, Adidas blends the worlds of sport, ballet flats and animal print with two new versions of the Taekwondo Mei Ballet. A slim, lightweight and bold silhouette, perfect for anyone looking to switch things up from classic sneakers. Inspired by taekwondo shoes, this model stands out with its low, streamlined shape, close to a ballet flat. Its leopard print adds a fashion-forward touch, while the iconic Adidas three stripes give structure to the silhouette.
August 5, 2026 · 1 min read
Gifting a pair of sneakers is an excellent idea for a birthday, Christmas, or any other special occasion. But when you don’t know the person’s exact tastes, picking the right model can quickly become tricky. To avoid getting it wrong, it’s best to go for a timeless pair that’s comfortable and easy to style. Here are the easiest sneakers to give as a gift, even if you don’t know the recipient’s style inside out.
July 30, 2026 · 2 min read