Samba OG, Sambae, LT or Ballerina: which Samba is which?
Put two white Sambas side by side and they can be different shoes. One sits low on its gum sole. The other rides on a thick midsole. The model name in the title is the clue, so read it before you pick a samba.
- Samba OG: the classic. A leather upper with suede overlays and a suede T-toe, on a gum rubber outsole. adidas says it was born on indoor football pitches.
- Sambae: a women's version with a leather and synthetic upper on an exaggerated midsole, still with a gum rubber outsole.
- Samba LT: adidas calls it a lightweight, lifestyle-ready take on the Samba, with a leather upper and gum rubber outsole.
- Samba OG Ballerina: the 3-Stripes with a mary jane look, on a leather upper and rubber outsole.
More from the same family sits in adidas Originals shoes.
Adult sizes come in thirds
Adult Sambas here use EU sizes that step in thirds: 38, 38 2/3, 39 1/3, 40, and so on, from 36 up to 49 1/3. So a pair listed as 39 1/3 sits between 38 2/3 and 40, not at 39. Kids' sizes add half steps, such as 28 1/2 and 30 1/2, and baby sizes run in whole numbers from 16.
Sambas for kids, from first steps to juniors
For babies, the Samba Shoes Infants keep the smooth leather upper, suede T-toe and grippy rubber outsole. The Adifom Samba 360 adds a light Adifom midsole and a hook-and-loop closure. Toddlers can wear the Samba OG Comfort Closure with elastic laces, and the juniors' Samba OG adds a cushioned sockliner. See all kids' lifestyle shoes.
If this is your first pair, start with the Samba OG in white or black. If you want more height, look at the Sambae. For a baby, choose the Adifom Samba 360 with its hook-and-loop strap.
