If simplicity truly is the essence of beauty, then nothing embodies this adage better than the humble Adidas Samba—an accessible sneaker with the classic three stripes above a flat gum sole originally meant for utilitarian consumption but is now swinging through the high streets of fashion with presumptuous ease. From Hailey Bieber and A$AP Rocky to Rihanna and Harry Styles—celebrities have sworn allegiance to the trainer. However, hell broke loose when the British conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wore the classic white iteration to one of his interviews, causing backlash among fans for destroying the credibility of their favourite sneaker. Arguably, Sunak may not have the sartorial sense to make it work, nor the charm to carry it off as A-Lister. Yet, the fact that he picked Samba for his interview only affirms the immense popularity of the trainer, seven decades since it came out.

The sneaker was first designed by Adidas founder Adi Dassler for footballers as they struggled with their movement once winter dawned and the lush, green field gave way to hard and frosty surfaces. The original edition was all black, and prioritised functionality over design. Crafted with a sleek black kangaroo leather upper and a sturdy non-slip rubber sole, the Samba revolutioniszed the shape of football footwear well ahead of the technical advancements that would come in the late 1960s. On the eve of the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Adidas christened their latest design the Samba, drawing inspiration from the vibrant sounds and movements of the traditional Brazilian dance and music genre. Having undergone a series of adaptations since its inception, the iconic sneaker has expanded its reach beyond traditional sports to encompass a diverse array of athletic activities. It slowly made its way to Futsal culture, thanks to its sleek buildup and gummy sole. The Samba continues to be a ubiquitous presence on indoor football courts and futsal arenas. The introduction of the Velosamba model tailored specifically for cyclists further attests to the shoe's versatility. In response to the burgeoning interest from skateboarders, Adidas unveiled the skate-focused Busenitz Samba in 2006, paying homage to professional skater Dennis Busenitz.

Embodying the brand's commitment to innovation and adaptability, the Samba has solidified its status as an enduring icon in athletic footwear history. Beyond its utility on the field, the Samba endured long after its days on the pitch were done, finding a second life adorning the feet of fervent fans across Europe. When it comes to best-selling sneakers from Adidas, only Stan Smith ranks higher than Samba. Their rise to pop culture status occurred in the 90s, when they were sported by Oasis' Gallagher brothers and Ewan McGregor's character in the cult classic Trainspotting. Today, influential figures like Bella Hadid count themselves as fans of the iconic Adidas Samba.

While the shoe never went out of production, the demography it appealed to changed over time. It was not always as cool and quirky as it is today. Not very long ago, the only rightful place of Samba was your dad's feet: a sign of stability and stagnancy concomitant with a mid-life crisis. It was anything but stylish. What’s changed now? It's the combination of a plethora of factors that contributed to its renaissance. The rise of the Blokecore aesthetics coupled with intelligent collaborations made the Samba cool again. The partnership between Adidas Originals and British label Wales Bonner, featuring intricate crocheted details, was particularly successful, with the collection selling out in record time. Another noteworthy collaboration includes Pharrell Williams' Humanrace line, which debuted in November 2022 with a distinctive elongated tongue. The partnership continued with colour-themed iterations, ranging from soothing lilac purple to eye-catching red.

The Samba's popularity continued to soar as it secured a spot on Lyst's list of the hottest products of 2022, becoming one of the most coveted shoes that dominated social media feeds. It's been over seven decades since the OG Samba saw the light of day, and one shouldn't be surprised if it gently completes another seven. The enduring power of the shoe lies in its languid simplicity. In a time when experimentation has become the norm and over-the-top footwear designs are ubiquitous, the Samba provides a potent mix of comfort, nostalgia and everyday ease that makes it an unmatched in the sneaker Hall of Fame.