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Adidas Upgrades Its Bestselling Sneaker in Every Way Imaginable

Style, substance, durability … this premium new take on the Three Stripes’ enduringly popular Samba raises the bar.

Close-up of the black Adidas shoe sole with textured tread and Adidas logo on the side against a yellow background.Adidas
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By Hayley Helms

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Although they’re too often used interchangeably, “fashionable” and “trendy” are quite distinct.

A piece can be both trendy and fashionable — but something fashion-forward doesn’t have to be trendy.

All-black Adidas sneaker with textured leather upper and rugged sole.
This dressed-up new Samba is as versatile as it is timeless.
Adidas

In fact, the shoes, jackets and clothing earning that label tend to be more timeless than trend-driven.

The latest edition of the Samba, which boasts premium materials and a chunkier, more rugged build, falls squarely into that camp.

Whether you wear them today or a decade from now, they’ll feel just as stylish.

Eternally fashionable

While it retains the streamlined DNA that made the shoe a hit in the first place, the newest take on the Samba parts from tradition in nearly every way possible.

Close-up of a black sneaker toe with textured leather and suede panels and black laces.
The standard suede T-toe remains, but the leather has been swapped for a more plush, pebbled option.
Adidas

The first clue is in the name: “freizeit” means “leisure time” in German, and the Samba Lux Freizeit Shoes use refined materials and a chunkier build to embody that laid-back approach.

The shoe has been given a blacked-out makeover, with the noticeably plusher upper constructed from a more premium, pebbled leather and complemented by the traditional suede overlays.

Close-up of the black leather Adidas sneaker heel with textured sole and embossed logo.
The new outsole is burlier and features deeper lugs, giving the whole shoe a more rugged appearance.
Adidas

The standard, thin outsole has also been swapped out for a bolder, chunkier option with deeper lugs for more traction.

The embossing near the side stripes, which is traditionally gold, has been removed, and the debossed tongue continues the monochromatic theme, delivering a quietly luxe aesthetic.

Top view of a black Adidas sneaker with textured leather and suede panels, black laces, and gold Adidas logo inside.
For the gold enthusiasts, don’t worry: there is a pop of the metallic hue on the insole.
Adidas

The result of the material and colorway updates is a silhouette that could easily pass for a dress shoe, but one that delivers all the comfort of the beloved standard edition — and maybe even more.

Availability and pricing

The Adidas Samba Lux Freizeit is available now on the brand’s website, retailing for $160.

It seems word has gotten out regarding these luxury-focused shoes, because men’s and women’s sizes are selling through quickly. If you want to score the timeless style, act sooner rather than later.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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