The adidas Samba, a timeless classic in the world of footwear, is in the midst of a resurgence, and Grace Wales Bonner and her eponymous fashion label are at the forefront of this revival. The latest Wales Bonner x adidas Samba collaboration showcases a bold, retro-inspired design that pushes the boundaries of the iconic silhouette.
In a departure from the understated, minimalist approach of previous Wales Bonner x adidas offerings, this new iteration embraces experimentation and unconventional design elements. The Samba’s signature shape serves as the foundation, but the construction has been reimagined in bold and innovative ways.
The toe box features a striking radial pattern that draws the eye to the quarter, where the signature Three Stripes branding is subtly integrated. The rear of the shoe continues the theme with tumbled brown leather, accented by exaggerated exposed stitching that sits prominently beneath the heel cup. The Samba Millenium midsole, borrowed from the adidas archives, adds depth to the design with its interplay of matte off-white and translucent gum tones, mirroring the aesthetic contrast found on the upper. A green silk sockliner completes the look, adding a pop of color to the otherwise neutral palette.
While the collaboration draws inspiration from adidas’ rich football heritage, the curved patterns pay homage to iconic models such as the Copa Mundial, with its distinctive bumpy toe box serving as a clear influence. The raw, natural tones hark back to the brand’s early days when tan leather dominated the catalog.
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The full Wales Bonner x adidas collection has been unveiled, featuring an alternative “Pony Nappa” edition of the “football stitching” Samba Millenium. This version features raw brown leather on the forefoot and vibrant “Royal Blue” pony hair on the heel cup, while maintaining the overall shape and construction, including the green sockliner and split sole.
In addition to the Samba Millenium styles, the collection includes two pairs of the classic Samba silhouette in “Wonder Clay” and beige colorways, as well as two pairs of the SL76 in contrasting black-on-blue and black-on-yellow palettes. The entire collection is inspired by the runners of East Africa, which is evident in the color schemes and design elements.
The Elephant Nappa and Pony Nappa styles will retail for $250, while all other shoe options will retail for $180. An extensive apparel collection will accompany the shoe release. The adidas Samba x Wales Bonner collection will launch on May 21.
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