Few collaborations have captivated the sneaker world like Wales Bonner‘s partnership with adidas, particularly their inventive take on the iconic adidas Samba. The latest release presents a compelling blend of retro aesthetics and contemporary design that pushes the boundaries of this classic silhouette.
Departing from the understated elegance of previous Wales Bonner x adidas Samba models, this iteration embraces experimentation. While the familiar outline of the Samba remains, the construction is radically transformed. The toe box, divided into a radial pattern, extends to the quarter where the signature Three Stripes branding is subtly displayed. The vamp continues this unconventional approach with tumbled brown leather and prominent exposed stitching under the heel cup.
The shoe features the Samba Millenium midsole, whose interplay of matte off-white and translucent gum echoes the contrasting aesthetic of the upper. A green silk sockliner adds a finishing touch that breaks up the otherwise neutral colorway. The design is inspired by adidas’ rich football heritage, with the Copa Mundial’s distinctive bumpy toe box serving as a clear reference point. The use of raw, natural tones also harkens back to the brand’s early days when tan leather was a defining feature.
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Extending the collection is the Pony Nappa edition, an alternative interpretation of the Samba Millenium’s “football stitching“. This variant replaces the forefoot with raw brown leather and introduces vibrant “Royal Blue” pony hair on the heel cup. The green sockliner and split sole remain consistent with the original design.
The collection goes beyond the Samba Millennium to include two traditional Samba pairs and two SL76 iterations. The classic Sambas feature a harmonious blend of blues and earth tones in “Wonder Clay” and beige colorways. The SL76, crafted from a simple combination of mesh and suede, is available in striking black-on-blue and black-on-yellow colorways. The entire collection is inspired by East African runners, which is reflected in the various colorways.
The “Elephant Nappa” and “Pony Nappa” editions will be available for $250 USD, while the remaining shoe styles will be priced at $180 USD. An extensive apparel collection will accompany the shoe release. Official images of the full adidas x Wales Bonner collection will be released ahead of the highly anticipated May 21st release date.
Read more: The adidas Samba gets a modern twist from Dingyun Zhang
©Photo: adidas
