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    If you’re bored of adidas Sambas, these 13 alternatives are the perfect swap for summer

    Classic with a twist

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    women wearing some of the best adidas samba alternatives
    (Image credit: Franki Dammone, Oliver Bonas, Net-a-Porter)

    Marie Claire UK created this content as part of a paid partnership with Dolce & Gabbana. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Marie Claire UK.

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    • Best adidas Samba alternatives to shop:
    Valeza Bakolli's avatar
    By Valeza Bakolli
    Published 11 July 2024 In Buying Guides

    It truly has been the year of the elevated trainer. While we can thank the hugely viral adidas Samba for kickstarting our obsession with its quietly elegant design, we’ve clearly all moved on to newer, alternative styles.

    Colourful trainers! Retro styles! And even (*gasp*) the surprising return of the wedge trainer, these new designs all have the same ‘elevated casual’ vibe as our much-loved Sambas, but with a summery twist. Enter: the best adidas Samba alternatives to shop.

    These statement trainers are still an elevated take on the casual - but take it one step further, with uplifting colourful designs you simply have to throw on with boyfriend jeans and a simple white tee for an elevated yet deceptively comfy look. That’s exactly the type of low-effort, high-impact dressing I’m after. The Dolce & Gabbana trainers linked below, for example, speak to every one of my cravings for vintage design: unapologetically retro and achingly cool.

    A post shared by Franki Dammone ~ Outfit Inspo (@franki.dammone)

    A photo posted by on

    This influencer-approved trend is everywhere ATM - my social feed seems to be filled with the adidas Originals Gazelle and SL 72 styles. And it’s no wonder, as they pair perfectly with pretty much everything - from summer dresses and high-ankle socks to linen trousers and co-ords. But there are even more Samba alternatives out there than just these two.

    In this unpredictable British summer weather, I’m never sure whether to bring an umbrella or pair of sunglasses out with me. Most often, I require both. The best adidas Samba alternatives offer a practical (yet chic) alternative to my favourite go-with-everything sandals, without compromising on a summery style. How perfect.

    So I’ve done all the hard work for you and picked out the best adidas Samba alternatives available to shop right now. You are very welcome.

    A post shared by Rita Montezuma (@ritamontezuma)

    A photo posted by on

    Best adidas Samba alternatives to shop:

    Dolce & Gabbana, Mixed-Material DG Cushion Sneakers

    Dolce & Gabbana, Mixed-Material DG Cushion Sneakers
    £385 AT DOLCE & GABBANA

    Featuring classic colours and a simple streamlined shape, this is the ideal retro-style sneaker.

    adidas, SL72 OG Shoes in Preloved Brown

    adidas, SL72 OG Shoes in Preloved Brown
    £80 AT ADIDAS

    I'm lusting after the SL72s in this chocolate brown colourway.

    Saye M89 Icon - Lilac

    Saye M89 Icon - Lilac
    £106 AT SAYE

    I'm a huge fan of this lilac and white colourway.

    Gola Torpedo Trainers

    Gola Torpedo Trainers
    £105 AT ANTHROPOLOGIE

    Silver trainers are really having a moment, these Gola ones will pair with neutral and colourful outfits alike.

    adidas Originals Gazelle Indoor leather-trimmed suede sneakers

    adidas Originals Gazelle Indoor leather-trimmed suede sneakers
    £90 AT NET-A-PORTER

    The adidas Originals Gazelle is a failsafe choice - these green trainers are so easy to style.

    VEJA V-90 Trainers

    VEJA V-90 Trainers
    £130.99 AT FENWICK

    If you prefer to be a bit more subtle with colour, these Vejas will pair beautifully with neutral outfits.

    Adidas Originals SL 72 RS leather and suede-trimmed mesh sneakers

    Adidas Originals SL 72 RS leather and suede-trimmed mesh sneakers
    £80 AT NET-A-PORTER

    These yellow and blue SL72s have been super popular with influencers.

    New Balance 327 trainers

    New Balance 327 trainers
    £66 AT NEW BALANCE (WAS £110)

    These New Balance 327s are popular for a reason. They offer a little extra height without compromising the classic style - plus they're currently 40% off in the New Balance sale, no biggie.

    Asics HAY x SKYHAND OG Trainers

    Asics HAY x SKYHAND OG Trainers
    £115 AT ASICS

    These trainers come in sky blue, lilac and green - I want them all.

    Reebok Club C Grounds suede trainers with gum sole in red

    Reebok Club C Grounds suede trainers with gum sole in red
    £85 AT ASOS

    I'm a sucker for a red trainer, so of course I had to include these suede Reeboks.

    Tommy Jeans Branded Lace Up Trainers

    Tommy Jeans Branded Lace Up Trainers
    £36 AT TKMAXX (WAS £90)

    For something a little more pared-back, these classic logo trainers perfect the retro look. They're also massively discounted ATM.

    Genesis G-Volley Mesh Sunny Yellow Vegan Trainers

    Genesis G-Volley Mesh Sunny Yellow Vegan Trainers
    £110 AT OLIVER BONAS

    Yellow is probably the most popular option for colourful trainers right now, and these classic gum sole trainers are on my list.

    Gola Classics Women's Elan Trainers

    Gola Classics Women's Elan Trainers
    £90 AT GOLA

    Introducing the perfect pair of burgundy trainers. These will easily elevate a jeans-and-T-shirt outfit.

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    Valeza Bakolli
    Valeza Bakolli
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    Junior Shopping Editor

    Valeza Bakolli is Marie Claire’s Junior Shopping Editor, and as such, she’s made it her mission to encourage people to shop mindfully and with purpose. In her role, she covers all things shopping - from thoroughly road testing the best fitness kit to keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s new in fashion and beauty. She dedicates hours of her time every day to scouring the online stores, finding the best products online so you don’t have to (from small and sustainable businesses wherever possible, of course).

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