Footwear Forecast: Is the Samba Over?
What shoe is everyone gonna wear next?
When Sambas first arrived on the scene in 2022, I thought they were going to be a micro trend. I was so used to popular silhouettes like Dunks and Jordans dominating my ‘For You Page’ and college campus, that I initially thought the Samba looked out of place and was a bit of an eyesore.
By Summer 2023, however, my perspective had shifted. While revamping my wardrobe, I found the shoe growing on me. Its simple yet versatile colorways complemented my capsule wardrobe, it wasn’t bulky, and it cost significantly less than rivals like the NB 550s and Dunks, which I had painfully shelled out over $200 for online. Once I placed my order, I found it made other shoes seem juvenile by comparison.
The two C's propelling Sambas into the fashion limelight are celebrity appeal and collaborations. With stars like Harry Styles and Timothée Chalamet sporting these shoes, they gained a celebrity stamp of approval, becoming an aspirational yet attainable item for fashionable Gen Z consumers. Additionally, collaborations with brands such as Wales Bonner and HumanRace, owned by Pharell Williams, piqued public interest in the shoe due to their variations of the silhouette which included crochet stitching and interesting color combinations such as Chrome silver (which I argue, started its own microtrend and was copied by other brands such as Onitsuka Tiger).
Although Sambas have cemented their status in footwear for the forseeable future, I can’t help but wonder what new shoe will dethrone the Samba’s two year reign.
For starters, I no longer think that we are in the era where just one shoe will dominate the footwear space — think Air Force 1. Instead, niche shoes from multiple brands will share their moment in the spotlight. In terms of design philosophy, there is still a high demand for sneakers that have a retro aesthetic, paired with a slimmer silhouette and a focus on quality materials like suede, leather, bold colors, and even animal prints.
Here are some predictions for the future of sneaker trends:
Adidas Taekwondo and Puma Speedcat - Micro Trend
Fashion influencers seem to be continuing the trend of exploring footwear from other sports categories. In this case, the Adidas Taekwondo and Puma Speedcat are inspired by martial arts and motorsports, respectively. Although both shoes have started gaining traction, I believe their popularity will phase out within a couple of months or remain exclusively in niche fashion circles. While they feature slim and retro-inspired designs, I feel that the logo-heavy Speedcat and performance-oriented Taekwondo designs don’t align with today’s minimalist trend, making them harder to style for the average consumer.
Puma Palermo, Adidas SL78, Adidas Spezial, Nike Cortez- Potential for Mainstream Success
On the other hand, the Puma Palermo, Adidas SL78, Adidas Spezial, and Nike Cortez are poised for mainstream success as retro sneaker trends continue to dominate fashion. Each model taps into a blend of nostalgia and timeless design, which appeals to the current tastes of the fashion scene.
Although the Puma Speedcats might not gain worldwide traction, the Palermo is more likely to capture a broader audience. With its origins in soccer and a name inspired by a city, it shares a similar background to the Adidas Samba. Its minimalist, vintage design makes it versatile for today's market, and much like the Samba, it could see widespread success.
Adidas seems to be capitalizing on the retro sneaker trend, continuously pushing new yet familiar models. The Spezial has gained traction, following closely behind the Sambas, while also benefitting from fresh colorways and collaborations. As its popularity continues to rise, it might peak next year, becoming another Adidas staple. Similarly, the SL78, Adidas' new addition to the retro lineup, shows promise. As a relative newcomer, it offers something fresh while maintaining the brand's vintage appeal, likely extending its shelf life.
The Nike Cortez, on the other hand, has a cyclical nature in fashion. It resurfaces every few years, driven by celebrity endorsements. Recently, figures like Jeremy Allen White have been spotted wearing them, reigniting interest in this iconic shoe.
As we navigate this dynamic sneaker culture, it’s fascinating to see how trends emerge and fade. With the Samba firmly entrenched in the spotlight, I’m curious about the new players poised to make their mark. Will the Puma Palermo capture the hearts of consumers, or will the Adidas SL78 take us back to the roots of retro style?