It’s fair to say that Adidas Sambas have had a hard time of it lately. Since Rishi Sunak declared his longtime devotion to the shoes beloved by so many, the Sambas lost their magic and people across the country started desperately searching for the next best thing. This week might be the turning point the Samba needs, however, as the new Wales Bonner collection for Adidas Originals just launched, restoring the shoe’s street cred and reminding us all of why we loved them so much in the first place.
©Viviane Sassen
For her spring/summer 2024 offering for Adidas Originals, Grace Wales Bonner was inspired by the marathon runners of Iten, Kenya, creating pieces which act as ‘an ode to resilience, endurance and dedication.’ As in previous collections, all of which have enjoyed sell-out success, Wales Bonner has reimagined pieces from the Adidas archives, lending her signature brand of cool to tracksuits, trainers and everything in-between.
There are two Samba silhouettes this time – the classic Samba and the Samba Millennium – both in two different colourways, while the other Adidas classic to get the Wales Bonner treatment is the SL 76. Reworked in yellow with black stripes and light blue with black stripes, the vintage vibes tie-in perfectly with the current craving for nostalgic pieces which feel fresh again in 2024.
©Viviane Sassen
Given that this collection is a celebration of athletic achievement, it’s no surprise that world class Adidas runners were recruited for the campaign, captured by photographer Viviane Sassen. Athletes including Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Bethwel Yegon, Nelly Chepchirchir, Charles Simotwo, Cornelius Kemboi and Barselius Kipyego all feature, showcasing everything from the outerwear to the logo socks.
The collection launched on 21st May and has already sold incredibly quickly but you can still find pieces in stock, particularly at Flannels, which seems to have a great selection of sizes left. Get in there before the Prime Minister beats you to it.
Shop: Adidas Originals By Wales Bonner
Banish all thoughts of Rishi Sunak and rest assured that these Sambas are the trainers to be seen in this summer.
Also available in this colourway, these shoes will be one of the first pieces to sell out, so be quick.
Taking inspiration from the running archives, these trainers will soon be your new favourite everyday shoe.
Also available in this light blue shade, these SL 76 trainers are going to give the Sambas a run for their money.
The most affordable item in the collection, these will look great with cropped jeans and, you guessed it, your favourite Sambas.
Fully reversible, you can wear this as a plain mac or with the distinctive checked print on show.
Made of pure organic cotton, this is like your favourite simple T-shirt. But better.
Super versatile, wear this on its own with your favourite jeans during the summer and then layer over midi dresses when it’s colder.
A new take on the classic Samba Millennium shoes, these two-tone trainers have a satin lining for luxurious comfort.
This version of the Samba combines rich, premium leather with soft pony-hair for a cool contrast.
With delightfully retro vibes, you’ll want to make this your new summer jacket (because, let’s face it, we’re going to need one).
You could wear these with the matching jacket for the full look but I’d also suggest pairing with a white vest and heeled sandals for a laid-back approach to dressing up.
Another nostalgic piece in the collection, this jersey track top has a neutral stand-up collar and the classic three stripes down the side.
