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There’s no doubt about it: Adidas Samba OG Shoes are the It girl sneakers of 2025. They’re sleek, sporty, and go with pretty much any outfit. But if you’ve ever tried to buy a pair, you might’ve noticed that popular sizes and colors frequently sell out. That’s why we’re on a quest to find Adidas Samba alternatives—sneaks that look just as cool but are easier to get your hands on (that is, until they go viral).
SELF editors are constantly testing shoes as part of our annual Sneaker Awards, so finding chic, comfy Samba swaps turned out to be as easy as asking around the lunch table. Check out our favorites below.
Our top picks
Best Overall: Gola Elan Sneaker, $110Runner-Up: Nike Cortez, $90Best for Narrow Feet: Vans Super Lowpro Sneaker, $85Best for Flat Feet: Reebok Classic AZ Sneaker, $75Best for Wide Feet: Naturalizer Medina Lace Up Sneaker, $99Shop the best Adidas Samba alternatives
We won’t blame you if you can’t choose just one pair.
Best Overall: Gola Elan Sneaker
Multiple SELF editors love Gola Elans because they’re quick to break in, easy to style, and run true to size. “They come in so many fun and unique colorways, add some spice to any outfit, and are so comfortable,” SELF’s special projects coordinator, Paige Levinson, says. “I wore them walking all day in NYC and experienced zero foot pain or blisters!”
SELF’s visuals director, Kathryne Hall, throws them on with every outfit. “I can wear them all day at the office and go out at night after with the same pair,” she says. “The low profile makes them look great with jeans or a dress.”
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Suede, leather, rubber
Runner Up: Nike Cortez
“The Nike Cortez is a true retro classic,” says SELF’s associate social media manager, Katie Gunderman. “They were first designed in 1972 and are still being worn today, which is pretty impressive, if you ask me!”
The sneakers have a slim profile, like Sambas, but stand out with a sporty fabric upper, the iconic Nike swoosh, and metallic details that Gunderman is “absolutely obsessed” with. “The Cortez are a comfy lifestyle shoe that’ll never go out of style—I’ve literally had mine for nine years, and I still reach for them,” she says.
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Suede, fabric, foam, rubber
Best for Narrow Feet: Vans Super Lowpro Sneaker
Can’t find a sneaker that’s actually comfortable for your narrow feet? The struggle is real—give these a try. SELF senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin is a self-confessed “fashion sneaker hater” because “they never feel cushioned, supportive, or durable enough,” but these are the exception.
“They’re easily the comfiest Samba-esque shoes I’ve tried,” she says, adding that their shape fits her narrow feet really well. “Their insoles are padded enough to cushion my steps—I don’t feel the pavement as firmly as I do with other lifestyle sneaks—and keep my occasional plantar fasciitis from flaring up.”
Sizes: 5 to 14.5 | Materials: Leather, suede, rubber
Best for Flat Feet: Reebok Classic AZ Sneaker
These throwback Reeboks are a supercomfy must-have—just ask Erica Sloan, SELF’s senior health writer. “The ribbed outsole gives them a sporty feel (and some extra traction), but they pair just as well with athleisure as they do with jeans,” she says.
Thanks to their soft, flexible upper, these sneakers are comfortably snug on Sloan’s narrow, flat feet—no rubbing or pinching to speak of, even when she’s logging some serious miles. “They’re the ideal bopping-around shoe with a fun, retro silhouette,” she says.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Suede, EVA, rubber, textile
Best for Wide Feet: Naturalizer Medina Lace Up Sneaker
Naturalizer
Medina Sneaker
I’ve been wearing these sneaks nonstop since I got them a few months ago—the Lilypad Green version turned me into a statement shoe fan.
My first weekend in them, I walked for miles and didn’t think anything of it—they seamlessly molded to my feet (and didn’t cause blisters, thanks to some extra padding around the ankles). They’ve quickly become my go-tos for running errands or meeting up with friends around the city. Bonus for my wide feet girlies: They come in medium and wide sizes (which is pretty rare—if you know, you know).
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Leather, suede, synthetic rubber
More great options
Still haven’t found your perfect fit? Shop even more tried-and-true picks.
New Balance RC42 Sneaker
These New Balance sneakers satisfied my desire for Sambas when I bought them a year ago. Their minimalist design is exactly what I was looking for in an everyday shoe, and their soft, lightly padded soles keep my feet feeling fresh when I’m out and about.
Sizes: 6 to 15.5 | Materials: Suede, mesh
Skechers Slip-ins Hotshot Sneaker
Skechers
Slip-ins Hotshot Sneaker
I mean it when I say that these Skechers deserve to go viral. They’re a true slip-on, meaning their stretchy laces don’t need to be tied and you can literally step right into them. I recently wore these on a trip to Boston, where I knew I was going to be walking a lot—I know I like (and trust) a shoe if I’ll travel with it.
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Synthetic leather, suede
Puma Speedcat OG
Puma really knew what they were doing with the Speedcat OG. These low-profile sneaks come in funky colors that’ll definitely get you some compliments.
“I have the pink ones, and they make any outfit with jeans or trousers look so much more fun! I think they’re the perfect pop to spice up my work outfits,” Gunderman says. “They’re also comfy to wear walking all day, on your commute, and around the office.”
Sizes: 5.5 to 11 | Materials: Leather, suede, rubber
How we chose the Adidas Samba alternatives
The SELF staff tested every single pair of sneakers on this list for months (and, in some cases, years). We’ve worn them while walking, working, traveling, brunching, concert-going, and more. Now that we’ve put them through their paces, we’re positive that these are the best Samba-esque shoes money can buy.
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