adidas Drops Leather In Favor Of Nylon For The Latest Samba OG

The nylon uppers are a departure from the typical leather.

Frankie Cruz Jr. December 29th, 2023 (updated)

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The adidas Samba is heralded as a quintessential classic, but a new twist sees a departure from the tried-and-true ways that put the adidas Samba on the map.

The silhouette has almost always featured a smooth leather upper, but that’s been swapped out for a nylon material. Available in “Focused Olive” and “Preloved Ink S24” colorways, we’re curious to see if the sneakerhead community embraces or rejects the new feel of these Sambas.

From afar, the new shoes don’t look that different from their hide-based counterparts. A closer look reveals uncharacteristic wrinkles in the upper, while reflective material used on the adidas three-stripe logo and backstay illuminate when hit with bright lights. The eyestay and collar retain their leather composition, which is likely done in the name of durability, and the sole is made up of a rubber that’s familiar to any Samba fanatic.

If you prefer classic leather or suede builds, check out the latest drops in our adidas Samba category.