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The History of the adidas Samoa

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The History of the adidas Samoa

Jul 12, 2024

Every so often, adidas Originals pulls a shoe out of its archives and brings it to the forefront, even if it never fully left the collective consciousness. While Gazelles and Sambas have been the “it” shoe most recently, the semi-discontinued adidas Samoa shoe is back on the radar with its classic colorways and heritage design that’s strikingly similar to some of its counterparts. 

Read on for some of the history of the adidas Samoa shoes, along with a few outfits you can pair with them.

The Birth of the adidas Samoa

Bermuda, Bali, Tahiti, Jamaica, Hawaii, Samoa — each of these names evokes images of swaying palm trees, sugary white sand and crystalline water. But they’re also some of the more popular silhouettes in the late 1970s adidas “Islands Collection” lineup. And while it’s been a minute since we’ve seen a Bali or a Bermuda, the Samoas are still going strong all these decades later.


At the same time as their 1977 release, U.S. territory American Samoa had a budding national soccer/football scene, but didn’t formally create a program until 1980. So whether the creation of the Samoa silhouette was an early nod to the soccer team or just a standalone marketing tactic to sell more shoes is up in the air, but the working theory is the Samoa training shoes are named expressly after the island and its resilient residents.


Pretty quickly, though, the adidas Samoa became a leisure staple, thanks to the 1980s’ focus on casual sportswear. Its design includes a clean, low-profile silhouette with a durable genuine or synthetic leather upper, the signature Three Stripes and distinctive T-style toe guard.

A Rise in Popularity - adidas Samoa in blue

A Rise in Popularity

While you’re focused on copping the Sambas, Gazelles and Superstars, make sure you don’t sleep on the Samoas. While they haven’t gotten the same hype as other adidas models, they’ve been spotted on the feet of the famous through the years.


Well-known fans of the brand, the legendary hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. occasionally sported the kicks back in the ’80s. Pharrell Williams, Rihanna and other modern-day artists and influencers continue to showcase the sneaker’s versatility and casual-cool vibe when they’re out and about.

adidas Samoa Features - Samoa white/blue/gum colorway

adidas Samoa Features

“Born from sport and bred for style” is how adidas Originals describes the Samoa vintage shoes. Features of the sneakers include:

  • Leather or synthetic leather uppers
  • Three Stripes branding
  • Comfy textile lining, rubber outsole
  • Large toe bumper

While they’ve got the same “T” design along the toe, if you’re wondering about the differences between the adidas Samba vs. Samoa, you’ll find that the Samoa has a bulkier silhouette with a thicker sole and more prominent toe bumper than its counterpart. Eyestays of the Samoa are in a straight line, and the heel tab is smooth against the shoe. Given its thickness, the Samoa also offers a bit more in the way of comfort and support.

adidas Samoa Outfit Idea - adidas Samoa colorways

adidas Samoa Outfit Ideas

Looking for adidas Samoas in all colors? Like other adidas silhouettes, the Samoas are exceptionally versatile and provide comfort for everyday wear. Here are a few adidas Samoa outfit ideas for any occasion:

  • A midi skirt, cropped tank and jean jacket pair perfectly with a pair of black and white Adidas Samoas.
  • Let the contrasting Three Stripes of your Samoas pop by putting together a tonal outfit of red track pants and a red graphic tee worn with a pair of red Samoas with white stripes.
  • Give your toddler the grippy traction of a rubber gum outsole and heritage style of a pair of white Samoas with pink stripes. Their outfit will be a hit whether they wear them with a onesie and leggings or a sundress.
  • Have grade schoolers with dress code requirements? A pair of blue and white Samoa's will fit many uniform stipulations, and they’re versatile enough for weekend wear too.
  • Create a winter fit with black Samoas, your favorite denim pants, a polo and warm jacket.

Given that the other sneakers in the “Islands Collection” fell by the wayside, it seems that the adidas Samoa will continue to stick around for generations, and we’re here for the revival. Whether you stop into your local Hibbett store or you shop online, you can browse a selection of colorways offered in men’s, kids’ and women’s sizes, along with the apparel and threads to match.

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