The Adidas Samba takes the crown for the Sneaker of the Year

And the Sneaker of the Year award goes to... the Adidas Samba!

AG CEO receives Top Honors at FN Achievement Awards

During the 2023 FN Achievement Awards, AG CEO Bjørn Gulden received the Shoe of the Year award from A$AP Nast. The achievement comes on the heels of a successful year for the popular soccer shoe, originally meant for the pitch but now hitting the concrete grounds of the world as a fashion icon.

Adidas CEO warns competitor Nike of future innovations

Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden also issued a warning to their fair competitor, the big swoosh company. “To the Nike people in the room, watch out,” Gulden said. “We have a lot in the pipeline... not a joke.”

Jordan Brand responds with confidence

Of course, Nike and Jordan Brand weren't going to remain silent. Jordan Brand chairman Larry Miller responded, “I want to say to the brands and folks that called us out earlier: Bring it on,” he said. “We’re ready for you.”

Jordan Brand's successful run in 2023 and future challenges

The two brands have had a successful run in 2023, with Jordan Brand going excessively hard on OG silhouette colorways starting with the Jordan 3 White Cement and Jordan 1 High OG Royal Reimagined. And of course, in 2024, the return of classic colorways such as the Jordan 4 Military Blue in OG fashion, as well as the iconic Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined. Even Complex rated Jordan Brand the top 2 sneakers of 2023, with the Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined coming in 2nd, and the number 1 spot taken by none other than the Jordan 4 SB Pine Green. We have no doubt seen some new and exciting takes on popular silhouettes, which have undoubtedly been the Jordan 4 last year and this year. With the Jordan 1 High OG and Low now losing favor and hype due to the high stock being produced and the lack of creativity among colorways, designs, and collaborations this year, Jordan Brand needs to change up their strategy if they plan on continuing to remain the more popular sneaker brand.

Adidas Samba: A journey from soccer cleat to fashion icon

But let's get back to our winners, the Adidas Samba. Originally designed and introduced to the world in 1949 as a soccer cleat to help players train on ice, as the shoe provided traction over slippery floors. It then made its worldwide debut in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. The name Samba was finally induced. Inspired by Brazilian music genre and dance style, the Samba became a world favorite for the soccer world. It would then become more popular for indoor soccer use, and later in the 90s be popular among the skateboard culture and had tons of tweaks in its designs to accommodate its consumer base. Now the sneaker has become a worldwide phenomenon as it has increased in popularity among fashion influencers and celebrities. Although it is a fan favorite for soccer, this sneaker has become a versatile piece for performance and fashion.

Elaborate collaborations elevate the Adidas Samba in 2023

In 2023 alone, we have seen some of the most elaborate and outstanding collaborations on the Adidas Samba. Kith x Clarks redid the entire outsole of the sneaker with a Clarks outsole, and the upper contained quality suede materials all around. The sneaker also had another successful run with the multiple Wales Bonner collaborations. The polarizing and beautiful designs made it a massive popular run with the overflap tongue, which pays a nod to soccer culture. Of course, we cannot forget the other honorable mentions such as the Pharrell Williams Humanrace, Sporty and Rich, Kasina, Hal Studios, and even the Adidas Consortium contestant winner Off Spring UK.

Adidas Prepares for a strong 2024 amidst competition

Adidas has much more to offer in 2024 and will need to keep spinning its creative wheels if it wants to remain on top as the most popular sneaker in the world. In a special way, the Adidas Samba became the Nike Air Force and Jordan 1 all in one. As a performance sneaker that is highly wearable and affordable at a retail price of $100, which is much cheaper than both the AF1 and AJ1, it's a no-brainer choice for those looking for a sneaker for any occasion; dress up or dress down. With strong contenders from Jordan Brand in the pipeline for 2024, we will have to wait and see how serious Adidas is and if they can step toe to toe with their rivals.

Links to the hottest Adidas Sambas currently available:
OG Adidas Samba, Pharrell Williams Humanrace, & Multiple colorways
Wales Bonner x Adidas Samba
Sporty and Rich x Adidas Samba
Sneaker Politics x Adidas Samba
Kasina x Adidas Samba
Nice Kicks x Adidas Samba
END Clothing x Adidas Samba

Kith x ASICS Gel-Kayano 14 and Gel-1130