Sorry, Sambas—I'll Be Opting for One of These 5 Trending Trainers Instead This Spring

From Tokyos to Mexico 66s, every stylish person I know is wearing these chic styles right now.

ALTERNATIVES TO SAMBAS
(Image credit: Future)

We all know that when it comes to It trainers, few can be called as iconic as adidas Sambas. These trainers have long since left the shoe trend territory and cemented their place as a cool-girl staple. In fact, whether I'm scrolling my Instagram FYP or walking through the bustling city centre at lunch, it's basically a guarantee that I'll spot at least one pair of Sambas trainers.

emmanuellek_

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

But I'll admit that lately there have been a few other trainers styles that have caught my eye. First up, adidas as a brand have so many designs that I think rival Sambas in both style and comfort, with just as many fun colourways and ways to wear. Then, there's the likes of Onitsuka Tiger and Nike, both of which have some pretty iconic trainers beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Dakota Johnson. That's fairly powerful sway in my books.

That's why this spring, I'm shining a spotlight on my favourite alternatives to adidas Sambas. And thanks to some of my favourite fashion influencers, it's been only too easy to visual how I'd wear my top picks and still get that retro, sporty look that's part and parcel of adidas Sambas outfits.

So if you fancy reaching for a different pair of trainers with an equally cool aesthetic, you've come to the right place. Here's my edit of the best alternatives to adidas Sambas trainers, and quick links to shop them yourself.

camillecharriere

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Shop the Best Alternatives to Adidas Sambas:

1. Adidas Tokyos

Aisha wearing Adidas Tokyos and sporty white ensemble

(Image credit: @aishafarida)

Style Notes: It doesn't get more sporty chic than this. Adidas Tokyos lend themselves to an athleisure style (which Aisha has nailed perfectly), and their low-profile design means they're the ideal trainers to wear with skirts.

Shop the Shoe:

2. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

Kim wearing jeans, grey blazer coat, and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

Style Notes: The Mexico 66 sneakers from Onitsuka Tiger went pretty viral a couple of years ago, but they've remained a firm favourite of mine since. The yellow and black pair are without a doubt the most iconic, but I'm just as much a fan of the more neutral colourways, too.

Shop the Shoe:

3. Adidas Gazelles

Oluwaseun in Sezane stripey jumper, green cargo trouusers, and Adidas Gazelles

(Image credit: @the_oluwaseun)

Style Notes: Adidas Gazelles are probably the closest match to Sambas, but while the Samba features a leather upper with suede overlays, the Gazelle uses a full suede upper. And a full-suede trainer brings a soft, velvety touch to an outfit.

Shop the Shoe:

4. Nike Cortez Sneakers

Aude wearing red Nike Cortez and brown midi skirt

(Image credit: @aude_julie)

Style Notes: Originally designed as a track shoe for long-distance running, Nike Cortez sneakers are made with comfort in mind. And they still manage to get that iconic retro look.

Shop the Shoe:

5. Adidas Originals Sl 72

Francesca in cream knit, white slip skirt, and Adidas SL72 trainers

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Adidas really do spoil us when it comes to iconic trainers. The Sl 72 style is popular for its ultra-lightweight design, and again, there's so many colours to choose from.

Shop the Shoe:

Katie is a freelance contributor for Who What Wear UK. She has been writing freelance since early 2022, after completing her Master's in Media and Journalism at Newcastle University. Her main focus so far has been writing for interior design titles, most notably Ideal Home. She started out writing ecommerce content for a number of interiors titles, including Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, and Gardeningetc., before moving on to become a regular contributor to Ideal Home's digital news team. She also writes for woman&home. More recently, Katie has started writing around different topics including health and wellness, fashion and beauty. She loves consuming fashion and beauty content most of all, and is always on the hunt for ways to elevate her style. She has a particular passion for skincare, and is always up for trying new products that might help her skin glow. Katie lives in Leeds with her partner, and when she's not reading (and writing) fashion and beauty content, she's probably out for a long walk with a flat white in hand.