The adidas Samba was, according to most, the undisputed sneaker of the year in 2023. (Yes, there is such an award.) Now Malbon and adidas Samba have created something worthy of your attention.
Its resurgence in classrooms and shopping malls around the globe is perhaps the biggest reason why adidas is forecasting big profits for 2024. Lifestyle and streetwear brands like Kith, Extra Butter and Palace have scooped up opportunities to collaborate on such an iconic shoe.
Now it’s golf’s turn. And there’s no brand more accustomed to collabs of this magnitude than the collab kings themselves: Malbon.
It seems like every week I’ve got news of a new Malbon collab in my inbox. I tend to engage with most as I’m definitely the target demo. But this collab stopped me dead in my tracks.
Admittedly, I’ve never been the biggest fan of the Samba. I just don’t love all-white or all-black shoes. So when I saw that Malbon was interjecting some life and color into the silhouette, I took notice.
When you work on a collab like this, you go in one of two directions. Either you drastically change the DNA and put your stamp on it or you let the icon do its thing and make a few minor tweaks that elevate the look and feel.
Thankfully, Malbon did the latter. No need to mess with a classic shoe. Rather than mess with what makes the Samba such an icon, they tastefully added a few hits of color and a small, unassuming “M” script logo.
Classy, yet cool.
The white-and-green leather upper sits atop a gum sole (a personal favorite of mine) to complete the look. Don’t forget about the suede toe-rand. So buttery!
This collaboration also brings the adidas Samba closer to the sports world, blending its iconic soccer heritage with modern golf culture. It’s a seamless fusion of athletic inspiration and lifestyle, mirroring the way adidas Originals has successfully redefined classic sneaker styles like the Stan Smith and Gazelle for today’s streetwear and sportswear collections. Whether you’re hitting the gym, the basketball court, or the golf course, the Samba offers a versatile and stylish option.
Not only does this collab showcase Malbon’s knack for tasteful design, but it also highlights how adidas consistently excels in creating timeless pieces that appeal to both athletes and fashion enthusiasts. From soccer fields to golf courses, the Samba’s versatility has earned it a place among the most iconic adidas shoes in history.
Could this be golf’s sneaker of the year? As the self-proclaimed utmost authority on golf shoes and golf sneakers, I’m prepared to give it the crown with four months left in the year. Change my mind.
Joseph Parent
2 years ago
I clicked on the check price link and couldn’t find the shoes anywhere on Malbon’s site.