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The 7 Alternatives to the Adidas Samba That You Need to Know

Steve McClain

Steve McClain

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: October 18, 2024
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The Adidas Samba's journey from indoor soccer shoe to cultural juggernaut has been fascinating to watch. Its clean silhouette and gum sole have made it the default choice for anyone seeking that perfect blend of athletic heritage and understated cool. But while everyone and their Instagram-famous dog seems to be sporting Sambas these days, we've found some intriguing alternatives that deserve attention.
Our exploration into the world of lesser-known footwear brands has yielded seven fresh interpretations of the minimal tennis sneaker that hold their own against the mighty Samba. From innovative plant-based materials to artisanal Italian craftsmanship, these alternatives showcase how smaller, more agile brands are writing their own chapters in sneaker history. Let's dive into these hidden gems.

Koio
Capri in Poudre: Where Old World Craft Meets Modern Design

The Marche region of Italy has long been hallowed ground for luxury footwear production, and that's exactly where you'll find Koio's artisans crafting the Capri. These sneakers embody the kind of attention to detail that's becoming increasingly rare in today's fast-fashion world.
Each pair passes through 42 pairs of skilled hands before completion – a process we find fascinating. The locally-sourced Italian leather tells its own story of traditional craftsmanship, while the brand's new Mello collection experiments with biodegradable materials. It's this balance of heritage and innovation that makes Koio's approach particularly interesting.

Why we like Koio

  • 1

    Italian Craftsmanship

    42-step production process in the renowned Marche region

  • 2

    Premium Materials

    Locally-sourced Italian leather with superior quality

  • 3

    Sustainable Innovation

    Exploration of biodegradable materials in the Mello collection

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Beckett Simonon
Morgen Trainers: The Patient Perfectionist's Dream

Here's a radical thought: what if waiting for your sneakers actually made them better? Beckett Simonon's made-to-order model turns conventional retail wisdom on its head, creating a more intentional relationship between maker and wearer.
From their Bogotá studio comes the Morgen Trainers, crafted using materials sourced from Argentina and Italy. The waiting period might not suit everyone, but we're intrigued by how this approach eliminates excess inventory while ensuring each pair receives individual attention. Their transparency about manufacturing processes and labor practices adds another layer of thoughtfulness to the equation.

Why we like Beckett Simonon

  • 1

    Made-to-Order Model

    Eliminates excess inventory and ensures individual attention

  • 2

    Global Craftsmanship

    Materials sourced from Argentina and Italy, crafted in Bogotá

  • 3

    Ethical Transparency

    Clear communication about manufacturing processes and labor practices

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notwoways
Formula Core Black: East London's Answer to Mainstream Sneakers

There's something delightfully irreverent about a YouTube creator and a footwear graduate teaming up to challenge the sneaker establishment. The Formula Core Black represents notwoways' confident stride into the minimal sneaker arena, bringing East London's creative energy along for the ride.
We appreciate how the brand has carved its own path since 2020. Their approach combines technical know-how with authentic street culture DNA, resulting in sneakers that feel both familiar and fresh. The Formula Core Black rocks interchangeable laces for personalization while maintaining clean lines that work with virtually any outfit.

Why we like notwoways

  • 1

    East London Heritage

    Authentic street culture DNA combined with technical expertise

  • 2

    Personalization Options

    Interchangeable laces for customizable style

  • 3

    Young Innovation

    Fresh perspective from a YouTube creator and footwear graduate partnership

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SAYE
M70 Dart Cactus: Barcelona's Plant-Based Game Changer

Who knew cacti could make such stylish sneakers? Barcelona-based SAYE is writing a new chapter in sustainable footwear with their M70 Dart Cactus in Basil color, proving that eco-friendly materials can look sharp while treading lightly on the planet.
The innovative cactus-based leather alternative showcases SAYE's creative approach to sustainability. We're particularly interested in how they've managed to maintain durability and comfort while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Their minimal-waste manufacturing process suggests a promising direction for the future of footwear.

Why we like SAYE

  • 1

    Innovative Materials

    Pioneering use of cactus-based leather alternative

  • 2

    Barcelona Design

    Contemporary European aesthetics with sustainable focus

  • 3

    Minimal Waste

    Environmentally responsible manufacturing process

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Thousand Fell
Women's Lace Up: The Zero-Waste Pioneer

Imagine sneakers that never see a landfill. That's the ambitious vision behind Thousand Fell's Women's Lace Up in Black, which reimagines the entire lifecycle of footwear through a circular economy lens.
The materials list reads like a sustainability manifesto: coconut husk, recycled bottles, and components designed specifically for future recycling. We're fascinated by their take-back program, which transforms worn-out pairs into raw materials for new ones. Their approach demonstrates how clever design can address environmental challenges without compromising aesthetics.

Why we like Thousand Fell

  • 1

    Circular Economy

    Complete recycling program with take-back initiative

  • 2

    Innovative Materials

    Use of coconut husk and recycled bottles

  • 3

    Zero Waste Vision

    Design focused on complete product lifecycle

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Rothy's
RS02: The Low-Maintenance Luxury Option

The RS02 Sneaker in Bone color tackles a common sneakerhead complaint: keeping light-colored kicks clean. Rothy's solution? Make them machine washable without sacrificing style or environmental consciousness.
Their signature thread, spun from recycled plastic bottles, creates a seamless upper that hugs the foot while maintaining structure. We're intrigued by how they've managed to combine practical innovation with serious environmental credentials in their zero-waste certified factory.

Why we like Rothy's

  • 1

    Machine Washable

    Practical solution for maintaining clean sneakers

  • 2

    Recycled Materials

    Signature thread made from recycled plastic bottles

  • 3

    Zero-Waste Factory

    Certified environmentally conscious manufacturing

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Oliver Cabell
GAT: The Transparency Trailblazer

When a former non-profit worker decides to shake up luxury footwear, interesting things happen. The Oliver Cabell GAT in White represents a refreshing take on premium sneaker production, where every cost and component is out in the open.
Spanish lining meets Italian leather in a sneaker that bridges classic and contemporary design sensibilities. We appreciate how the brand breaks down their pricing structure, giving customers insight into the value of each element. These sneakers seem to embrace the concept of patina, developing character over time while maintaining their essential form.

Why we like Oliver Cabell

  • 1

    Price Transparency

    Detailed breakdown of costs and components

  • 2

    Premium Materials

    Combination of Spanish lining and Italian leather

  • 3

    Aging Grace

    Design that develops character through patina

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Beyond the Samba

The sneaker landscape is richer and more diverse than mainstream hype might suggest. These seven alternatives each bring something unique to the table, whether through innovative materials, thoughtful production methods, or exceptional craftsmanship. While the Samba's cultural impact is undeniable, these lesser-known options prove there's more than one way to interpret the minimal sneaker template – and that's exactly what makes this category so exciting to follow.