Where to buy swaps for the ultimate IT-girl sellout sneaker for spring 2023

Adidas Sambas are the celebrity-approved sneaker for spring—but where can we shop alternatives to the sell-out shoe?

Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber pictured wearing Adidas Sambas in a three-picture purple template
(Image credit: Getty Images: (L) Gotham/GC Images/ (M) Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/ (R) Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

TikTok has dubbed Adidas Sambas the ultimate casual sneaker to add to your spring capsule wardrobe. But of course, thanks to their viral popularity, stock is scarce of the must-have shoe—so where can we buy stylish swaps?

Much like with sheer dresses and ballet flats, all-black and white Adidas Sambas are having a major moment, with TikTok flooded with videos of stylish denim maxi skirts and 90s fashion outfits, complete with the low-pro trainer—not to mention style and inspo compilations of the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber repping the shoe.

But alas, like with most viral TikTok items—take the Lululemon belt bag for instance—finding the sneakers in stock in general, let alone in your foot size, is almost an impossible task. So where can we find equally cool alternatives to incorporate into our coastal cowgirl and summer ensembles? Here's a roundup of some similar shoes, plus intel on where to snag the OG Sambas—just prepare yourself for heartbreak over the limited size availability...

Where to buy Adidas Samba swaps

Alas, much like when the Birkenstock Bostons hit viral status on the app, finding a pair in the most popular colorway or in your size has become a true mission. As of now, you can still shop black Adidas Sambas, but in very limited sizes...

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Adidas Originals Samba OG Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

RRP: $100

These Sambas are currently only available in sizes 8 to 9.5, though you can add your desired size to your wishlist to keep track on when and if it comes back in stock!


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Adidas Men's Samba Classic Soccer Shoe

RRP: $75

These are technically men's sneakers but they start at size 6.5— which are currently in stock—up to size 14.


Thankfully though, Adidas—and brands like Nike and New Balance—sell a bunch of similar styles, some of which are equally popular and yes, we've rounded up some of our favorite alternatives...

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Adidas Originals Gazelle Sneakers In Green

RRP: $100

Again, these green suede Adidas Gazelles are selling fast, but they're also rising in popularity on TikTok, so if you can find your size in stock snap them up while you can!


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Reebok Women's Club C 85 

RRP: $85

Reeboks are also a good substitute for Adidas Sambas as they feature a classic, retro design—with a low sole.

This pair will look fab with jeans, shorts and even a mini skirt with some cute white socks!


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Nike Blazer Low sneakers 

RRP: $90

While these aren't Adidas trainers, these Blazer sneakers feature a similar low sole and lace-up detailing.

Plus they're a minimal black and white colorway, meaning they'll go with all of your fits!


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Adidas Superstar Bonega Platform Sneaker 

RRP: $115

Superstar trainers are also seeing a spike in popularity and these platform sneakers would be perfect for summer!


Adidas Samba outfits: how to style your low-pro sneakers like the TikTokers

As mentioned, TikTok is packed with videos of users styling the coveted sneaker and, we must say, we definitely see the appeal in these casual Sambas.

@databutmakeitfashion

♬ anti hero sped up - speed songs (taylors version)
@jessicabenioni

♬ Bad Habit - Steve Lacy
@francescasaffari

♬ In the Bosom - Sweet After Tears

Even the likes of Emma Chamberlain's outfits have featured black Adidas Sambas, lately. We'd spied her pairing them with Dickies trousers, shorts and of course her iconic sunglasses, Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber has also styled out her cargo pants with a white pair.

The shoes themselves give major retro, football-chic vibes and seem to be the ultimate footwear staple for achieving that model-off-duty look this spring/summer season.

On TikTok alone, you can see them paired with everything from wide-leg jeans and stylish trousers to mini skirts and socks, proving that they're more versatile than you might suspect. Basically, it seems you can wear them with everything, whether you're a lover of the coastal grandmother vibes or bold, dopamine dressing—and they never fail to inject cool vibes and altogether really elevate your look.

We'd recommend pairing them with classic blue jeans or a pair of loose trousers with  a baby tee or sweatshirt, finished off with a pair of huggie earrings, sunglasses and a mini bag—for the perfect spring fit.

Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Women's Lifestyle team and has recently earned her Gold Standard diploma in Journalism with the NCTJ. She has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but has taken a leap into the world of journalism after always having a passion for writing. She currently writes pieces on beauty, trends, fashion, and entertainment for GoodTo and My Imperfect Life. She also tests and reviews beauty and skincare products and tries out the latest TikTok hacks for My Imperfect Life.


Before working for Future Publishing’s Lifestyle News team, she worked in the Ad production team. Here she wrote and designed adverts on all sorts of things, which then went into print magazines across all genres. Now, when she isn’t writing articles on celebs, fashion trends, or the newest shows on Netflix, you can find her drinking copious cups of coffee, drawing and probably online shopping.