Adidas Sambas vs. Gazelles

It’s no secret that the Adidas brand has been one hot shoe in recent years. Sure, Adidas has been around for ages, but the it girl shoe as of late has been the coveted Adidas Sambas, or it’s sister shoe, the Gazelle.

Adidas has some of the most popular sneaker styles in the fashion world right now. The Sambas and the Gazelles have become a must have “it” shoe for fashion girlies all over the world. But these two shoes have been around for DECADES. The Adidas Sambas were released in 1949 if you can believe it. So truly a timeless classic sneaker. And in 1966, the Gazelle was released as a training shoe.

In 2024 though, these two shoes, which feel wildly similar, but as we’ll review below, are a bit different in fit, comfort and style, are now hard to get your hands on. They are no longer worn for working out, training or football practice, and instead worn with pretty dresses, color blocking outfits, and as the must have fashion shoe of the moment. We’re seeing them on celebrities left and right from Harry Styles to Hailey Bieber, and all your favorite fashion influencer it girls.

If you’re debating between the two oh so similar styles, let’s dive into which ones may be best for you.

Adidas Sambas vs. Gazelles

The Adidas Sambas and the Adidas Gazelles are probably hands down the most loved sneaker of the moment. And the style of these two shoes are inspiring other brands with same but different vibes also rise in popularity.

Adidas Samba

The Adidas Samba is a regular fit, lace closure sneaker. It has a leather upper and suede t-toe as they cal lit. Which is the suede detailing across the toe box of the shoe. These also have a textile lining. Sambas have a slim fit to them and a more narrow look.

This style also comes in suede options and various colorways. But the classic style we see the most are the leather with the suede t-toe. There are a few styles to choose from like the Samba OG, Samba Classic and the Sambae that has a bit more of a thicker sole.

Adidas Gazelle

The Adidas Gazelle is a regular fit lace closure sneaker. The Gazelle Indoor shoe as pictured here has a leather upper with leather t-toe. The lining on these is synthetic.

The Gazelles come in a few style options from the Gazelle Bold platforms, Gazelle Indoor, and the Gazelle 85.

What’s The Difference Between Adidas Samba and Gazelle

While these do look pretty damn similar, there are a few styling notes that make these shoes look and feel different. Personally, I prefer the Gazelle over the Samba.

Materials

While the materials are pretty similar, the Samba is going to have more natural fibers like suede, leather and textile lining. The Gazelles has a synthetic tongue which can feel a bit different on the foot.

Soles

Depending on the Gazelle style you choose, the soles may vary greatly. The classic Gazelle has a white sole, versus the Sambas gum rubber outsole. However, there are styles of the Gazelle with the gum rubber sole so that the two look even more similar as seen in these photos.

Width

The width of the Gazelles seem to be a bit wider than the Sambas. When you look at them from the top, you can see how much more narrow and slim the Sambas are compared to the slightly wider/bulkier Gazelle.

Fit & Comfort

I have tried Sambas and Gazelles and every single time, I rip the Sambas off immediately. There are a few things that throw me off with them. They are definitely a smidge more narrow and the shoe itself just feels way more slim. I find this looks and feels off for me.

Also, the back of the shoe curves into the back of your ankle. I just found this to feel off for me and just preferred the feeling of the Gazelle’s out of the box. I don’t know if that detail would really effect comfort overall, but the initial fit for me just felt a bit off.

Style Options

If you’re not into a slim sneaker, you’re going to want to choose the platform Gazelle option. Which is my personal favorite style. The Adidas Sambas are limited in styles, but do come in many color options. The Adidas Gazelles have a lot more options in terms of sole options (white or gum sole) and tons of color options. As well as the platform option.

For more versatility in what works with your style, I’d look at the Gazelles. The Adidas Gazelle are one of my favorite platform sneakers for women to style.

Adidas Gazelle And Sambas Sizing

When choosing your size for your new Adidas, no matter which one you choose, I would grab your regular size. If you’re in-between sizes, you’ll probably be more comfortable in the smaller of the two. I am typically an 8 or 8.5 and find myself in an 8 in all my Adidas shoes across the board.

The only thing to keep in mind is that these shoes are unisex and you want to make sure you’re shopping the right size for your gender. I have heard of many people recommending sizing 2 sizes down, but really they are just shopping the men’s shoe and not the women’s. If you’re a size 8 in women’s, you’ll be roughly a size 6 or 6.5 in men’s. Which is good to know since these are such a hot shoe and sometimes you will have to shop random stores in the men’s section to grab the size you want.

Best Socks To Wear With Adidas Gazelle and Sambas

You know I couldn’t leave you hanging without letting you know about the best socks to wear with these low top sneakers. You have a few options here. I really like to show off a sock with these and always opt for my lettuce hem socks.