adidas Samba sizing guide: fit, width and which size to buy

The adidas Samba went from the court to becoming the fashion sneaker of the moment. But its soccer roots show up in the sizing: it's a model with a low and narrow fit that catches first-timers off guard.

Does the Samba run small?

Yes, it tends to feel small and narrow, especially in width. The most common advice is to go up half a size. If you have wide feet or a high instep, consider a full size up, since the leather toe box barely stretches.

Why these shoes fit the way they do

The Samba started out as a training shoe for soccer players on frozen surfaces: it was built for a snug fit and ball control. That heritage lives on in today's fit, lower in profile than a typical lifestyle sneaker.

Recommendation by foot type

• Regular feet: +0.5 size.
• Wide feet / high instep: +1 size.
• Narrow, low-volume feet: your true size can work, but +0.5 gives you more room lengthwise.

Samba, Gazelle and Campus don't fit the same

They may look like cousins, but the adidas Gazelle and the adidas Campus have slightly different profiles. If you're torn between all three, check out our Samba vs Gazelle vs Campus breakdown.

Pick your pair

Check out versions like the adidas Samba Pharrell and every colorway under the adidas brand or in our full catalog. Confirm your size with the official size guide.

Sizing and fit info is a general guideline and may vary by model and foot type. Always double-check the measurements before you buy.