My Search for Sambas Alternatives

I decided to order two pairs of Gola Elan sneakers, one in suede and one in metallic, because of the glowing reviews online. I’m here to dispel those reviews. These shoes were incredibly uncomfortable and ill-fitting. They were extremely stif. Additionally, the front vamp of the shoe was much shorter compared to most sneakers, making my foot feel unusually stout. The insole was also very stiff and hardly cushioned, and it felt too high, causing my heel to slip out of the shoe. The final straw was how squeaky the shoes were. Needless to say, I returned them.

[Editor’s note: The metallic colorway of these sneakers is currently out of stock.]

I really love Vagabond for its boots and flats, so I decided to try a pair of its sneakers. I was drawn to the low profile and multi-fabric design, plus they’re kind of an interesting take on the popular mesh footwear trend right now. The shoes are extremely comfortable and lightweight. I also think they would be fun to style with patterned and colored socks. The soles have decent grip, and I would feel comfortable walking on slippery roads in them. However, the sizing was a bit off. I ordered my usual size 38, and they were almost an entire size too large. The width was perfect, so I was concerned that sizing down might result in a shoe that is too narrow.

These bright-green sneakers by Oncept were super-comfortable and extremely lightweight — almost too lightweight, as my feet felt a little insecure. The width of the shoes is quite wide, causing some slipping and sliding. But, I love the vibrant color (though they are available in more muted tones) and the speckled midsole. I also appreciate the use of eco-conscious materials, such as pulp-based twill, recycled nylon, bio-density molded foam footbeds, and organic cotton laces. I decided to pass on these because the price was a bit higher than I was hoping to spend and I think I need to try on a half-size smaller as well.

In an effort to find shoes similar to the metallic Adidas Wales Bonner X Samba Silver Sneakers, I ordered this metallic pair by Alohas. They’re made of leather and feature attractive exposed stitching details. I also appreciated the chunky, non-white laces, which solve one of my pet peeves — dirty laces. While I loved the look, they just were not comfortable. I found them difficult to put on and very stiff. The sole isn’t very cushioned, and the front vamp put pressure on my toes with every step.

Ordering a pair of Adidas sneakers online often feels impossible without having to haggle with teenagers on sneaker-bidding websites. So, I decided to try my luck the old-fashioned way and went to the Adidas store. Clearly, I wasn’t the first person with this idea, as most of the styles I wanted were out of stock in my size. I did find a pair that would have been the winner of this hunt, but they didn’t have my size, of course. These were the SL 72 RS shoes, which met all of my qualifications. They have a low profile, retro style, and are comfortable. They are also priced well at $100. If these are the shoes for you, plenty of sizes are available in the red and yellow colorways.

I can’t even count how many pairs of Vans Authentics I went through in middle and high school. They were the “It” shoe of Southern California schools for decades, and they probably still are. I decided to order a pair to see if they still held up from my teenage years. I have to say, they do. They’re a classic for a reason — comfortable, lightweight, and easy to style. I ordered them in “dusty blue” and love the slightly pre-worn look.

If you’re looking for a minimalist, retro, and inexpensive sneaker, the Feiyue FE LO 1920 is a fantastic choice. I ordered a pair of these $35 sneakers in ivory, but they come in over 20 colors. They have a thick cushioned insole and great traction on the outsole. I love the gum rubber sole and toe cap. While I have a strong affinity for canvas sneakers, they can wear down easily, but I think the rubber toe cap helps solve this issue.

I’ve been wearing these Asics nonstop since I bought them. Although they’re chunkier than the sneakers I initially intended to get, they are perfect for biking, long walks, and traveling. The cushioned insoles make them incredibly comfortable, and they fit more like running shoes. These shoes are a remake of the Asics Gel-1000 and come in a variety of colorways. I love styling them with my red socks (these days, I wear ones from Hansel from Basel) and long dresses.

These are just the epitome of what a sneaker should be: sleek leather construction, cushioned insoles, and excellent grip. You may have spotted these sneakers on the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, but somehow, they don’t feel as oversaturated or overexposed as Sambas. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, complementing skirts, dresses, jeans — basically anything in your wardrobe. And they passed the “rushing down subway steps” test with flying colors. I wore these consistently throughout my recent trip to Italy and managed to walk 40,000 steps — cobblestone steps, may I add — in these. They felt breathable under the scorching Roman sun but also supportive as I dodged drunken tourists around the Trevi Fountain. I opted for one of the classic colorways, but I’m tempted by the bold yellow pair as well (maybe my next pair).