If it feels like everyone you know is wearing a pair of adidas Sambas, well, it’s because they are. The trainers, which have a rich football heritage, have been the go-to sneakers for it girls, fashion editors, and off-duty models everywhere, becoming one of the German sportswear brand’s bestsellers of all time since their launch in 1950, alongside the brand’s other popular shape, the Gazelle.
You don’t have to look further than your TikTok FYP for evidence that the classic trainers aren’t going anywhere, as videos showcasing the versatile style of adidas Sambas continue to rack up millions of views. The sneaker’s simple yet iconic design allows them to seamlessly transition from sports to streetwear, making them a wardrobe staple with timeless appeal. Characterized by their gum rubber sole and the signature Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972, the shoe has been spotted in countless street style snaps, editorial spreads, and beloved movies, making them a pop culture emblem.
But if there’s any sneaker that can dethrone the Sambas as the “It” shoe of the moment, it would be none other than adidas’ Handball Spezial, a functional sports trainer originally designed for handball players, that has been spotted on the feet of countless celebrities in recent weeks. Together with the Samba and Gazelle, they are being celebrated in adidas Original’s latest “1000 Back” campaign.
The athletic giant is shining a light on the brand’s three most iconic silhouettes, all of which have a rich sporting history. While the Sambas emerged during a football game in Germany, the Gazelle and Spezial originate from training and handball.
Lensed by Omani multi-hyphenate Chndy in Riyadh, the campaign film and imagery are inspired by the diverse culture of the Kingdom, and are a clear indicator of the sneakers’ versatility. By positioning DJ Nooriyah, an influential female artist, at the center of the campaign, adidas underscores the future-forward, inclusive values that the brand espouses. Nooriyah, alongside cameos from other Saudi talents, including DJ Shaolin and Dorar, as well as Riyadh-based skate collective, Sandlifers, brings a sense of authenticity to the campaign, while simultaneously celebrating the global influence of these iconic designs.
The “1000 Back” campaign is a testament to adidas Originals’ understanding of the deep connections between their products and the communities that embrace them. In collaboration with “Goodbye Old Jumeirah”– an online community archiving traditional, abandoned, and demolished houses in the Jumeirah area, the brand introduces a nostalgic element to the campaign, commemorating the spaces that are just as timeless as the beloved adidas trainers. The photography series will be showcased at the adidas Originals Flagship store in The Dubai Mall for the next three weeks.
