Adidas launches Velosamba: an SPD replica of iconic Samba shoe
New shoe is almost indistinguishable from popular street shoe
Adidas has announced the next addition to its newly-expanding portfolio of cycling shoes, the Velosamba. Taking the iconic Samba shoe design, Adidas has integrated two-bolt clipless compatibility, as well as structural amendments to aid with on-bike performance.
It comes three months after the Adidas Road Shoe marked the brand's return to cycling after a 15-year hiatus. At that time, Adidas spoke of a long-term journey towards creating a range of products that enhance the cycling experience and it's clear the new Velosamba marks the next step on that journey.
Following the recent rise in cycling's popularity, Adidas predicts an increase in demand for its products among casual and avid cyclists alike.
"Our ambition is to cater to the needs of a rapidly developing new cycling culture by creating accessible high-quality products that empower more people to clip in and ride," explains Celine Del Genes, General Manager at Adidas Specialist Sports.
The shoe is the first from the brand aimed at casual cyclists, and it was borne out of consultation between Adidas and cycling communities from cities around the world such as London and Los Angeles.
"The Velosamba draws on our street style heritage and expertise in cycling to bring something truly unique to cyclists," Del Genes added.
From every angle except the sole, the shoes are virtually indistinguishable from the Samba street shoes on which they were modelled. The three stripes and heel area are given reflective detailing to aid low-light visibility, and in what is perhaps a subtle nod to the tan sidewall lovers, the Velosambas come with a gum sole.
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In addition to the two-bolt cleat compatibility built into the fully-integrated rubber cup outsole, the shoe features a recycled nylon insole board to increase the stiffness of the shoe.
Available in four colourways, the Velosamba has an RRP of £100.00 / $120.00 / €120.00, and is exclusive to the Adidas website and app.
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As the Tech Editor here at Cyclingnews, Josh leads on content relating to all-things tech, including bikes, kit and components in order to cover product launches and curate our world-class buying guides, reviews and deals. Alongside this, his love for WorldTour racing and eagle eyes mean he's often breaking tech stories from the pro peloton too.
On the bike, 32-year-old Josh has been riding and racing since his early teens. He started out racing cross country when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s and has never looked back. He's always training for the next big event and is keen to get his hands on the newest tech to help. He enjoys a good long ride on road or gravel, but he's most alive when he's elbow-to-elbow in a local criterium.