The Kader Sylla x Adidas Samba ADV was bound to happen sooner or later. At just 21 years of age, the California-born professional skater has proven time and time again that he's a seasoned pro of his sport. At the age of 6, Sylla's grandma bought him his first board ever. And with lots of practice and lots of YouTube tutorials, he eventually became one of the best skaters out there. Now, he's even got his own Adidas collab.
While most Sambas are either made entirely from leather or entirely from suede, this one mashes up both materials. Working on top of a ‘Core Black’ tumbled leather base, it's overlaid by panels of brown suede throughout. Cotton laces tie everything together, and while you can't see it from the outside, there's actually a hidden pocket tucked away. This small detail has been swiped from legendary skate shoes of the '90s, like the great éS collab with veteran skateboarder Chad Muska.
As this Samba is the ADV version (shorthand for “advanced,” btw), it's meant to be a lot comfier and a lot grippier compared to “normal” pairs. The sneaker is then finished off with the skater's name across the lateral sidewall, which has been stamped in shiny, shiny gold foil.
We're not even two months in 2024, and it's already shaping up to be one of the best years for the Samba ever. From JJJJound and Mita, all the way to Studio Hagel, some of the biggest names in design and streetwear are all coming together to take on the retro silhouette. Grace Wales Bonner also revealed the ‘Studded Pack’ earlier this week. But with only 750 pairs in production, the risk of an L is great.
The Kader Sylla x Adidas Samba ADV ‘Core Black’ is set to release on February 10 at Adidas and select shops globally for £90.
