adidas Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Campus

We're breaking down the sneakers everyone's rocking.

Renowned for its iconic footwear, adidas combines comfort and performance to perfection. And more than just functional, the adidas sneakers are style staples globally. The latest must-haves? The Samba, Gazelle, and Campus. While all sporting the signature 3 stripes and Trefoil logo, the unique traits set them apart. So, which adidas reigns supreme and deserves a spot in your sneaker collection?

Here's everything you need to know to find your sneaker match at the best price.

adidas Samba

Born for the football field, now ruling the streets, the adidas Sambas have been a legend since 1950. These sneakers feature a gum rubber outsole for superior traction and a leather upper to keep feet warm and dry. The adidas Sambas were initially popular among professional players, but their success wasn't limited to the field. The understated cool made them into adidas's all-time bestsellers—beloved by generations and worn by everyone from casual strollers to fashion icons.

The Sambas have a narrower fit than other adidas models. Their low-profile design with clean lines, a T-shaped toe cap, and 3 stripes has remained unchanged for decades. This commitment to heritage, plus notable design collaborations like Wales Bonner, Palace, and Kith, elevated Samba's status from classic sneakers to global fashion favorites.

adidas Gazelle

The adidas Gazelles were originally designed for handball in 1968. These retro-inspired sneakers combine classic style, premium materials, and unmatched comfort. The soft suede upper feels as good as it looks. The contrasting rubber outsole adds a sporty flair, while the slim profile and perfect fit will make them your go-to sneakers.

The Gazelles sport a wider fit. They maintain the classic adidas aesthetic with the heel tab adorned with the Trefoil logo and 3 stripes on the sides. The adidas Gazelles come in several versions: regular Gazelles featuring the white outsole, the Gazelle Indoor with a gum outsole, and the Gazelles Bold featuring a triple-stacked platform outsole. With their versatile style, the adidas Gazelle sneakers are a perfect match for casual urban wear and effortlessly chic outfits.

adidas Campus

In 1980, adidas dropped sneakers destined to become timeless: the Campus. Designed for the basketball court, the adidas Campus quickly transitioned from courtside to curbside, embraced by skaters, hip-hop artists, and fashion enthusiasts. Typically made of nubuck, these sneakers feature more padding on the tongue and rubber outsole. The woven adidas Originals label on the tongue and the Trefoil logo on the heel tab are unmistakable stamps of adidas identity.

Compared to the Sambas and Gazelles, the differences are subtle—adidas Campus are a bit chunkier than the other 2 models and have no T-shaped toe cap. They, too, come in different versions, including the most popular Campus 80s, the Campus 00s, made of suede with thicker stripes, and the Campus ADV, designed for skateboarding. The adidas Campus sneakers are a versatile addition to any sneaker collection, perfect for casual wear and skateparks.