New shoe is almost indistinguishable from popular street shoe
(Image credit: Adidas)
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.
Adidas Velosamba shoes look virtually indistinguishable from the original (Image credit: Adidas)
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.
Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews.
On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.
