Available from American Golf currently priced at £100
Old-school soul with golf-ready tech
The Adidas Samba golf shoe brings serious nostalgia to your game, but with modern comfort and performance built in. Its vintage shape and iconic gum sole instantly turned heads at the clubhouse. As soon as you open the throwback-style box, you know this shoe means business. The retro look is more than just a fashion statement, though. Adidas has cleverly updated materials and structure to suit today’s golfer. That balance of heritage and innovation makes it feel authentic.
The wide toe box adds real comfort, even for golfers used to narrow shoes. Long walks and extended rounds feel noticeably easier on your feet. The shoe wraps securely around the midfoot while allowing toe space to flex naturally. This small detail transforms overall wearability. Style aside, the practical touches are what impressed us most. Nothing feels forced or gimmicky here.
While many golf shoes feel rigid or overbuilt, this one is refreshingly laid-back. You feel relaxed wearing it but never unsupported. Whether walking from tee to green or across the car park, comfort is consistent. It slips on like a favourite trainer but performs like a golf shoe should. For casual rounds, weekend competitions or just showing off at the range, it absolutely works. And it definitely turns a few heads while doing so.
Real testing at Rodway Hill Golf Club
We tested the Adidas Samba golf shoe at Rodway Hill Golf Club, a course known for its undulating fairways and changing conditions. From early morning dew to late afternoon sun, we put the shoes through a full day’s play. The layout at Rodway Hill gives a great mix of long walks, uphill lies and slick greens. That variety made it an ideal place to see how the shoes held up. From the first tee to the final green, the Samba proved consistent. Not once did we feel the need to change shoes or adjust our game.
The grip on some of Rodway’s tighter lies really impressed us. The 5th, 8th, 12th, 13th and 14th are steep. They challenge the footwear on even the dryest of days. The Adidas Samba golf shoe never buckled and that meant our ankles and pride remained intact. Even on uneven stances and off-the-fairway shots, we felt grounded. The water resistance came in handy too, especially during the first few holes when the grass was still wet. Our feet stayed dry and warm, despite a few soggy patches underfoot. That allowed us to focus on shots without distraction. And the extra toe room meant no aches, even after 18 holes.
Rodway’s mix of open fairways and tree-lined approaches also tested the shoe’s all-day comfort. There was no rubbing, pinching or slipping inside the shoe. The Samba held its shape and cushioning throughout the round. By the time we reached the clubhouse, they still looked sharp and felt great. We even left them on for the drive home, which says a lot. If they can handle Rodway Hill, they can handle just about anywhere.
A serious contender in the golf fashion game
When American Golf kindly sent us a pair of the Adidas Samba golf shoe to review, excitement levels were high. We knew the style would be strong, but we didn’t expect the performance to match it. Straight out of the box, they had that fresh-leather smell and clean, classic look. With their subtle branding and timeless silhouette, they belong on and off the course. This is a shoe you could wear to the clubhouse, the shops or even on a casual night out. And yet, it’s built for serious golf.
Once laced up, the first impression is comfort. That wide fit around the toes means zero pinching or pressure. Golfers with broader feet will instantly appreciate the added space. But even for standard-sized feet, the roominess feels refreshing. It doesn’t flop about, though. The midfoot holds you snug.
We played two full rounds in them and barely noticed them after hole four. They stayed dry despite damp patches and performed solidly across fairways, greens and bunkers. Grip never let us down, even during aggressive swings or slippery spots. The water resistance genuinely does its job without making the shoe feel heavy. And by the time we finished, we didn’t want to take them off. That’s a rare thing in the world of golf shoes.
Adidas v Jordan: the heavyweight showdown we never knew we needed
Golf fashion has changed dramatically over the past few years, with players swapping stiff gear for sportier styles. In that shift, Nike’s Jordan brand has led the charge with bold, trainer-inspired golf shoes. But Adidas is clearly not standing on the sidelines. With the Adidas Samba golf shoe, they have brought one of their most iconic lifestyle silhouettes into play. And it is not just a style play, it is a genuine challenge to Jordan’s dominance. For the first time in years, golfers have a real choice between streetwear titans. After all is said and done, the Nike Jordan ADG5 is looking just as iconic as the Adidas Samba golf shoe.
The rivalry goes beyond looks. Performance-wise, the Samba holds its own against anything in Jordan’s golf lineup. While Jordan shoes often lean flashy, the Samba opts for understated confidence. Its design is confident without trying too hard to impress. That is the kind of swagger golfers appreciate. And it means more golfers might make the switch. The Adidas Samba golf shoe may be a fraction more rigid than the Jordan golf shoes but they still offer elite level performance.
The Adidas Samba golf shoe is not just about nostalgia, it is about evolution. It brings old-school charm into the world of precision golf gear. While Jordan will always have flair, Samba brings credibility, comfort and calm coolness. On the course, it draws respect without shouting. That alone makes it a worthy rival. And we expect plenty of golfers will be tempted to side with Adidas.
Versatility that works from clubhouse to coffee shop
If you have ever struggled to decide between trainers and golf shoes, the Adidas Samba golf shoe ends the debate. It blends sporty comfort with enough grip and structure to meet golf’s demands. That makes it ideal for players who hate swapping shoes before and after a round. You can drive to the course, play 18 holes, grab lunch and still feel totally in place. Not once do you feel overdressed or under-equipped. It fits effortlessly into your life.
Off-course versatility is underrated in golf gear, but it is a massive bonus here. You genuinely can wear these with jeans or joggers without getting odd looks. The subtle leather-look finish and classic sole keep them fashionable without being flashy. They are not just trainers with spikes either, this is a properly designed golf shoe. Yet it never tries to look like one. That balance of intention and disguise is masterful.
We even wore them to the driving range and then to a meeting afterwards. No need to change, no strange looks, just a solid, stylish shoe. It lets you blend golf with daily life in a way that is smart and seamless. And for busy golfers juggling work and play, that is a real win. It is golf gear you will want to wear far more than just twice a week. That kind of flexibility is gold.
Stylish, but not style over substance
Some golf shoes look great until they touch grass, but not the Adidas Samba golf shoe. From wet lies to dry fairways, it handled conditions with quiet confidence. The water resistance is subtle but effective, keeping your feet dry without bulk. And the grip, despite the flat profile, really holds up during powerful swings. Adidas clearly prioritised practicality alongside the looks. And it shows in every movement.
We tested them across several rounds and found no slippage or instability. The rubber sole has a clever tread pattern that grips the turf without tearing it up. In light rain, they stayed steady through swings and strolls. The smooth transition from backswing to follow-through felt natural and grounded. That is no small achievement in such a sleek shoe. Performance matches promise, and that matters.
The upper is tougher than it looks too. Scuffs and splashes brushed off easily, keeping them looking sharp. After a week of wear, they still looked close to new. These are not shoes you will baby or box after one use. They are built to play, rain or shine. And they absolutely live up to that.
A comfort-first approach that golfers will love
Comfort on the course is often overlooked, but not here. The Adidas Samba golf shoe wraps around your foot like your favourite weekend trainer. The heel is padded enough for all-day wear without overdoing it. The tongue stays flat and in place, reducing that annoying mid-round re-lacing habit. Everything sits where it should, letting you focus on your game. You can forget you are even wearing golf shoes.
It is a standout option for walking golfers. Whether you are pushing a trolley or carrying your bag, the Samba makes life easier. There is no stiff break-in period or hotspots after long rounds. The cushioning remains soft and responsive from hole one to eighteen. Even after multiple rounds, our feet felt fresh and supported. That is rare in a shoe this stylish.
If you have been wearing old-school golf shoes for years, this will be a game-changer. It gives your feet freedom without sacrificing control. And for newer players used to trainers, it feels like a natural step. The fact it performs so well only adds to the appeal. Golfers want to look good, but more importantly, they want to feel good. And this delivers both effortlessly.
The GolfTimes verdict
The Adidas Samba golf shoe is a game-changer in every sense. It is retro yet relevant, stylish yet technical, and comfortable from the first step to the last putt. Adidas has managed to create something that feels familiar yet fresh. Golfers of all levels will find something to love in this shoe. From Sunday hackers to low-handicap players, it ticks all the right boxes. And crucially, it makes golf look cool again.
Ross Davies, our resident golf pro, gave it full marks. “I have worn a lot of shoes over the years, but this might be the best all-rounder,” he told us. “Comfort is unbeatable, and the grip is more than good enough for any non-tournament day. I would happily wear them for casual rounds, coaching sessions or even to the clubhouse after. Adidas has absolutely nailed it here. It is a proper golf shoe, wrapped in classic cool.”
