Fashion

Maria Grazia Chiuri on Coming Full Circle at Fendi, and What Comes Next

Beauty

Parfums Christian Dior Unveils Renovated Headquarters

Fashion

Designer Exits Roll On: Seán McGirr, Veronica Leoni Out

Are the adidas Tokyo Shoes the Next Sambas for 2025? Here’s Why These Sneakers Are Selling Fast.

Before we know it, the adidas Tokyos might become the newest leaders of the retro shoe renaissance.

By Stacia Datskovska Plus Icon

Stacia Datskovska

Senior Commerce Writer for WWD

Recent Articles by Stacia Datskovska

View All

March 11, 2025, 4:36pm

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

two adidas tokyo shoes in neon hues over a neon background in purple and pink shades

Courtesy Manufacturers, oxygen/Getty Images

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Shop the Latest adidas Tokyo Releases

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

adidas Tokyo Shoe, “Solar Green”

Buy Now at adidas $90 Jump to Details

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

adidas Tokyo Shoe, “Lucid Pink”

Buy Now at adidas $90 Jump to Details

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

adidas Tokyo Shoe, “Silver Metallic”

Buy Now at adidas $90 Jump to Details

When it comes to fresh releases, adidas is a brand that keeps us on your toes (read: religiously checking its “New & Trending” section). One of the latest launches to join this category is the adidas Tokyo Shoe — reinterpreted in metallic and neon colorways. Those devoted to their comparatively no-frills Sambas should take this a sign to go bold for spring and switch it up with these new, head-turning styles.

Related Articles

Yerevan Fashion Week 2026 guest seen with a suede buckle bag; woman in Hamburg, Germany clutching a blue suede bag; Sao Paulo Fashion Week guest with an oversized suede tote in the crook of her arm

Fashion

The Best Suede Bags for Upgrading Your Fall Wardrobe This Year

frame x ritz baseball cap; woman wearing eberjey x the ritz-carlton pajamas; buy best hotel merch, hotel fashion collaborations online

Fashion

These Collaborations Between High-End Hotels and Luxury Designers Are Worth Adding to Cart -- No Plane Ticket Required

Still retaining their iconic three-stripe design, vintage silhouette, and “T-toe” overlay, the just-launched adidas Tokyo Shoe revisions stand out from the crowd based on the aforementioned coloring of their soft leather upper, which seems to pop by way of silver or else the neon green and pink options that are selling out of sizes as we speak. The brand itself calls the selections “a delight for the daringly fashionable,” so we urge you to waste no time in securing the hot kicks if you consider yourself part of that crowd.

You May Also Like

To prove just how significant the adidas Tokyo Shoes are in the footwear universe at large, let’s take a trip down adidas memory lane, shall we? The style was created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, to serve as a low-profile training shoe. It became available to shop in a direct-to-consumer capacity in 1973 and was re-released this year — a trajectory very much in line with adidas’ penchant for giving new life to standard-setting, archival styles.

Though the adidas Sambas have spent more time in the limelight than their Tokyo counterparts (over the years, the former style has been spotted in the street getups of A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner, Hilary Duff, Rooney Mara, Anne Hathaway, and many more celebrity fans), we’re foreshadowing that the Tokyos will become the cool kid on the block in short order. The reason behind the Sambas’ chokehold on sneakerheads and casual wearers alike has a lot to do with their history — a deep-rooted one, given the fact that the first ones were designed by brand founder Adi Dassler himself, in 1949, to serve as soccer shoes (in this original manifestation, the Sambas looked more like boots than anything else). The style went through waves of intense popularity: embraced by soccer players, soccer fans, skateboarders, and then, suddenly, everyone everywhere all at once.

The heritage Sambas perfectly capture the sporty-chic aesthetic while being in line with the slimmer silhouettes people are currently favoring, but the adidas Tokyos do all that and more. Their soles, for instance, are less bulky: providing a lightweight feel when you’re exploring a new city or else running important errands in your own.

The adidas Tokyos are retro as can be, both through their profile — shunning the chunky for the streamlined — and their ’80s-inspired coloring, not to mention the overall vibes they channel when you style them with spring dresses, casual going-out ‘fits, athleisure, and more. Retro, as it turns out, will continue to be the name of the game for 2025, further proven by the popularity of adidas bestsellers like the designed-in-1973 Country OG, originally intended for cross-country running; the slim-and-stylish SL 72 shoe made for the 1972 Munich Olympics; and the laceless, flat-soled adidas Taekwondo. To be sure, the nostalgia fever touches other major footwear brands (just think back to the Puma Speedcat — a similar throwback option that’s far from passé — being named the “sneaker of the summer” on Lyst Index’s 2024 report for Q3).

The universal hype surrounding shoe styles our parents might have worn back in the day makes the adidas Tokyo Shoe a top contender for “It” style of the moment. Or maybe everyone is obsessed solely due to the sneaker’s shamelessly radiant hues? Only time will tell if the adidas Tokyo will gain as much traction as the Samba, but, in the meantime, all shoe aficionados should score the fresh releases before inventory completely runs out — mastering the TikTok-viral “wrong shoe” theory by letting their new adidas Tokyo Shoes in “Solar Green” do all the talking.

Shop the Latest adidas Tokyo Shoe Drop

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

adidas Tokyo Shoe, “Solar Green”

$90

Buy Now at adidas

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

adidas Tokyo Shoe, “Lucid Pink”

$90

Buy Now at adidas

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

adidas Tokyo Shoe, “Silver Metallic”

$90

Buy Now at adidas

Why Trust Footwear News

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on trending shoe styles.

Tags

Newsletters

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

Sign up

WWD Recommends

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Character Study: Classic Men’s Looks with Modern Updates

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Thom Browne and Teyana Taylor: Designer and Muse

Gucci Westman and David Neville

CEO Talks: How Gucci Westman and David Neville Are Building a Luxury Beauty Brand for the Ages

Under Armour HeatGear compression T-shirts (layered); Armedangels denim jeans; Thom Browne shoes.

Icebreakers with François Arnaud

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Getting Ready for Marc Jacobs 2026 with Nicky Hilton

diane lane at the premiere of feud capote vs the swans, red carpet interview

'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans' Stars Talk Costumes and Society

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

WWD style director Alex Badia and FN style director Shannon Adducci discuss the versatility of outerwear.

Head to Toe: How to Style Outerwear for Everywhere

Hermès is making a major statement about the future of brick-and-mortar retail with the long-awaited opening of its massive new Madison Avenue flagship.

A Tour of the New Hermès Madison Avenue Flagship

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye With Immediate Effect

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

WWD's fashion director Alex Badia and FN's fashion director Shannon Adducci talk about transitioning your wardrobe in an episode of "Head to Toe."

Head To Toe: Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Designer Details: A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

Beyoncé, Renaissance, Beyonce picture, Beyonce photos, Beyonce style

WWD Report Card: Beyoncé’s Fashion ‘Renaissance’

Men’s Spring 2023, fashion trend, menswear,

Men’s Spring 2023 Trend: Skin Show

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,' beauty, collaboration, launch, Kim Chi, Trixie Mattel

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel Launch Beauty Collaboration

Zoey Deutch, Met Gala, Zoey Deutch style

Zoey Deutch Shares Her Red Carpet Favorites and What it's Like Backstage at the Met Gala

Serena Williams, on-court tennis style, celebrity style, sports, fashion,

A Look at Serena Williams’ Best On-Court Tennis Outfits Over the Years

Megan Fox, Megan Fox fashion, Megan Fox style

Megan Fox’s Best Fashion Moments Over the Years

Selena Gomez, Selena Gomez pictures, Selena Gomez photos, Selena Gomez style

WWD Report Card: Selena Gomez’s Fashion Evolution

fashion collaborations, fashion, 2022

The Biggest Fashion Collaborations of 2022 — So Far

Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, designer, Nike, Air Force 1, sneaker, collection, footwear

5 Things To Know About The Louis Vuitton And Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Collection

J. Crew, fashion, collection, creative director, Brendon Babenzien

LAUNCH PAD: First Look at the New J. Crew

Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt photos, Ryan Gosling photos

WWD Report Card: Brad Pitt vs Ryan Gosling

Paris Couture Week, fashion, style, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Zoey Deutch

Report Card: Rating the Looks from Paris Couture Week

paris fashion week mens, spring 2023, Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 5 | Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 4 | Junya Watanabe, Dior, Officine Generale

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Issey Miyake, Amiri

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Lemaire, Givenchy, Reese Cooper

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 1 | John Elliott, EgonLab

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Versace, Fendi, Armani, MSGM

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

First Impressions: Milan Men's Spring 2023 | Day 1

Milan fashion week, day 3, spring 2023 collections, first impressions, Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

summer bags, handbags, Chanel, Telfar, Loewe, WWD

Hot Summer Bags

WWD, Beauty Inc, Cosmoprof, 2022

WWD + Beauty Inc. at Cosmoprof 2022

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

On the Red Carpet at the 2022 Met Gala: All the Looks

Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, "And Just Like That, costumes, Max, series

'And Just Like That' Costume Designers Talk Process for New HBO Show

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Netflix's 'Halston' Costume Designer Talks Working with Ewan McGregor

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: J Balvin on the Deeper Meaning of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 Sneaker

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: How Princess Diana’s Fashion Choices Hinted at What Was Happening Behind Palace Doors

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: Do These Outrageous Celebrity Fashion Looks Hold Up?

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: Sarah Cooper — Writer, Comedian, Trump Impersonator, and More

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: Bob the Drag Queen Grades Legendary Fashion Looks

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: Supreme Court Style: Inside the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: The Origins of French Girl Style à la Chanel

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: WWD Presents 'Creating Queer'

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: Model Shaun Ross Talks Diversity in the Fashion Industry

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

Video: Fashion for All CEO Hannah Stoudemire On Her #BreakingtheSilence Campaign⁣

Here's Why adidas' Tokyo Shoes Might Become the Next Samba Sneakers

These Inclusive Face Masks Provide Functional PPE to All Frontline Workers

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

Sign Up Sign Up

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.