#TBT: A LOOK BACK AT OUR FAVORITE ADIDAS SAMBAS

The adidas Samba is without a doubt a classic imprint within the world of soccer, or in this case, “football,” seeing as it’s a silhouette that resonates the world over. Many argue – with good reason – that it’s the best indoor soccer shoe around, while others have adopted the model for a look outside of the beautiful game, like skateboarding or worn as a lifestyle sneaker. The silhouette itself was first introduced back in 1950 and has since become one of adidas’ most synonymous shoes, falling just second in line for being the highest selling design after the Stan Smith.

Selling status isn’t everything though, we’re more about a good story or learning about cultural relevancy in a product, and the samba has just that. Not only was the silhouette introduced to help players train on hard ground, therefore becoming the choice trainer for futsol, the Samba also played a significant part in the UK’s football culture during the early ’80s, when the subculture known as “the Casual” was in its prime. While associated with hooliganism, there was also a heavy fashion element to scene, where a casual would be decked out in expensive sportswear designer clothing – referred to as “clobber” gear – in a bid to divert unwanted attention from the police. The outfits, however, were also typically matched with, you guessed it: the adidas Samba.

While the history of the Samba is of course much more detailed, we already know that it’s a design that transcends time, hence it being well worthy of being highlighted with a look back at some of our favorite drops ever, leading up to the release of the adidas Originals’ Samba in June 1, which sees a meticulous one-for-one reproduction of the original design. Check out our list of favorite Samba releases below, then look out for the true throwback to release globally come June 1.

ADIDAS OG SAMBA LUZHNIKI

ADIDAS SAMBA W “WHITE ICE”

ADIDAS CONSORTIUM ‘DEEP HUE’ SAMBA PACK FOR WOMEN

ADIDAS SKATEBOARDING SAMBA ADV

ADIDAS X THE SHOE SURGEON SAMBA DAME

ADIDAS SAMBA PRIMEKNIT

ADIDAS SAMBA X BARNEYS NEW YORK

ADIDAS SAMBA B75806

#TBT CLASSIC KITS PARMA HOME 1998-99

The Kit: PARMA HOME 1998-99

Italy is known for having some of the most iconic club kits in world football and this week we are putting the spotlight on beautiful yellow and blue hoops of Parma.

Brand: Lotto

Sponsor: Parmalat

Worn By: Lilian Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro, Juan Sebastián Verón, Gianluigi Buffon, Enrico Chiesa, Hernán Crespo, and Dino Baggio

The Story:

In 1991, Parma was taken over by a global dairy and food corporation Parmalat. The improved finances allowed the club to quickly grow into a top contender in both domestic and European competitions. In this time the club would acquire a star studded cast of squad members and would launch the careers of Italian immortals Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon. Parma would go on to win eight trophies between 1992 and 2002. The 98/99 squad would go on to win the Copa Italia and the UEFA Cup with arguably the most powerful side ever assembled in the clubs history.

Unfortunately, this success would be short lived due to an embezzlement scandal involving Parmalat founder Calisto Tanzi. The corporation was left with a $20 Billion USD deficit and still remains Europe’s largest bankruptcy. The financial demise would cripple the club, forcing it into administration until 2007. In 2015 the club declared bankruptcy and would be re-founded in Serie D.

As always you can check out this and other amazing kits at classicfootballshirts.co.uk

 

 

 

#TBT CLASSIC KITS USMNT 95-98

World Cup qualifiers are back and with the showdown at Azteca right around the corner, we thought it would be fitting to highlight a kit that was at the forefront of many epic matches.

 

The Kit: USMNT 1995-98

Brand: Nike

Worn By: Cobi Jones, Eric Wynalda, John Harkes, Alexi Lalas, Claudio Reyna, Tab Ramos, Kasey Keller, Joe-Max Moore, Brad Friedel, Jeff Agoos, Earnie Stewart, Brian McBride, and Preki

The Story:

The 1994 World Cup truly put everything into motion for football in the US. While many predicted a group stage exit, the USMNT rose to the occasion and qualified for their first knockout round in decades. While the Adidas stars and stripes will forever represent that epic “coming of age” moment in American football history, the new Nike strip would now represent the squad’s serious intent on reaching new levels.

July 14, 1995 – Copa America

Here the Americans totally stole the show by not only achieving the seemingly impossible task winning their group but shutting out the reigning champions Argentina 3-0 in the process. This still stands as one of the most impressive American campaigns in a major international tournament.

November 2, 1997 – Nil-Nil at the Azteca

The mid 90’s saw the rivalry with Mexico spark into life. There was a genuine animosity between these two sides and the Americans were now a threat to Mexico’s long-held dominance of CONCACAF. In a world cup qualifier match the USMNT would grind out a historic draw at the Azteca. This result would secure the Americans first-ever point on the road against Mexico.

February 10, 1998 – Gold Cup Semifinal

While never having logged a victory over Brazil, one nil losses to the Brazilians in the previous 3 meetings left the Americans believing there was a way to finally get one over on the South American juggernauts. A long range strike from Preki and goalkeeping masterclass performance by Kasey Keller to preserve the clean sheet would give the American side their first and only victory over the mighty Brazilians.

Where to cop: The good people at Classicfootballshirts.co.uk got you covered with plenty of these bad boys including a few match issued and game worn gems. 

#TBT CLASSIC KITS: MANCHESTER UNITED 98/99

#TBT is back and we are inspired by our recent trip to Old Traford for the Manchester v Liverpool match. “The Theatre of Dreams” got that fuzzy nostalgia going back to a golden era for Manchester United. Back when Umbro was king and back when and The Red Devils reigned supreme. 

 

 

The kit: Manchester United 98/99

Brand: Umbro

Sponsor: Sharp

Worn by: David Beckham, Ryang Giggs, Paul Scholes, Dwight Yorke and Gary Neville

The story: One Man United’s greatest side. The class of 92 golden boys were all in their prime and so was the great, Sir Alex Ferguson. This historic squad side would win the League, League Cup and Champions League in dramatic fashion. Though they’d wear a special kit in the UCL final the classic Umbro kit seen below became legendary. Man U’s trademark red was accented by large white with black trimmed collars and those nostalgia tickling Umbro tri-diamonds flanked the sleeves. The Sharp sponsorship logo became synonymous with the kit and blended seamlessly with the overall look as well. 

Where to cop: Unlike many of the kits we feature on this segment this bad boy is not only inexpensive but also easy to find. Classicfootballshirts.uk has a stout collection ranging from short to long sleeve and from various players.