Vans Old Skool vs adidas Samba OG
Get the Samba OG. Light, well made, and the leather and suede age well. The Vans Old Skool is cheaper and cooler in summer, but its sole wears and peels sooner.
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Which one is for you?
Old Skool
Get the Old Skool for the skate look, less money and a shoe that breathes in summer.
Is the Vans Old Skool worth it?Samba OG
The slim terrace look, a pair that lasts, normal or narrow feet? Then it's the Samba.
Is the adidas Samba OG worth it?Key differences
Weight
Durability
Breathability
Cushioning
Room at the toes
What owners say
Verified buyers only; every 1–3 star review read by us. How we do this
Old Skool
Most verified owners are happy with the look and the comfort for everyday wear; the main complaint is pairs tearing at the sides or the sole coming unstuck within months.
- Looks great
- Comfortable
- True to size
- Tore at the sides or the sole came unstuck within months
- Stiff, with a hard heel that rubs or blisters
Samba OG
Owners love the classic look and many find them comfortable. The main complaints are heel rubbing and a small, narrow fit.
- Looks great, a classic that goes with anything
- Comfortable
- Well made
- Rubs or hurts, mostly at the back of the heel, and stiff at first
- Run small and narrow; many size up half or a whole size
Related pages
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, RunRepeat: New Balance 574, RunRepeat: Nike Air Max SC, RunRepeat: Vans Old Skool, RunRepeat: New Balance 2002R, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-NYC, Captain Creps: sizing guides, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Old Skool: 4,648 verified buyer ratings at Otto (Germany), read November 2026.
Owner reports for the Samba OG: 1,325 verified buyer ratings at Otto (Germany) and Hepsiburada (Turkey), read October 2026.