adidas Samba OG vs Nike Air Force 1 '07
Get the Samba OG. Unless you have wide feet or want more cushioning — then the Air Force 1, once you've broken it in.
adidas Samba OG
Slim, light and built to last. Narrow at the toes, with almost no cushioning.
Nike Air Force 1 '07
The classic white leather sneaker. Roomy and cushioned, but heavy and stiff until broken in.
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The Samba is light, bends easily and costs a bit less, with leather and suede that last. The Air Force 1 is roomier and far better cushioned, but heavy and very stiff until broken in.
- —Your feet are normal or narrow.
- —You want the slim terrace look.
- —You want a light, bendy shoe.
- —You have wide feet.
- —You want more cushioning.
- —You want the classic all-white look.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Light and flexible
- +Real leather and suede that lasts
- +The slim terrace look
- −The gum sole is slippery on wet floors.
- −No arch support; you feel stones underfoot.
- −Most owners say it runs true to size.
- +Roomy fit for wider feet
- +Well cushioned once broken in
- +Goes with almost anything
- −60% stiffer than average; the break-in can be painful.
- −Leather creases at the toe quickly.
- −Most owners say it runs true to size.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Samba OG worth it?
- Is the Air Force 1 worth it?
- Air Force 1 vs Club C 85
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- Samba OG vs Club C 85
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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, manufacturer specifications.