Is the adidas Gazelle worth it?
Good with caveats
Yes — if the Samba is too narrow.
- More toe room than the Samba
- Tough suede upper
- Flexible and low
- Thin, rough tongue can rub
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Get it if…
- You like the Samba look but it pinches.
- You want an all-suede shoe.
- You wear them for short trips, not all day.
Skip it if…
- You need cushioning for long walks.
- You want a cool shoe for summer — suede gets stuffy.
Things to know before you buy
- Fits slightly large — try it on or check the size guide (RunRepeat).
- Breathability only 3/5; the suede gets stuffy (RunRepeat).
RunRepeat scored it 84/100: very durable and flexible, with a medium fit (68.9 mm at the big toe vs the Samba's 66.1). Shock absorption is well below average, breathability is 3/5 and the 2.8 mm tongue chafed.
Not quite right? Get this instead
adidas Samba OGLighter, with the slimmer look, if your feet aren't wide.
Gazelle vs Samba OG →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.
Updated 7 Oct 2026How we decide