Quick Facts
- adidas takes inspiration from Taiwanese fried chicken for a new Samba
- More specifically, they pay homage to Taiwan’s iconic night market snack
- The pair is expected to be released Holiday 2025
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Even though the Samba has been around for almost eight decades, adidas still manages to make it one of the most imaginative sneakers out there with creative colorways like the adidas Samba Taiwanese Fried Chicken. For those who don't know, fried chicken isn't just a delicacy in Kentucky or Louisiana – in Taiwan, it's a street food staple, sold sizzling hot from night market stalls all across the country.
Working on top of a creamy suede base, the first thing that you'll notice about this special Samba are the Three Stripes across the sides that have been specifically textured to mimic fried chicken – complete with all the herbs and spices. Cute chicken graphics are printed on the tongue and insoles, while the interior lining is dripped out in tan leather for a premium look and feel. Around the heel of the right shoe you’ll find “Taipei,” while the left is stamped with the city’s name in Chinese characters.
The Taiwanese Fried Chicken comes with dark olive laces by default, but it also includes a second pair made from soft, fluffy fabric inspired by batter. It’s not all change, though – underfoot, the midsole is housed in classic gum rubber, just like the OGs from the '40s.
The adidas Samba Taiwanese Fried Chicken is set to release sometime in Holiday 2025 via adidas and select retailers. Need a pair? Then make sure you download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Images via adidas
Adam Cheung is a writer and editor who specialises in sneakers and streetwear. Over the past few years, he's curated features and guides for everyone from Burberry to Nike. Often travelling between the UK and Hong Kong, don't be too surprised if you find Adam anywhere else around the world taking street photography or feasting on the local delicacies.
