I reviewed the adidas Samba Golf Shoes – a style icon, but is it really a golf shoe?

The adidas Samba is one of the most iconic sneaker designs ever made. But how does the golf version stack up when it comes to performance, comfort, and practicality on the course?

Few shoes carry the heritage of the adidas Samba. From five-a-side football to everyday streetwear, it’s a design classic that’s instantly recognisable. So it’s no surprise that the Samba golf shoe has turned heads, especially among players looking to bring style and nostalgia to the course. But does it belong among the best golf shoes in the game?

But there’s always a question when fashion crosses into function: can it actually perform? While the adidas Samba golf shoes absolutely win on style, things start to slip when you evaluate them purely as golf footwear. In my opinion, they’re more of a statement piece than a serious golf shoe, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you value most.

This review is coming from someone who loves the Samba silhouette. I’ve worn it off-course and enjoyed its retro appeal. But when it comes to all-day comfort and round-after-round performance, there are definitely better spikeless options out there, even within adidas’ own lineup.

Comfort: 2.5/5

Let’s start with what could make or break any golf shoe: comfort. Unfortunately, this is where the Samba golf shoe comes up short. The shoe feels narrow and snug through the midfoot, and while that might suit some foot shapes, it didn’t work particularly well for me during extended wear.

There’s minimal give in the insole, and the underfoot cushioning is noticeably firmer than more modern spikeless designs. If you’re heading out for 18 holes on a warm day, you might find yourself wishing you’d picked something a bit more forgiving.

That said, the upper leather quality is good, and there’s nothing cheap about how the shoe feels in hand. It’s clearly well-constructed, just not built with all-day golf comfort as its top priority. For short rounds or range sessions, they’ll be fine. But if comfort is king for you, these aren’t the answer.

Performance: 3/5

Performance-wise, the adidas Samba golf shoes offer a mixed bag. The outsole traction is surprisingly solid for a fashion-forward spikeless model. The rubber grip pattern does a decent job on dry turf.

However, this isn’t a shoe I’d trust in wet or uneven conditions. There’s no advanced stability tech, the fit can feel restrictive, and it lacks the kind of support you’d want for hilly or longer courses. It’s fine for practice days or social rounds, but not ideal if you’re chasing performance gains.

It’s also worth noting that adidas make some of the best spikeless golf shoes on the market, including models like the CodeChaos and MC80. Compared to those, the Samba feels more like a lifestyle shoe with a few golf tweaks, rather than a golf shoe designed from the ground up.

Durability: 4/5

In terms of build quality, the Samba golf shoe actually does well. The leather upper is soft but sturdy, and the stitching and finish give it a premium feel. This isn’t a cheaply made sneaker with golf spikes slapped on it’s clearly crafted with some care.

The sole has also proven durable so far, especially considering how shallow the tread looks at first glance. I’ve worn them for a few casual rounds and plenty of off-course wear, and there’s no noticeable wear pattern yet.

That said, the comfort level over time may limit how often you wear them for full rounds. If you treat them more as a casual golf/trainer hybrid, they’ll last. But if you’re using them as your main golf shoes, durability won’t be the issue; your feet will probably give up first.

Style and design: 4/5

This is where the Samba earns its stripes. The design is timeless. That classic three-stripe profile, the low profile, the retro tongue, it all works. These shoes look fantastic with shorts, and you’ll probably get a few compliments if you turn up at the club in them.

That said, pairing them with trousers can be tricky. The styling is a bit too streetwear-focused to work well with more traditional golf outfits, and they definitely look more at home in the summer sun than on a wet, windswept links.

Still, if you’re all about expressing personality and throwing some football-style flair into your golf look, this is one of the most fashionable golf shoes out there. It’s style-first, performance-second, and that’s okay, as long as you know that going in.

Technology and features: 2.5/5

In contrast to some of adidas’ more tech-laden models, the Samba golf shoe keeps it simple. There’s no BOOST cushioning, no waterproof membrane, no advanced lacing systems, just a classic construction with a few performance tweaks to make it course-ready.

The leather upper is high quality and adds to the premium feel, while the outsole tread pattern has been subtly adapted from the street version to provide better grip on grass. It’s still flat and trainer-like, but grippy enough for summer rounds.

Beyond that, the insole is basic and doesn’t offer much in the way of shock absorption or support. There’s no special shaping or padding underfoot, so if you’re used to the plush ride of something like the CodeChaos or Adizero ZG, this will feel pretty barebones in comparison.

Final verdict: 16/25

The adidas Samba golf shoe is undeniably cool. It’s an iconic silhouette that looks fantastic in a golf context, especially for summer wear. It’s well-made, surprisingly grippy for a spikeless fashion shoe, and a great choice if style is your top priority.

But as a golf shoe? It’s a bit of a letdown. The comfort isn’t there for long rounds, and the performance features don’t come close to what adidas are capable of when they fully commit to a performance-first design.

This is one for the sneakerheads, the style-conscious, and the casual golfers who want to look good on the tee. For everyone else, especially those looking for all-day comfort or serious grip and support, there are better options out there, even from adidas.

adidas Samba Golf Shoes

RRP: £100.00 / $120.00

Colorways: Multiple

Sole: Spikeless

BOA: No

Waterproof: No

Fit: True to size