I received my first pair of Adidas Sambas well over 2 years ago, for my 20th birthday. After wearing them nearly every day since then, I replaced them this Sunday - with another pair of Adidas Sambas. Call it product loyalty, call it what you will, but regardless of use, I have found the Samba to be the most comfortable and withstanding shoe for everyday wear.

With a design that's been around for decades, there's little you can do to Adi Dassler's famous indoor soccer shoe to improve upon its classic style, combining elegant simplicity and stunning durability. Constructed with a high quality gum sole and a sturdy black leather boot (with the trademark three white stripes), the Samba works well as both indoor (and outdoor solid ground, if need arises) soccer shoe, or just an everday flat-soled shoe for the comfort- and/or style-minded individual.

Some days I require both, some days neither. Almost each day (except when at work, due to dress code restrictions), though - you can find me wearing my Sambas. The last pair I had withstood my 240-pound, 6-foot frame, day-in and day-out, much better than any other pair of constantly worn shoes I've had in my life ... except for maybe a pair of Doc Martens 3-hole Black Greasies... but those are not in question at the moment.

At a suggested price of $50, the Samba Classic makes for a very wise buy - however, good luck finding them in stores in your size. When out looking for a new pair the other day, I went to 8 stores in the Mall of Louisiana - including Champs Sports, Foot Locker, Foot Action, Jarman, The Buckle, Gadzooks, and two others, before finding a pair (luckily in my size) at Journey's for $49.95. The salesman (who was very, very ... informal? surprisingly free with words? not that I care) made mention that their store had only received four pair in the past month, and that I was lucky to have found a pair of Sambas when I did. Supposedly they're more and more scarce these days - even in major metropolitan areas, so if you're in the market for some, try your luck with Internet vendors, and if all else fails, Adidas' online store.

Just remember, Sambas do need to be broken in after purchase. Give them about a week of wear, and once the leather and the rubber relax some, you'll find that you won't want to take them off.

It may not be the most fancy shoe on the market, nor one with the most arch support or "Air" or special springing capabilities, but it surely is one of the most economical, comfortable and reasonable shoes I've had the ability to wear. Maybe I should buy a few more pairs just to make sure I have enough 'til I retire.



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