👟 The Truth about Adidas Velosamba

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

📲Shall we Instagram?: bit.ly/DkleinIG

[@michaellangfitt2077]

As a footwear developer and executive for over 40 years, I want to commend you on your review. You covered the shoe basics (not too technical) and best of all, incorporated a verified users perspective WITH suggestions. I suggest you sending your video directly TO Adidas with a short note explaining. Send to Marketing AND Development.

[@HollyBoni]

Can you tell me why most shoes on the market are not actually shaped like a human foot? I figured you might know the answer. 😄

[@cllris]

@@HollyBoni because all feet are different. Universal fitment creates blends.

[@michaellangfitt2077]

@@HollyBoni LOL, I do know the answer. Because aesthetically how a shoe looks sells better than how a shoe FITS. Completely backward thinking, but “some” brands, especially European ones have more of an elliptical toe to match the overall shape of the foot. Think Birkenstock vs. Nike runners. Pretty clear.

[@HollyBoni]

@@michaellangfitt2077 Yeah, that's what I thought. Just bought my first pair of Altras, absolutely amazing. BTW to me foot shaped shoes look perfectly fine. 🤷

[@HollyBoni]

@@cllris The problem is that the "universal fit" isn't exactly universal. I see these pointy shoes everywhere, but personally I've never seen a human foot shaped like that. 😅

[@Chiro75]

I appreciate the correct pronunciation! Haven’t heard anyone call Adidas Adidas since I lived in Italy in 1993!

[@epzamora]

And yet, at 3:18, it's back to A-DEE-das :)

[@gwynnlyell2539]

Dustin, I apologize for saying you pronounced Adidas wrong. I should have and meant to say, I’ve never heard anyone pronounce Adidas that way. I could well be wrong, have been before. Gwynn Lyell Keep up the great content, your videos are hilarious.

[@moritz1]

@@gwynnlyell2539 it's the right way. 👍 Greetings from Adidas hometown.

[@gwynnlyell2539]

@@moritz1 Well, I’ll correct my pronunciation. Thanks, it sounds strange after 50 plus years of saying it wrong.

[@moritz1]

@@gwynnlyell2539 yes, I can imagine that. Have a nice day!

[@lavinibienie]

Just a little notice but adidas cycling creation team IS WATCHING this video and highly appreciating your feedback. And indeed we're working on these things that should be improved :)

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Love to hear this, Hit me with the next round!!

[@superevilbrian]

Well, there is that big Adidas campus here in town ...

[@ZacFelts]

Big fan of my velosambas! They're perfect for days spent pedaling around the city with friends from bar to bar. Your opinion on the fit/features is spot on! About the only thing I'd add is they can be pretty toasty since they don't have a ton of ventilation. But, like you said, they're by far the best casual SPD shoes you can get these days.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Player!!

[@architeki]

Adidas owns 510... This explains a lot... Terrex fivetens and velosambas... I was skeptic when the purchase happened, but so far most products seem like the match was made in heaven!

[@ARNULFOXRAMIREZ]

Made the mistake of rocking these out to Snoqualmie falls. The walk is quite steep and the sole does not flex. Great pair for cycling, not so much for long walks. My toes do hurt a wee bit too.

[@davidnicholson6680]

Adidas made shoes for Merckx so they have a long history in the sport. I'd like to see lightweight but durable and well ventilated XC/gravel shoes for long, hot days. Something minimalist and likely made out of Dyneema.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Adidas are you taking note to what David is saying here!

[@frankblais2627]

Dustin, your videos are like candies, they're so sweet, don't last long and you want some more after. Cheers! 🍻

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

EBD; Guaranteed to give you cavities ™️

[@FUJITRACK10]

I bought a pair of these when they first come out.I only commute in them(18 miles per day) and find them ideal for the job I also when down half a size for a more secure fit.

[@toxicclown3035]

They used to produce the Adidas Minrett, which was probably the best all-round cycling shoe I've experienced. They coped with over 6 years of commuting and MTB use. This was before gravel was a thing.

[@mattford9140]

Agree with a lot of your thoughts here. If I think about it hard, though, I'm not sure why I'd buy velosambas over sambas and flat pedals.

[@christianjensen7699]

If you only have access to bikes that use clipless pedals, and don't want to modify for a flat pedal setup just to commute, this would be suitable. Also any kind of pedal attachment generally adds to pedaling efficiency. If you ran clips or foot straps, then normal shoes would be similar in this respect. Furthermore, sole stiffness increases pedaling efficiency as well.

[@bryanneary619]

Highly agree that Adidas should dive deeper into cycling. Their recent limited run of "The Road Cycling Shoe" is one that I wish I could've snagged while available.

[@SedatedGhostwriter]

The moment Converse comes up with a high cut cycling shoe version of their Chucks, I won't need a notification email. I'll be watching their website 24/7.

[@PaulBeiser]

Thanks, DK, I like this style of review - clean, quick, hitting the pros and cons spot on. And of course the usual classic Dustin humor. 👏😀👍

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thank you for the motivation Paul!

[@amitkumar-wj8gn]

Man did a better review in 5 mins than most would in 50 minutes. Cheers

[@StayZero556]

I’m not a commuter but I’m a party rider. Lots of, you know, hydration stops. Shoes like these are awesome for someone like me.

[@chaunem308]

I’ve seen a lot of these reviews mention heel slip, I don’t know how many may not know it but the extra lace holes at the top are meant to alleviate or eliminate that issue. Give it a shot.

[@dougbalentine5382]

Awesome review and video as usual - BUT, You need to listen to more Run-DMC ;-) "2 tone, black on white, the ones I like to wear when I rock my bike"

[@superevilbrian]

I know a guy here in Portland who wears these all the time, including on a fun bikepacking trim from Seattle back here to Portland. (No not the STP, but through Gifford Pinchot). I have a pair or two of Chrome clipless shoes (and Specialized Recon 3 and some others). I see Adidas now has these in a teal-like color, which I may buy ... I mean, we have the Pedalpalooza teal ride ...

[@cycloneranger5354]

Wide foot or not sambas are famous for stretching and forming to your foot. Ive had a pair for over 10 years and they are like slippers

[@calvinnieh8943]

Interesting. I am returning size 11.. buying 11.5 as the 11 are a little too snug. My regular size is 10 or 10.5. I hope 11.5 doesn’t stretch too much. Or rather.. I just hope they fit and last! Thanks for the review!

[@felixjackson2670]

Way,way,way back in the stoned age(mid to late 1970’s) I had a pair of leather White and Blue Adidas Samba’s....sole wore through so I bought vibram sole rubber from a shoe-repair man (yes,it could have been a repair women,but was not) and glued on new soles...a couple of years later did the same. These excellent shoes were my main item of footwear(Before folk had multiple shoes) for many years..Brilliant.

[@johnhouston8297]

I would like to see exactly what you said, their take on an actual cycling shoe, yes gravel style.

[@LouisCognault]

I bought these shoes several days ago to ride my velomobile (a Quest), and I love them! They're a good compromise between comfort, look, and cycling. I also discovered a whole new level of acceleration on my Bacchetta Giro 26 recumbent bike where I actually slightly lift the front wheel while ramping the speed up. Perfect for sporty commuters like me.

[@googlekonto2851]

Doc martens 20 holes with steel cap and spd needs to happen!👢

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

🤣😂🤣

[@yarryrob]

Red or black?

[@cllris]

Couldn't agree more. Absolutely love mine for casual stuff where I have to ride to meet friends and if I had to commute still they'd be perfect. What I'd love to see next, some terrex hiking style MTB stuff for better ankle support actual mtbing rather than commuting. I'm sorry Adidas but the Five Ten stuff just looks like early noughties skates shoes sort it out!

[@sumotofu]

Really glad to see this review, much appreciation. Doesn't sound worth the upgrade over regular old Sambas and MKS pedals with the toeclips I've got on my commuter.

[@johnnydoe66]

One of my first clipless shoes were a pair of Nike mtb shoes in a blue color back in the mid 90's. They lasted about 3 yrs before the lugged soles were so worn, they were just about as smooth as road shoes.

[@MrHas1988]

Dustin is maybe the most thoughtful product reviewer I've heard yet. He's giving Ah-dee-daz real honest tips that i totally agree with

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Humbled!!!

[@chromebomb]

I've run a couple pair of the DZR slip-on's, they look good and you can walk in them. Plus its a velcro flap, no laces.

[@Thizzael]

Would you say these would work well with flat pedals as well?? Especially if it’s a short commute

[@58shortboard]

Hey Dustin, when you say “not for long rides,” due to comfort issues, could you please define “long ride?” Two hours, three hours, longer? Good review overall. Hopefully, more bike companies address a shoe that is capable for off-road and longer than a few hours, road riding. Former racer, triathlete and now, old guy, enjoying climbing and touring through nature. And in all my years, cycling shoes that are more race oriented, like my shimano s-phyre xc9’s are uncomfortable as f...k, after 50 miles. Especially, towards the lateral aspect of your toes. I have regular width and most, if not all, cycling shoes suck in this regard. Seems like with today’s technology, a simple fix. Hopefully, bump into you in P-town. Coffee n scones r on me. Love your channel

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I did a few 1 & 1/2 hr rides(25 miles) in them it was about as much as I could handle. Good questions thanks for making me clarify!

[@MattyBrad]

​@@EverythingsBeenDoneBit late, but, if I normally ride 4hours in normal Sambas. Would I feel the benefits of the Velosamba? Cheers.

[@hankamania]

I bought a pair in size 12, and while the width and length feel good, the height/volume of the toebox seems pretty tight. I'm hoping they stretch, but I need to ride them more to find out. I did get the vegan model, not because I'm anti-leather, but because I wanted the blue ones.

[@colinaina2561]

It's interesting to me that since Adidas acquired five ten, They didn't carry over that tech to these. I have the five ten district clips..they seem to check the boxes that the sambar are missing

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Good suggestion I will check them out.

[@colinaina2561]

@@EverythingsBeenDone tad heavy and not too breathable..so a good cold/wet commuter/mtb shoe. But totally walkable

[@kwparker]

In addition to commuting, they are actually really nice for MTB as well.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Love to hear this!

[@Skip-vm1rf]

Really? Always wondered. I own a pair and might try them on some platform SPDs soon. thanks for the insight! Did you ever get foot fatigue / flex ache at all? I typically ride big(er) enduro stuff.

[@kwparker]

@@Skip-vm1rf Not much fatigue for me - I'm 160lbs, and don't notice much flex at all. Used them for bigger days all over Colorado without much issue, and ma also running them with platform SPDs.

[@balikolaci1]

What I'd like to see from Adidas? Of course a new interpretation of the venerable Eddy Merckx road bike shoes! It was one of the best, and best looking shoes back in '80s... and lace road shoes are having a renaissance nowdays...

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

YES YES YES!!!

[@robinheil]

Really good review. Your knowledge of clothing really shines through. Now it's Nike's turn. Let's keep that rivalry going

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Appreciate you Robin!

[@iRollWithPunches]

To the point, entertaining, and informative. Cheers!

[@binghengtsai4890]

Agree with cons, heavy ankle side and sole able to make smaller.

[@hippo71124]

Missed out on the Velosamba - at least in Australia, the only ones left is the nylon upper ones and the blue vegan version. Hopefully can try a pair of these Velo Stans!

[@derekkim6512]

I wish cycling shoes came in hobbit width. I ended up getting spd sandals. They work decently well. Plus I can jump into the river mid ride.

[@michaelgoddard9089]

5ten fit wide feet. 14wide here. Also, I've had good luck with Specialized spds. Sandals sound cool though.

[@derekkim6512]

@@michaelgoddard9089 are these more the mtb clipless? I tried a pair and they were so narrow. Babiest of feet. Maybe I’ll try a different model. The clipless sandals are pretty comfy off the bike. Definitely not aero. But for adventure biking they’re pretty rad.

[@dustythewhale3809]

Wife and I have the black jawns.... I would like the off white pair thou just cause. We wear them for coffee shop and take daughter to the park rides.

[@tavs111]

2:56 thats what i was looking for

[@seanparker7415]

Really need to see you walking on tiles or concrete with the SPD cleats fitted. Let's see the 'SPD crunch', or not.

[@dallinisnottaken]

How do these compare to something like the Chrome Truk Pro?

[@xote316]

I really like this review as a sneaker nerd. Now I have to dig into what makes a good cycling shoe

[@oliverpage2833]

Spot on with the gravel shoe, they announced it today.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I better get on that thing before it sells out!

[@Klunker1]

Adidas used to do great cycling shoes. I rode nothing but Eddy Merckx Adidas in my early years. “70’s style”

[@realbriguyG]

Were you able to torque all 4 bolts up to 5-6Nm as recommended by Shimano? 3 of the 4 bolts had stripped out when I had this shoe, and the soft back plate warped due to that torque to the point where it entered the foot cavity. I did this install with a freshly calibrated torque wrench, and the cleat plate threads failed at 3 to 3.5 NM. I thought it was an isolated incident, but didn't risk it with another pair. Later on, I got a pair of the Adidas Road Shoe, and while most of those bolt holes were able to get up to 5Nm, 2 of the 6 ended up stripping again.

[@danpham7957]

I wish Chrome Industries started producing their Kursk Pro shoes with SPDs again. Anyone know why Chrome got rid of their SPD shoes?

[@sirmixalot3332]

Great question! Whats up Chrome bring those beaches back.

[@dirtyred2000]

Idk why this dude is saying they’re not comfortable. Road with these to work and worked a full shift fresh out of the box. They were super comfy the whole day

[@albertoramiroruiz4999]

Dang, this was everything I wanted to know when I was considering buying them but didn't. Great review!

[@nesusiprates]

How they compare to Giro Rumble shoes?

[@baker2niner]

I'm on my 2nd pair of Shimano CT5 for commuting/everyday/bike touring. They're not as stylish as these, have a really soft shank/plate for walking and are well made (2 year life, everyday). $40 cheaper. Good kit. I checked this video to see if the Adidas suit my "allday" use: they are more stylish than the CT5, but I'm not psyched about the stiffer shank plate (wish you showed more about that, it's important...) or cost. Adidas' Five Ten models look great too, but all the clip versions (if you can figure out their lineup) are too stiff (for mtb) and build quality is not great.

[@bennetthasty7886]

Adidas samba is my favorite shoe of all time- a Velo version -blew my mind but I wish it scored higher

[@vanwilder1101]

I'm still yet to understand why Vans have not made a cycling shoe...

[@DorkissFromDaoc]

Thanks for the great video! Is this possible to keep them all day long ? By that I mean not walking all day but at least keeping them while working in the office ? That is the main issue with my Chrome spd

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I think it would fine to wear them all day at the office.

[@DorkissFromDaoc]

@@EverythingsBeenDone Thanks man ! I'll get them :)

[@bcw04]

Great review! Earned a like and subscribe! Quick question for you. If I commented to work (bike to train, train into the office), would they be comfortable to wear for a full workday (typical office waking)? Or should I keep a different pair of shoes I'm the office? Thanks!

[@philr696]

I have commuted all my working life by bike and always keep a "work" pair at work. Bike shoes (well mine) get wet fairly often so nice to get out of those. Shoes and lunchboxes are the awkward bulky things so never really commute with those.

[@bcw04]

@@philr696 cheers! Great insight!

[@florianabrahamson2834]

Surprised you have not found Quoc shoes yet, the gran tourer shoe from them is by far the best cycling shoe on the market and they also make commuter shoes.

[@JasonBarnhart]

A worthy replacement for the discontinued Chrome Kursk Pro. (Supposed to be a new Kursk out this fall.) Will have to try these! Thanks for the review.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

You are welcome!

[@desmondho6876]

how do they feel on different floor surfaces? i.e: sidewalk/Pathways.... gravel.....etc.

[@aneeshbhoopathy6417]

Great video. Does anyone know if there are options for a casual shoe that work with speedplay pedals?

[@azambuja666]

despite saying adidas like that, still looks like one of the cooler people to hang out w when i saw that mash sf movie like 10 years ago

[@viceroi9332]

If there’s heel slip, do you think we should order a half size down?

[@POTAO119977]

How do they manage while skiding? I'm scared to buy them if there not safe for fixed...

[@nytiger]

Appreciate the logical explanation-driven review and the humor is spot on ... Entertaining and helpful. Adi Dassler would have been proud! Ha!

[@Ozzy-87]

I’m a uk 9 but had to buy 9.5 for mine which are still snug but the uk 10 were 2 big for anyone that is going to buy these.

[@bigscandi]

These are based off of soccer shoes. I have had their Samba Classics with the super high tongue multiple times. I imagine they would similar to those. For flats they are probably perfect but clipped in I would be skeptical.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

yep

[@philiphanan1493]

I have a wide foot and they fit great.

[@phillipcowan1444]

Bring back the Merckx three stripe from the 70's and also a shoe for pinned flats to compete with the 5-10 Impacts.

[@jnxmck]

Seems unlikely Adidas would create a shoe to compete with a shoe from a brand they own, no?

[@phillipcowan1444]

@@jnxmck Yeah, about three minutes after I posted I remembered reading that Adidas now owns 5-10. I hope they don't monkey around with the brand too much.

[@jnxmck]

@@phillipcowan1444 They've owned it since 2011

[@phillipcowan1444]

@@jnxmck You seem quite knowledgeable on the subject. Do you work in the industry? Just curious.

[@jnxmck]

@@phillipcowan1444 nope, I make bags for cyclists under the name Mack Workshop but that's it!

[@willarmero1673]

do the SPD cleats clack around on the ground when you walk?

[@ZacFelts]

Nope, they're recessed far enough that they basically never hit the ground (unless you're walking in gravel or similar, but that should be pretty obvious)

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Not in mine.

[@stevebolt7132]

Thanks for the review. Would you say these were OK for a flattish 50 mile rise?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Yes they would absolutely work for that.

[@stevebolt7132]

@@EverythingsBeenDone Thanks. I'm riding to Paris next month doing about 50 miles a day over 6 days

[@trevoredwards3507]

Great shoes currently $84 in the US but a complete rip off at £110 in the UK - I may consider them again if Adidas decides it can fix this!

[@themihaherbst]

The style for miles! but def with the originals logo tho ;)

[@anderssaxkristoffersen1091]

Well... Bigger sizes would be nice 😊 only Shimano and Lake makes bigger then an 48 EU, and they are always in backorder 😔

[@aperezy17]

Thanks, great review. Question: what do you think about bike touring? I normally do 60 to 70 miles a day when touring and want a shoe that is comfortable to walk in the evening around my campground without the need to bring an extra pair. any thoughts, if possible...thanks again and cheers

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

These could be a perfect match for this. I would test them on some 60 mile days before you commit to the tour in them. I think you’ll find a place for them in your life even if they don’t work for the tour!

[@shaunhilliard6895]

I'd like to check out the 510 Free ride or Crank Bros Mallet Lace

[@sunnyb1787]

Hi can someone tell me if these are suitable for spin?

[@JamesShell]

Very helpful review! You did let one uh-dee-duz slip in 😂

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Bawahaha good catch 😂

[@stevenlai9809]

Any suggestions on sneakers on flat pedals? I have not converted to clipless yet but still appreciate a nice flat bottomed sneaker. Mostly road/gravel

[@collinmost678]

Some MTB friends of mine ride plain old Vans with Diety Deftrap Pedals or Crank Bros Stamp 1 Pedals. Both really cheap pedal options. I ran the stamps on my gravel commuter before I went clipless and they stuck like glue. Not having to clip in made me a lot faster than my clipless friends at stop lights and stop signs.

[@josephfarrugia2350]

I would love s stiff sole shoe for.....FLAT pedals. Please.

[@caseysmith544]

I would Like to see a more performance shoe made more for walking like some Five Ten shoes, a brand that Adidas has recently acquired like the Kestrel models are clipless yet allow for walking a bit. They are a leather upper but made more performance material inside leather outer then what the Vlelosamba is made of, older tech if made right in thin leather works for the model having seen somebody use the Samba as a tennis shoe but the older thinner suede/reground leather shoe. The guy wanted a more flexible shoe then what was out in High School in the mid 2000's for bending his foot while playing for the High School team.

[@elultimohabitante]

I badly want a pair of Vans UA SK8-Mid Reissue clipless version!

[@m1les7]

Ace! I’ve got a pair, but went a half size up, so they’re slightly too big!🙈🙈😂😂

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Ahh crap 😆

[@m1les7]

@@EverythingsBeenDone 👌👌😂😂

[@TomChappell1998]

This was the review I needed to see! Great video, thanks Dustin. Looking forward to using mine! 🚲

[@xiztnce]

Do these click or crunch when walking around on the sidewalk?

[@CustomAwesome]

Since they own 5Ten, I'm surprised these weren't better. Someday, perhaps!

[@markuspaulini912]

adidas pronounciation was spot on!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

THANK YOU!!

[@jacobpinkney3471]

Challenge accepted I’m going to wear these on my gravel bike next summer for RAGBRAI. Long days let’s see how they hold up

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Thats whats up! Let us know how it goes!

[@jacobpinkney3471]

@@EverythingsBeenDone will do I’ll bring at least two pairs one black one white and alternate over the 7/8 days I ride.

[@adhdtrader5748]

Whats a better performance cycling shoe to get? 1st time buyer, pavement, gravel. Not trying to win races, just wan good shoe, ty

[@ekajnitram]

If you can find your size the Giro Privateer Lace is well loved, I've got a pair of the Fizik Powerstrap X4's and I like them (only about 75 miles in them so far).

[@adhdtrader5748]

@@ekajnitram nice ty 🤙🏽

[@ZacFelts]

As mentioned, the Privateer Lace is a good option (although I prefer the Republic R Knit for an extra $10), but if you wanna go even lower budget and still get a solid shoe, I'd recommend the Giro Rumble VR. You can easily find them for under $100 with a few different colorways to choose from. I did a little over 7k miles in mine before I upgraded and they barely show any signs of wear. I still use them for gravel rides when I know there's gonna be a decent amount of hike-a-bike going on, since the vibram soles offer better grip than my other shoes. (I've also talked two friends into buying them and they're both happy with 'em, so that's basically THREE internet strangers giving them the thumbs up)

[@ekajnitram]

@@ZacFelts make it four, I’ve tried them as well and entirely forgot about it since they really are kinda stealth cycling nerd shoes.

[@ososdechengdu]

Do you offer your services as an eyeglass selection consultant?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

yes! I have plans to film a glasses video ASAP!

[@syahizzat]

what leather is it?

[@cycodre]

Great info! I hope you get some compensation for it! Back in the nineties I found some mid-high vans that had a stiff sole and accepted MTB cleats. They were perfect for my job riding a pedicab but like the Adidas not for big miles or trail use. They looked great as a casual shoe. I was sad when the the underside of the toes wore through from the little walking I did. The soles were stiff enough that the tip of the plastic "plate" started to poke out. It took a few years though. I've never seen another pair or I would buy them immediately! Gong to see if I can get my hands on those sambas!

[@bonnefires5835]

As much as I love your videos - every single one - including this one, I can’t get over how you pronounce Adidas. For me I trust Run DMC with how you say Adidas.

[@jp93309]

Can someone yell at Vans to make some gravel spd shoes in their Old Skool and weatherproofed Sk8 hi-tops? Would totally buy em up.

[@arifsatrionugroho9905]

I have a red one and it's amazing so far!

[@houmm08]

Is the upper made of leather or a synthetic material?

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Leather

[@JojoUnikill]

Nice Video Dustin! Here in Germany they are actually available in red, yellow, blue and off white with white stripes as well.🤙🏽 I would love your review on some DZR shoes!

[@KillingTimewithStyle]

Really like the art in the background!

[@TheMerckxProject]

Wait...but do I have to take the cleat off before I play indoor footie? :D

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

LOL not suggested ;)