Few footwear collaborators have influenced the sneaker world quite like Wales Bonner. After effectively putting the adidas Samba on the map in 2020, the newly appointed Hermés creative director is reminding us that she is still the head sneaker savant in charge. 

Meet the adidas Karintha, a Samba-esque sneaker that is simultaneously familiar and totally new.

Where Wales Bonner's previous adidas collabs featured existing silhouettes, turned up through stylish upgrades, the adidas Karintha is a brand-spanking-new sneaker model. 

In fact, the Karintha, available on the adidas website for $220 on April 17, is Wales Bonner's first original adidas sneaker model. Despite its inherent ingenuity, though, the Karintha does have a lot in common with the humble Samba. 

Same low profile, same crispy thin outsole, and even the new pair’s monochrome colorway is quite similar to some of Wales Bonner's previous Samba sneakers.

But considering what Wales Bonner has done for the Samba, it's only right that the shoe pays her back in some capacity. 

Sure, the Samba existed long before Grace Wales Bonner entered the picture. It is almost 80 years old after all. But its relevance was reinvigorated by the British designer's keen eye for crazy fly sneaker design. Yes, adidas was doing Sambas before Wales Bonner entered the chat, but foldable tongues and contrast stitching? 

Well, that's all Wales Bonner, all day long.

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