Adidas Sambas are a timeless classic, but like all cherished sneakers, they're prone to getting dirty. To keep them in prime condition, they'll need more than just regular wear and care - they need the right cleaning techniques. And that's where Boot Buddy comes in - with our expert tips for keeping your Sambas pristine and a game-changer in sneaker & shoe care.

Whether you're a sneaker enthusiast or a parent trying to teach your kids about shoe maintenance, this guide will walk you through keeping those Sambas spotless.

Adidas Sambas, known for their style and comfort, can be challenging to clean due to their unique material combination. With a mix of synthetic materials, leather, and suede, it can be difficult to clean them properly without damaging them, but we've got you covered. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking great but also extends their lifespan. 

Before we tell you the best way to keep your Sambas clean, it's worth pointing out the one approach to avoid. Many might think of the washing machine as a quick fix for dirty Sambas. However, machine washing can damage the structure and material of the shoes. The suede on the shoes doesn't do well in water, and the rough and tumble of most machines could cause your prized Sambas to fall apart, eventually. Instead, we recommend a more hands-on approach.

Depending on their design, you should find that you've got pretty much all you need to clean your Sambas at home, and here's the simple 5-step process for getting your shoes box-fresh again.

Remove the laces and the insoles. You could wash the laces in the washing machine, just make sure you put them in a mesh bag or similar to avoid problems, but you could also clean them and the insoles with some warm water and a mild dish soap (Boot Buddy's Shoe Cleaning Solution is even better) and a cloth or brush, and give them a light scrub after a bit of a soak.

Using a dry shoe brush (or the soft bristle brush on your Boot Buddy), you want to brush off as much of the excess dirt and debris on the surface of the shoes as possible.

Depending on the majority of the material on your Sambas, you will either need to use a mixture of warm water and cleaning solution, rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, or both - see a little later for how to clean the different materials. 

Whatever the approach, the key is gentle rubbing in circular motions with a soft brush or cloth to get your shoes clean. Tackle tough dirt and stains with care to make sure not to cause any damage.

Once clean, you need to leave them to dry naturally. You can pat them dry with a microfiber towel, but avoid using heat from radiators etc. to dry them. Instead, let your Adidas Sambas air dry naturally. You can fill them with paper to help retain their shape and speed things up a bit.

For completely clean and fresh Sambas, finish off with some sneaker deodorising spray, or you could try Boot Buddy’s deodorisers, which are great for keeping your Sambas smelling fresh, especially if you tend to wear them all day, every day!

With different styles having different mixes of leather, synthetic materials, and suede, it's good to know the best way to clean your Sambas properly without damaging them.

The natural leather on your Sambas can be cleaned as you would any other shoe, using a mild cleaning solution mixed with water and a brush or a soft cloth. Avoid excess water and be careful not to get the leather too wet, as this might cause the shoe to lose its shape.

If your Sambas are part or full suede, this needs a bit more care to clean. Try to avoid water if you can, as it can affect the suede and even stain it, so using a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or white vinegar is a good approach. 

If your shoes are pretty trashed anyway, you could use a water and soap solution, just try not to get the suede too wet, and bear in mind it might feel 'crunchy' when it's dry and need a stiff brushing or some suede reconditioning oil to bring back the soft feel.

If you've opted for vegan Sambas with synthetic leather, and for all the other manmade materials on the shoe, these can usually be cleaned like natural leather, with a mix of warm water and liquid cleaning solution and a cloth or brush. You might think the synthetic leather is tougher than natural leather, but the coating can still wear off, so don't be too harsh on it.

Whatever style your Sambas and whatever material they're made of, with the award-winning Boot Buddy, you can be sure you've got everything you need for keeping your Sambas looking great.

Boot Buddy’s cleaning kits are convenient and effective for maintaining your Adidas Sambas. Our products are designed to clean without causing damage, ensuring your sneakers stay in perfect shape for longer.

For those constantly on the move, consider Boot Buddy’s travel kit. Compact and easy to carry, it ensures you can attend to your Sambas no matter where you are. 

As a brand passionate about shoe care and environmental sustainability, Boot Buddy offers more than just products - we offer a commitment to keeping your footwear at its best. Discover how we can help keep your Adidas Sambas as good as new and explore the Boot Buddy range below.