The United Airlines x Adidas Samba merges the airline’s centennial celebration with the nearly 80-year history of the iconic Samba. Featuring a white leather base accented with blue striping and a “mustache” design, the sneaker mirrors United’s signature color scheme. The airline’s logo appears on the left shoe’s lateral heel, while gold text on the right shoe marks the 100-year anniversary. Additional design touches include a gray suede T-toe and a brown cupsole.
This follows a similar centennial sneaker collaboration last year, when Delta partnered with Nike on a special-edition Air Force 1 Low. That release featured a predominantly white design with a silver Swoosh lined in blue, the Delta logo on the lateral heel, and a “100-year” call-out on the tongue. Although initially exclusive to Delta employees, the sneaker eventually appeared on resale platforms, fetching prices between $180 and $200.
Other airline-inspired sneaker collaborations have included Nike’s work with Paris-based collective Air Afrique, which created the Air Max RK61 sneaker loafer to honor the defunct Pan-African airline. That campaign featured soccer star Didier Drogba and celebrated the airline’s original branding.
Like its Delta predecessor, the United Airlines x Adidas Samba is currently an employee-exclusive, available only through internal channels. Observers anticipate that the limited-edition sneaker will also make its way to resale markets, offering sneaker enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to celebrate United’s 100th anniversary in footwear form.
