The wearing experience of the Samba OG is its most discussed, and most polarizing, attribute; it is a tale of two distinct phases: the break-in and the aftermath.
 

• The Break-In Period: Let there be no ambiguity: the Samba OG demands a break-in period. Out of the box, the leather is notably stiff, and the heel counter is firm and unforgiving. Our hands-on testing confirmed what many have experienced; the first several wears can be challenging. We experienced significant rubbing on the Achilles tendon from the rigid heel tab, a common point of contention. The shoe’s narrow frame can also feel restrictive across the midfoot initially. This is not a shoe built for instant gratification; it requires a commitment from the wearer to push through the initial discomfort. It’s a process of the leather slowly yielding and molding to the specific contours of your foot.
   

• After the Break-In: The reward for that commitment is a shoe that feels almost custom-made. Once the leather softens and the heel conforms, the Samba transforms into an exceptionally comfortable, form-fitting sneaker. The initial pain gives way to a glove-like fit that is an absolute dream on the feet. It becomes a shoe you can wear all day without a second thought, but only after you have put in the work. This earned comfort is a key part of the Samba ownership experience.
   

• Minimalist Underfoot Feel: True to its 1950s roots, the Samba is a fundamentally flat shoe with minimal cushioning and virtually non-existent arch support. The heel stack height is extremely low, meaning there is very little material between your foot and the ground. For those accustomed to the plush, highly cushioned soles of modern running shoes, this shoe can be uncomfortable. It is not the right choice for activities involving hours of walking or standing on hard surfaces, especially for those who need arch support. We found an insert does help make this shoe feel more comfortable.
   

• Excellent Ground Feel: The flip side of the minimal cushioning is a phenomenal "ground feel." The thin, responsive gum sole allows you to feel connected to the surface beneath you, providing a sense of agility and control that is lost in bulkier footwear. This is the very quality that made it an accidental favorite among skateboarders for decades. It's a shoe that feels nimble and precise, a direct consequence of its spartan design philosophy.
   

• Navigating the Sizing: The single most critical piece of advice we can offer is to understand that the Samba is designed to be narrow. For those with standard or narrow feet, going true-to-size is the correct path; the shoe will feel snug at first but will stretch to a perfect fit. For anyone with even slightly wide feet, going up a half size is non-negotiable. This is necessary to achieve adequate width, even if it means the shoe is a touch long. For those with very wide feet, the Samba’s silhouette may unfortunately prove too restrictive, even when sizing up.