Adidas Tokyo Sneakers: The New Samba Alternative Sofia Richie Grainge Is Wearing

Sofia Richie Grainge has signaled a shift in celebrity footwear preferences, moving from the ubiquitous Adidas Samba toward the brand’s Tokyo model, specifically the collaborative release with Australian label Song for the Mute. According to Instagram posts from June 14, Richie Grainge styled the sneakers with summer staples, cementing the Tokyo silhouette as a rising trend in street-style fashion.

Why is the Adidas Tokyo replacing the Samba?

The transition toward the Adidas Tokyo reflects a broader market movement toward ballet-inspired, low-profile sneakers. While the Samba—popularized by figures like Jennifer Lawrence and Olivia Rodrigo—remains a staple, the Tokyo offers a more distinct, lightweight aesthetic. The Song for the Mute collaboration, released in May 2026, differentiates itself through textured beige nylon sidewalls and crêpe rubber treads, replacing the traditional gumsoles found on standard models. According to product specifications from the collaboration, the design incorporates distressed suede and butter-yellow serrated stripes, moving away from the more uniform look of the classic Samba.

Pro Tip: To style the Tokyo sneaker like Richie Grainge, pair the low-profile silhouette with wide-leg linen pants. Matching your sneaker’s accent color—such as butter yellow—to your trousers creates a cohesive, elongated look.

How does the Song for the Mute collaboration differ from standard models?

The collaboration between Adidas and Song for the Mute marks their seventh partnership since August 2022. Unlike the Samba LX Freizeits, which feature a thicker sole, the Tokyo iteration maintains a slimmer profile closer to the original 1964 Olympic design. Data from the release shows that the collaboration prioritizes unique material textures, such as criss-cross slashes on the T-toe box, which contrasts with the smoother leather construction of the standard $90 Tokyo models. These design choices position the collaboration as a premium alternative for collectors seeking a more technical, fashion-forward version of the heritage runner.

What are the upcoming color trends for summer footwear?

Butter yellow and strawberry red have emerged as the dominant color trends for the 2026 season. Richie Grainge demonstrated this by coordinating her butter-yellow striped sneakers with linen pants of the same shade, accented by a strawberry red cardigan. This styling follows a shift toward monochromatic or “color-matched” outfits, a technique often seen in recent street-style photography in cities like New York and Tokyo. Retailers like Banana Republic Factory and Le Bop have already begun aligning their seasonal inventories with these specific palettes, indicating a wider industry pivot toward soft, saturated hues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Adidas Tokyo sneakers comfortable for walking? Yes, the model is designed as a lightweight runner, though the collaboration version features a crêpe rubber tread for a softer, slipper-like feel compared to the original gumsole.
Where can I buy the Song for the Mute Tokyo shoes? These limited-edition sneakers are available through official Adidas channels and select high-end retailers, often alongside the standard Tokyo model.
How do I clean the suede on these sneakers? Because the Song for the Mute model uses distressed suede, it is best to use a specialized suede brush to remove dirt without damaging the intentional worn-in texture.

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