The collaboration transcends traditional sportswear boundaries while honoring the Samba’s rich history in both football and skateboarding. Zhang's design process involved meticulous research, including visits to the Adidas archives in Beijing and Herzogenaurach, to gather essential materials and insights for redefining the sneaker’s classic appearance.

Zhang commented on his design approach: “My commitment as a designer is to forge new paths. This involves choosing materials, examining previous Samba versions, and calculating precise details for each design element. This sneaker represents the extension of innovative concepts into tangible new forms, pushing the limits of creativity and design.”

Zhang's design philosophy emphasizes fluidity, a theme evident in his version of the Samba. The sneaker features a patent leather upper with a wave-like texture, contrasted with a suede toe box and a matte, embossed gum rubber sole.

The sneaker also draws inspiration from various cultural elements, including the 2006 Adidas Predator Absolute cleat, and incorporates a puffy, low-cut style reminiscent of 2000s skate culture. This reflects the era's custom of modifying new shoes into low tops for skateboarding.

The attention to detail is meticulous in the design of this sneaker, which includes strategically placed breathable holes along the stripes, a slightly shorter tongue, and subtle branding. The sneaker is presented in an all-black colorway, a tribute to Zhang’s school days when he had to black out his shoes to match the school’s uniform policy.

The launch is complemented by dynamic films showcasing the sneaker’s textural and conceptual evolution, highlighting the fusion of craftsmanship and innovative technology.

The Adidas Originals by Dingyun Zhang Samba will be available on 10th May at select retailers and through the CONFIRMED app, with sign-ups starting May 4th at 10:00 CET. This release offers a new take on a footwear classic and celebrates the sneaker as a form of wearable art.