Adidas Reports Strong Third Quarter Bolstered By Samba Sales

Adidas reported strong earnings in the third quarter of 2205 as consumers continue to snap up retro sneakers like the Samba. The German sportswear company posted net sales of € 6.63 billion, surpassing market expectations. 

Adidas continues to ride a two-year hot streak with a strong demand for classic shoe models that also include the Samba and Gazelle. That's helping the German brand successfully mitigated part of the extra costs caused by higher U.S. tariffs and carve a niche in a market that has been dominated by Nike Inc. for decades.

"I am extremely proud of what our teams achieved in the third quarter with actually record revenues. 12% growth for the adidas brand leading to total revenue of € 6.63 billion is the highest we have ever achieved as a company in a quarter" CEO Bjørn Gulden expressed in a company segment. 

"Given the positive development in Q3, we narrow our top-line guidance and raise our full-year EBIT outlook from between € 1.7 billion and € 1.8 billion to around € 2.0 billion… The focus is now on transitioning well into 2026, which will be another exciting sports year with the Winter Olympics right at the beginning."

Adidas Reports Strong Third Quarter

The company’s gross margin improved 0.5 percentage points to 51.8% in the quarter (2024: 51.3%), despite the negative impacts from unfavourable currency developments and higher tariffs. Operating profit improved strongly to € 736 million (2024: € 598 million). The third-quarter operating margin reached 11.1% (2024: 9.3%).

adidas has increased its full-year guidance for 2025. For the full year, the company continues to expect double-digit currency-neutral revenue growth for the adidas brand. The company's operating profit is now expected to increase to a level of around € 2.0 billion (previously: to reach a level of between € 1.7 billion and € 1.8 billion). The improved profitability outlook reflects continued brand momentum, the better-than-expected business performance as well as the successful efforts to partly mitigate the additional costs resulting from increased US tariffs. Adidas is set to report full third-quarter results on Oct. 29.

Price Increase of Adidas' Samba Sneakers

Adidas' iconic Samba sneakers, previously priced at $90 upward now start at $100 on its U.S. site. This price adjustment is part of the company's strategy to offset the financial impact of U.S. tariffs. Adidas had previously said it may hike prices in the US to mitigate the cost of tariffs imposed on imports, which it estimated would add around €200 million to its costs in the second half.

Despite the price increase, the iconic Samba remains a popular choice among celebrities and sneakerheads. Jennifer Aniston was recently seen in New York sporting the Adidas Samba sneakers. “adidas is a sports company that connects sports and street culture” says CEO Bjørn Gulden "We sell performance, comfort and lifestyle. We see global demand for all these segments continue to grow. That is why we look positive into the future!"

Resurgence Of Samba And Gazelle

A key factor in adidas' financial growth is the resurgence of the Adidas Gazelle and Samba, each with a distinct identity and history. These classic iconic sneakers appeal to a new generation of sneakerheads, with many still discovering the differences between the two models. While both feature adidas' signature three-stripe design, the Gazelle is a favourite of fashion-conscious consumers, and the Samba, originally made for indoor football, is admired for its versatility.

The Gazelle, with its suede upper and minimalist design, is ideal for casual wear; its cushioned midsole provides comfort for all-day use. The Samba, with its leather upper and gum sole, is built for durability and superior grip, making it a practical choice for sports. Although both are affordable considering their high quality, the Samba often offers better long-term value due to its resilient materials.

adidas Samba

In terms of comfort and fit, the Gazelle provides a soft flexible fit thanks to its suede upper, which moulds to the foot over time. The Samba is more structured and snug, with its leather upper offering a firmer fit, making it suitable for those who prefer a more supportive, athletic feel. The Gazelle's softer materials and lighter design make it a comfortable all-day shoe while the Samba's T-toe and gum sole make it more durable and ideal for sports.

When it comes to durability, the Samba excels with its sturdy construction, leather upper and gum rubber outsole. The Gazelle, while stylish with its suede upper, requires more maintenance to keep it in top condition. Despite this, the Gazelle remains a popular choice for its aesthetics and comfort. Both models have seen success in high-profile collaborations, with the Samba collaborating with figures like Pharrell Williams and the Gazelle partnering with celebrities like Bad Bunny and Lionel Messi. And both sneakers offer great value, depending on the consumers' needs for style, comfort and functionality.