United Airlines and Adidas have officially partnered to launch a limited-edition Samba sneaker in celebration of the airline’s 100th anniversary. This footwear blends classic sneaker heritage with a rich aviation history, inviting employees to embrace a century of flight.
The collaborative design is built on the classic adidas Samba silhouette, combining a timeless aesthetic with unique details that celebrate the United legacy and the dedicated workforce behind it. The sneaker features stripes and accents in the signature United Blue. Commemorative elements adorn the heels, including the recognizable United globe logo on the left shoe and a gold “100 years” anniversary mark on the right. Adidas began selling the Samba in 1950, initially creating it as a specialized soccer shoe to help players train on icy, frozen, or snowy surfaces. Although the first version was released around 1949–1950, the modern and popular iteration of the Samba was introduced in 1972.
“As we celebrate 100 years of flying, this collaboration with adidas feels like a meaningful way to honor both our history and the people behind it,” said Mark Muren, the Managing Director of Product Marketing and Brand at United Airlines. “It serves as a thoughtful nod to the journey we’ve taken—and the one ahead.”
Currently, the sneaker is available exclusively to United employees through the airline’s United Shop, so stay tuned for potential details on a wider release.
