adidas Samba OG for Kids: Sizing and Fit for PS vs TD

Quick answer

Choose the preschool Samba OG for kids who have outgrown toddler sizes and need a more structured fit; choose the toddler Samba OG EL I for smaller feet that need easy slip-on wear. Always measure both feet and leave about a thumb’s width of space at the toe.

Step-by-step kids Samba sizing

1. Measure both feet at the end of the day: Have your child stand on a piece of paper and trace both feet. Measure from the heel to the longest toe. Use the larger measurement to choose the size. Common mistake: measuring only one foot or measuring while sitting, which can underestimate length. Write down the longer measurement in centimeters and compare it to the size chart.
2. Check the size chart for PS vs TD: Preschool sizes typically run from 10.5 to 3, while toddler sizes run from 2 to 10. If your child measures at the top of the toddler range, try the preschool size. Common mistake: assuming the same number means the same fit across grades—toddler and preschool lasts can differ. If between sizes, choose the larger size for growing room, but no more than half a size up.
3. Try on with the socks they will wear: Put on the socks your child will use most often, then slide the shoe on. Press down at the toe to check for about a thumb’s width (1 cm) of space. Common mistake: trying shoes with bare feet, which can make the shoe feel tighter than it will in daily wear. If the toe space is less than half a thumb, size up; if more than a full thumb, size down.
4. Test the bungee or lace system: For the toddler EL I, pull the elastic laces to check they hold the foot without pinching. For the preschool model, tie the flat cotton laces and ask your child to walk, run, and stop quickly. Common mistake: tying laces too tight across the instep, which can restrict movement. You should be able to slide one finger under the laces at the top of the foot.
5. Do a heel-slip check: With the shoe on and laces or bungee adjusted, hold the heel and ask your child to step forward. The heel should stay in place without lifting more than a few millimeters. Common mistake: ignoring heel slip because the toe feels fine—it can cause blisters and unstable walking. If the heel slips, try a half size down or a thicker sock before deciding the shoe is too big.

Product facts

• adidas PS Samba OG C - Sand Strata / Ivory / Gum: Pre-School Samba OG G silhouette with cheetah-printed leather and synthetic upper, padded collar, and flat cotton laces. The structured upper and standard laces give a secure fit for active preschoolers, but they require tying and may feel stiff at first.

  

• adidas TD Samba OG EL I - Sand Strata / Ivory / Gum: Toddler Samba OG EL I silhouette with cheetah-print synthetic upper, padded collar, and flat cotton laces. The synthetic upper is lightweight and easy to clean, and the padded collar helps prevent slipping in smaller sizes.