adidas Handball Spezial Shoes

The Versatile, Vintage Aesthetic of the adidas Handball Spezial

Love the look of a Samba, Gazelle or Samoa? Don’t sleep on the adidas Handball Spezial! These casual kicks are perfect for everyday looks thanks to their streamlined, retro style and signature Three Stripes. Whether you’re looking for women's adidas Originals Handball Spezial casual shoes or men's lifestyle options, you’ll find a range of colors and sizes at Hibbett.

Indoor Courts to Casual Wear

In 1979, adidas introduced the Handball Spezial to meet the needs of indoor handball players. Known for its lightweight feel and superior grip, it quickly became the go-to shoe for handball enthusiasts across Europe. But as with many performance shoes, the style caught the eye of sneakerheads, musicians and everyday people who loved the timeless design too.

The shoe's original colorway was a simple yet striking combination of a blue suede upper and gum rubber outsole. It has since become the most popular and recognizable version. Over time, adidas has experimented with other colorways — red, black, green and adidas Handball Spezial pink​ variations — but the blue-on-gum version remains a crowd fave. Its versatility and sleek, vintage style have helped the shoe become an iconic streetwear symbol.

Packed with Performance Features

The adidas Originals Handball Spezial may seem like just another retro shoe, but it comes packed with performance features that made it a hit both on and off the court.

Soft Suede Uppers

Primarily constructed from premium suede, the upper is durable but maintains a soft, comfortable feel. The sleek design features the signature adidas Three Stripes along the sides.

Gum Rubber Outsole

One of the standout features of the adidas Handball Spezial is its gum rubber outsole. The outsole ensures traction on surfaces ranging from grass and sidewalks to gym floors and arena bleachers. That tan gum color also adds a vintage touch that complements the sneaker’s throwback design. While most models have the gum outsole, some of the colorways also use white rubber.

Do adidas Handball Spezial Run Big or Small?

The adidas Handball Spezial tends to run true to size, but if you have wider feet or prefer a bit more room, going up a half size might be a good idea. For narrow feet, stick with your regular size.

Are adidas Handball Spezial Comfortable?

Yes, the adidas Originals Handball Spezial sneakers are exceptionally comfortable, thanks to the soft suede rubber outsole.

Related Links

Forum | Gazelle | Ozelia | Ozweego | Samba | Stan Smith | Swift Run | Superstar | Samoa | NMD | adidas Men's Shoes | adidas Women's Shoes | adidas Kid's Shoes