The adidas Spezial: From the Handball World Championship to Trending Kicks

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If you’ve just gotten the memo, adidas shoes are having all the moments lately, at least where lifestyle sneakers are concerned. The latest silhouette revival positioned for everyday wear? The adidas Originals Handball Spezial. No, you don’t need to be a handball pro — or even athletic — to slide on a pair of these vintage-style sneakers. But you should appreciate the history of the adidas Spezial if you’re going to wear them. Here’s more on the shoe’s origins, sizing and outfit ideas.

adidas Handball Spezial History

The handball-specific shoe was part of adidas’ efforts to develop specialized footwear in various sports, hence the Spezial designation, German for “special.” Designed specifically for handball in 1979, this shoe took on a cleat-like look without the spikes and featured a gum rubber outsole that provided excellent grip on indoor courts, along with a durable suede upper that helped support the foot during quick lateral movement. The signature Three Stripes made the shoe recognizable as an adidas silhouette, and the higher heel piece protected the ankle.

In the 1980s, the Handball Spezials began enjoying popularity among UK football fans, taking the shoes beyond their athletic origins and into the lifestyle sphere. You may not have heard about the shoes until very recently, but in 2014, adidas launched its Spezial line, expanding beyond the Handball Spezial to encompass heritage shoes the Three Stripes pulls out of its archives.

adidas Originals shoes have really hit over the past few years, largely due to a collective craving for comfortable, familiar silhouettes with retro appeal. Today’s shoes retain the vintage, minimalist aesthetic, complete with a Spezial tongue logo, metallic signature on the side and a blended suede and leather upper.

adidas Handball Spezial Sizing & Support

They’re similar to the adidas Sambas, and like their counterparts, the adidas Spezials have amassed a larger following of late. In general, they tend to have a flatter sole, wider base and a bit more arch support than the Sambas. When it comes to fit, the Handball Spezials run true to size, and the upper loosens up over time for maximum comfort. If you happen to be between sizes or your foot is wider, consider going a half size up.

adidas Handball Spezial Outfit Ideas

Like its other adidas Originals lifestyle counterparts, the adidas Handball Spezial is a super easy reach when it comes to putting together any fit.

Pair your white Handball Spezial sneakers with loose-fitting jeans and a simple white tee. Add a baseball cap and a crossbody bag for a laid-back vibe.
Opt for an oversized hoodie and joggers with a pair of blue and yellow adidas Spezials, a lightened-up take on an OG color fave.
Add a touch of retro-casual to your more polished looks by pairing silver Handball Spezials with a dress.
Wide-leg jeans, a chunky knit sweater and coral clay sneakers give you a perfectly balanced fall fit.
Achieve a sporty vibe with a fitted tank or Dri-FIT shirt and leggings or running shorts paired with a navy and white shoe.

Dress up your light-blue Handball Spezial sneakers with slim-fit denim, a graphic tee and varsity jacket.

Want to hop on this latest, timeless trend? Browse our online selection of adidas Originals Handball Spezials, or visit your nearest Hibbett location to try on a pair.

Shop the Story

adidas Originals Handball Spezial "Alumina/Core Black/Ftwr White" Women's Shoe

4.8 (2591)

29 Colors

Standard Price $110.00

2 Business Day Delivery

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adidas Originals Handball Spezial "Wonder Silver/Off White/Gum 2" Women's Shoe

4.8 (2101)

29 Colors

Standard Price $110.00

2 Business Day Delivery

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adidas Originals Handball Spezial "Light Blue/Ftwr White/Gum" Men's Shoe

4.8 (9521)

24 Colors

Standard Price $110.00

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adidas Originals Handball Spezial "Cloud White/Night Indigo/Better Scarlet" Men's Shoe

4.8 (4351)

24 Colors

Standard Price $110.00

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adidas Originals Handball Spezial "Semi Blue Burst/Almost Yellow/Crystal White" Men's Shoe

4.8 (9521)

24 Colors

Standard Price $110.00

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