Handball Spezial
The adidas Handball Spezial is a low indoor sneaker with a suede upper and a wide gum sole. It started as a shoe for the handball court and is now one of the most popular terrace models from adidas. The flat profile and soft colours make it a favourite with women and men alike.
The history of the Handball Spezial
adidas released the Handball Spezial in the late 1970s as an indoor shoe for handball players. The gum sole gave grip on the smooth floor, while the suede provided a supple fit. In the 1980s the shoe was picked up by British football fans, who collected adidas models from abroad and wore them on the terraces.
In 2014 adidas launched the Spezial line with Gary Aspden, a collection that draws on the brand’s archive. The Handball Spezial became its face. Around 2023 it grew into a mainstream fashion sneaker, often in pastel and earth tones.
Design and materials
The Handball Spezial has a suede upper with suede or leather three stripes, gold Spezial branding and a low, slightly rounded toe. The gum sole is wide and curves up a little at the front, as on many indoor shoes. That makes the shoe feel stable while still staying close to the ground.
Besides suede, versions appear with nubuck, animal prints and collaborations with brands such as Sporty & Rich and Liberty London. The basic shape always stays the same.
Popular Handball Spezial colorways
A popular pick is the Handball Spezial ‘Earth Strata’ in warm brown suede. The Handball Spezial ‘Wonder White Black’ combines off-white with black stripes, and the Handball Spezial ‘Cow Print Crystal Linen’ has a cow print upper. For a gift or a striking pair there is the Handball Spezial ‘Valentine’s Day’ (2026), that year’s Valentine’s Day edition.
What is the difference between the Handball Spezial and the Gazelle?
They look alike, as both have suede, three stripes and often a gum sole. The Handball Spezial is flatter and wider, with a sole that sits closer to the ground. The adidas Gazelle has a slightly slimmer, sportier silhouette. The adidas Samba is the third in this line-up, with a leather upper and a narrower fit.
How does the adidas Handball Spezial fit?
The Handball Spezial generally fits true to size, so you can keep your normal adidas size. It is a little roomier than the Samba and therefore feels comfortable with normal socks too. If you have narrow feet and are between two sizes, take the smaller one; with wide feet you can stay with your own size.
Buy the adidas Handball Spezial at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find the adidas Handball Spezial for women and men, in suede, prints and collaborations. Looking for a calm pair for everyday wear? Choose an earth tone or off-white; for more colour there are pastels and prints. Filter by your size to see which versions are available in your size.
