The Handball Spezial arrived in 1979, originally made for elite handball players on indoor courts. The low rubber sole, reinforced toe and unmistakable Spezial lettering have survived decades of changing trainer designs, along with a following that stretches from European handball halls to British football terraces. There are plenty of adidas Originals trainers with a sporting past, but few have remained quite so recognisable. Today's men's adidas Spezial trainers still carry the details that made the original such a favourite.
The adidas Handball Spezial: Suede and Gum Soles
The classic Handball Spezial is built around a soft suede upper, reinforced T-toe and gum rubber outsole. Serrated three stripes sit along the sides, with the gold Spezial branding providing one of the shoe's most familiar details. The sole sits low to the ground, giving the trainer a traditional indoor-court profile rather than the thick foam construction found on modern running shoes.
Suede is central to the Spezial's character, although adidas has introduced leather, woven and mixed-material editions over the years. Those differences are worth checking when choosing a pair. Suede generally needs more attention in wet weather, particularly lighter colours, while leather versions are usually easier to wipe clean. The gum outsole remains a defining feature of the classic design.
Men's adidas Spezial Colours and Sizing
Colour can completely change the appearance of a Handball Spezial. Navy and blue suede editions keep close to the shoe's terrace roots, particularly with white stripes and a contrasting gum sole. Black adidas Spezial trainers offer a more understated finish, while brown, grey, green and burgundy pairs bring different combinations of suede, stripes and sole colours.
Sizing is worth checking before settling on a colourway. adidas describes the standard Handball Spezial as a regular fit and generally recommends ordering your usual size. The low-profile construction feels different from a heavily padded trainer, and materials can vary between editions, so check the individual product details if you're buying your first pair or changing from another adidas model.
Handball Spezial vs Samba and Gazelle
The Handball Spezial belongs to the same adidas Originals history as the Samba and Gazelle, although each has its own design details. The classic Samba OG draws on indoor football, pairing a leather upper with a suede T-toe and gum sole. Gazelle has a strong suede identity too, with the Gazelle Indoor particularly recognisable for its translucent rubber outsole wrapping around the sides.
Handball Spezial keeps its handball-inspired construction, familiar suede finish and low gum sole. If you're comparing the three, look closely at the upper materials, toe shape and sole design, then check the sizing advice for the particular pair.
Browse men's adidas Handball Spezial trainers by UK size, colour and price at Pro:Direct Lifestyle, or explore our wider men's adidas trainers collection.
