Adidas Handball Spezial is a low-top suede model that went from sports halls straight into the wardrobes of streetwear fans. Below you'll find the history of the line, an overview of the colorways available at SneakersJoint, and practical tips on sizing and care.
adidas Handball
The history of the Adidas Handball line dates back to the '70s, when Adidas set out to create footwear designed specifically for handball players. What's more, these shoes won over plenty of fans among sneaker enthusiasts!
Adidas designers approached the challenge of creating footwear perfectly tailored to the needs of athletes on the court with real passion.
Iconic Models
Over the years, the Adidas Handball line has given the world many iconic footwear models. The best known include:
- Adidas Handball Spezial – one of the first models to gain huge popularity among players. It featured a blue upper and a rubber outsole.
- Adidas Handball Top – a model from the '80s that became a hit not only among athletes but also among streetwear lovers thanks to its retro design.
- Adidas Stabil – modern footwear that became a favorite of many players thanks to its excellent stability and support.
Collaboration with Players and the Handball Line
From the very beginning, Adidas worked with leading handball players to adapt its products to athletes' real needs. Thanks to this feedback, the Adidas Handball line was constantly refined, which contributed to its huge success in the market.
Influence on Sports Culture
Although the Adidas Handball line was initially aimed mainly at handball players, it quickly won recognition among a wide audience. Its classic models became icons of streetwear culture, and modern interpretations of these designs are eagerly worn by younger generations.
The Adidas Handball line is a blend of tradition, passion and innovation. From classic models of the '70s to modern designs that continue to shape the world of sport, Adidas Handball remains a symbol of excellence in athletic footwear.
Handball Spezial – From the Court to an Urban Classic
The Spezial debuted in the late '70s as a handball shoe, but it quickly gained popularity beyond the court. In the '80s it became one of the favorite models of British soccer fans, who wore rare adidas sneakers in the stands. Today, the suede upper, low profile and rubber outsole make the Spezial a great match for jeans, wide-leg pants and even dresses.
Colorways and Collaborations at SneakersJoint
The classic pairing of navy suede and a light sole is just the beginning. Our range includes, among others:
- classics with a gum sole – Navy Gum, Black Gum, Shadow Brown Gum or Earth Strata Gum,
- light and pastel versions – Light Blue Wonder Clay, Clear Pink Arctic Night, Sandy Pink or Semi Rose Spark,
- bold colors – Scarlet, Mineral Green, Maroon Wonder White and Black Wonder Leopard,
- Sporty & Rich x adidas – a collaboration in a retro style, available in shades including Night Indigo, Shadow Red, Dark Green and Pink.
How to Choose Your Size and Care for Suede
The Handball Spezial has a fairly slim, elongated silhouette, so if you have a wider foot, consider going up to a slightly larger size. Adidas uses fractional sizing, e.g. 41 1/3 or 42 2/3, so it's best to go by the size you wear in other models from the brand, such as the Adidas Samba or Adidas Gazelle. Treat the suede with a protector spray before wearing it for the first time, and clean dirt off with a soft brush – you'll find the products you need in the shoe care category.
Frequently asked questions
How Does the Handball Spezial Differ from the Samba and Gazelle?
The Samba comes from indoor soccer and usually has a leather upper with a T-shaped suede toe overlay. The Gazelle is a suede training model from the '60s, while the Spezial was designed with handball in mind and has a more elongated silhouette.
Are the Adidas Handball Spezial at SneakersJoint Authentic?
Yes. Every pair goes through an authenticity check – inspection under UV light, verification of EAN codes and comparison with a reference pair.
Can I Try On the Spezial in Person?
Visit our brick-and-mortar store in Wrocław at ul. Odrzańska 15, open daily from 11:00 to 19:00. Online orders for items in stock ship within 24 hours.
