The adidas Originals Handball Spezial is a timeless classic designed for those who appreciate iconic retro style and everyday comfort. Originally released in 1979 as a handball shoe, it has since become a staple in terrace culture, offering a lightweight suede upper and a signature gum rubber outsole for a vintage aesthetic and versatile grip. While perfect for casual wear and making a style statement, its suede construction requires specific care to maintain its premium look.
Iconic 1979 Design: Inspired by the original handball shoe, this model captures the authentic 70s sporting style, making it a beloved choice for vintage enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals.
Premium Suede Upper: Crafted with a soft and lightweight suede material, the upper provides exceptional comfort and a luxurious feel, conforming to your foot for day-long wear.
Signature Serrated 3-Stripes: Featuring the classic adidas three stripes in a contrasting color (Cream White on Maroon), these serrated details provide a striking visual element and reinforce the brand's heritage.
Gum Rubber Outsole: The distinct gum rubber outsole not only contributes to the shoe's vintage aesthetic but also offers agile movement and reliable, versatile grip on various surfaces.
Lace Closure System: A traditional lace closure allows for a secure and adjustable fit, ensuring comfort and stability throughout the day.
Gold Foil Wordmarks: Subtle yet distinctive gold foil branding alongside the 3-stripes adds a touch of premium detail and authenticity to the design.
Textile Lining: Inside, a soft textile lining enhances breathability and overall comfort, making the shoe pleasant to wear for extended periods.
Timeless Retro Style: Offers a classic 70s aesthetic that remains popular and versatile for various outfits.
Comfortable Suede Construction: The soft suede upper and textile lining provide a comfortable feel for all-day wear.
Versatile Grip: The agile gum rubber outsole ensures reliable traction on diverse surfaces.
Lightweight Design: Easy to wear for extended periods without feeling heavy or cumbersome.
Durable Build: Quality materials and construction promise longevity with proper care.
Suede Maintenance: The suede material requires specific cleaning and care to prevent stains and maintain its appearance.
Limited Performance Features: While inspired by sports, it's primarily a lifestyle shoe and not designed for high-performance athletic activities.
Not Waterproof: Suede is not water-resistant, making it less suitable for wet weather conditions.
Timeless Retro Style: Offers a classic 70s aesthetic that remains popular and versatile for various outfits.
Comfortable Suede Construction: The soft suede upper and textile lining provide a comfortable feel for all-day wear.
Versatile Grip: The agile gum rubber outsole ensures reliable traction on diverse surfaces.
Lightweight Design: Easy to wear for extended periods without feeling heavy or cumbersome.
Durable Build: Quality materials and construction promise longevity with proper care.
Suede Maintenance: The suede material requires specific cleaning and care to prevent stains and maintain its appearance.
Limited Performance Features: While inspired by sports, it's primarily a lifestyle shoe and not designed for high-performance athletic activities.
Not Waterproof: Suede is not water-resistant, making it less suitable for wet weather conditions.
The adidas Originals Handball Spezial is primarily designed as a lifestyle sneaker that seamlessly blends heritage sports aesthetics with contemporary casual wear. It excels in environments where comfort, style, and a touch of vintage flair are desired.
Casual Daily Wear: Perfect for everyday outings, whether you're running errands, meeting friends, or just enjoying a relaxed day. Its comfortable fit and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for extended periods of wear.
Urban Exploration: The versatile grip of the gum rubber outsole provides good traction for navigating city streets and various terrains, making it suitable for walking and light urban adventures.
Style Statement: As a classic 'terrace shoe,' it serves as a strong fashion statement, effortlessly elevating casual outfits. Pair it with jeans, chinos, or shorts to achieve a distinctive retro look.
Social Gatherings: Its clean lines and iconic design make it appropriate for casual social events, concerts, or any setting where a relaxed yet stylish appearance is preferred.
While its origins are in handball, the modern iteration is not intended for high-performance sports due to the suede material's durability and specific support features required for intense athletic activities. Instead, its performance shines in providing all-day comfort and undeniable style.
Setting up your adidas Originals Handball Spezial is straightforward:
Lacing: Unlace the shoes fully upon first wear. Insert your foot and adjust the laces to achieve a snug, comfortable fit without being too tight.
Break-in Period: While comfortable from day one, allow for a short break-in period for the suede to fully conform to your foot's unique shape. This is typically minimal with suede uppers.
These sneakers offer broad compatibility with various casual wardrobes:
Apparel: They pair excellently with casual attire such as jeans, chinos, shorts, track pants, and even some smart-casual trousers. Their retro aesthetic makes them a great match for vintage-inspired clothing.
Gender/Age: Designed for adult wearers, they are a versatile choice for both men and women, fitting a classic, gender-neutral aesthetic.
Caring for your suede Handball Spezial shoes is crucial to maintain their appearance and longevity:
Regular Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled suede brush to gently remove dirt and dust. Brush in one direction to maintain the nap of the suede.
Spot Cleaning: For specific stains, use a suede-specific cleaning solution or eraser. Apply sparingly and follow product instructions carefully. Avoid using water directly on suede as it can leave marks.
Protection: Apply a suede protector spray before first wear and periodically thereafter. This helps repel water and stains.
Drying: If your shoes get wet (avoid if possible!), allow them to air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain shape.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using shoe trees to help maintain their shape when not in use.