The Adidas Handball Spezial Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Adidas Handball Spezial is a durable sneaker designed for everyday wear. It is ideal for individuals seeking a reliable option that combines classic style with practical performance.

During our wear tests, the shoe demonstrated notable durability and comfort, maintaining its original silhouette from the late ‘70s. The construction features robust materials that provide a stable fit and support throughout daily activities.

The retro design of the Adidas Handball Spezial makes it a versatile choice for casual outings while ensuring a comfortable experience for users. Its proven track record as a handball shoe underlines its reliability in various settings.


Pros

  • Premium materials
  • Easy to slip on
  • Great all-rounder
  • Extremely flexible and comfy
  • Pleasantly lightweight
  • Solid lockdown
  • Signature old-school look
  • Easy on the wallet
  • Dozens of colorways
  • Great grip for a gum sole

Cons

  • Slim profile
  • Not ideal or wide feet
  • Dirt and dust magnet

Key Features

  • Classic Shape: Timeless design that fits seamlessly into various styles.
  • Lace-up closure: Provides a customizable fit for enhanced comfort.
  • Leather and synthetic upper: Durable materials that contribute to the shoe's longevity.
  • Synthetic lining: Enhances moisture management and comfort.
  • Rubber outsole: Offers superior traction and grip on different surfaces.

Specifications

  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Shaft height: Tobillo (ankle)
  • Outer material: Suede
  • Inner material: Synthetic

Adidas Handball Spezial Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Adidas Handball Spezial PUMA Palermo Adidas Samba OG Adidas Samba
Price $100 $90 $100 $90
Style Business casual Business casual Business casual Business casual
Breathability Moderate Moderate Warm Moderate
Weight lab 12.1 oz / 344g 13.1 oz / 371g 11.8 oz / 335g 12.1 oz / 342g
Size Slightly large True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness - Firm - -
Material Gum Sole Gum Sole Cup Sole Leather
Season Spring Spring Spring Spring
Inspired from Soccer Soccer Soccer Soccer
Width / fit Narrow Narrow Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Narrow Narrow Medium
Leather/suede quality Real suede Real leather Real leather Real suede
Toebox durability Decent Good Good Decent
Heel padding durability Decent Decent Good Decent
Outsole durability Good Decent Good Bad
Heel stack lab 25.1 mm 22.6 mm 20.3 mm 19.3 mm
Stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Moderate
Tongue padding Thin Very thin Thin Thin
Drop lab 14.4 mm 7.0 mm 8.6 mm 7.4 mm
Forefoot 10.7 mm 15.6 mm 11.7 mm 11.9 mm
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff
Sustainable
Closure Laces Laces Laces Laces
Top Low top Low top Low top Low top
Ranking Top 9% Top 39% Top 14% Top 43%
Popularity Top 24% Bottom 46% Top 21% Top 3%