Adidas Elevates Its Archival Classic with a Bold Material Mix

Timeless design meets a rebellious new twist in the refreshed Handball Spezial, a low-profile masterclass in mixing materials.

Close-up of a beige and brown suede sneaker with textured fabric panels and matching laces on a blue background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published 3 hours ago

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The Samba and the Handball Spezial are two of Adidas’ most iconic and well-known silhouettes, and while the former has become a global household name, the latter is just as cool as its popular sibling.

In fact, the Handball Spezial might look its coolest yet, thanks to a new denim and pony hair combination colorway that brings texture and personality to the retro ’70s specialty sneaker.

Beige and brown Adidas sneaker with leopard print stripes and gum sole on a light background. — The Handball Spezial looks cooler than ever thanks to pony hair, denim-textured suede and hairy suede elements.

Mixed materials

The Handball Spezial in Khaki Six/Preloved Brown/Aurora Coffee features a grey denim upper paired with a latte-colored overlay on the toebox and darker-grey eyestays complemented by blush pink laces.

Close-up of a beige and brown suede sneaker with leopard print fabric and tan laces. — Soft suede with a denim optic, nubuck at the toe and hairy suede on the eyestay and heel tab bring the slim shoe to life.

Aside from its curious color combination, the most striking aspect of the new version of the Handball Spezial is its pony hair detailing on the 3-Stripes on the lateral side of the shoe and the back heel.

Close-up of the heel and sole of an Adidas Spezial sneaker with beige suede, brown leopard print, and gum rubber sole. — The pony hair heel counter and 3-Stripes add a rebellious twist to the beloved style.

The dappled addition brings fresh personality to the low-profile sneaker, and if, like me, you consider animal print a neutral of its own, maintains the “goes with anything” personality of the standout style.

Beige and brown Adidas Spezial sneakers with leopard print stripes and suede accents. — The 3-Stripes branding on the sides, plus OG Spezial detail on the side panel and tongue, celebrate the shoe’s legacy.

It seems I’m not alone in my appreciation for this wildly grounded new take on the Handball Spezial; the majority of sizes are sold out at this point on Adidas’ own website.

Beige and brown Adidas sneaker with suede and fabric upper, beige laces, and leopard print stripes. — The refreshed take on the Handball Spezial combines sport heritage with elevated everyday style.

While pairs are limited, you can still score a select range of sizes. If you like what you see, act fast (and be ready to comb the secondary market) before this sneaker is gone for good.

Beige and brown Adidas Spezial sneaker with leopard print stripes and suede accents on a light background.

Adidas Handball Spezial

$130 at Adidas

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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