Handball adidas Spezial shoes

Spezial Pro: the most technical, with a suede upper

The HB Spezial Pro is the most technical member of the family. Its upper combines suede with synthetic reinforcements, and depending on the generation, its midsole uses Boost foam, made of compressed beads, which cushions landings and returns some energy during push-off: check the colourway's specifications. Below, a Traxion outsole with multidirectional studs grips during direction changes.

Spezialist, the Spezial designed for today's game

The Spezialist takes the name and look, with a modern handball shoe construction. It features Adiprene+ under the forefoot to soften landings, an EVA midsole, a Torsion System in the midfoot, and a non-marking rubber outsole. The upper mixes textile and suede, with the famous suede T-toe stitched at the front. It comes in black, white, and brighter colours, and is also available in kids' sizes.

Spezial Light and Spezial indoor, two other options

The Spezial Light lightens the recipe with a mesh upper and a synthetic reinforcement at the front, tailored for players looking for a flexible shoe. The Spezial indoor, without a suffix, stays closer to the historical suede model, but adds Adiprene+ in the forefoot and heel, a Torsion System, and a non-marking outsole with a pivot point under the forefoot. It bridges the gap between original style and training requirements.

From courts to stands: the double life of an icon

adidas launched the Handball Spezial in the late seventies for indoor players, made of suede with a rubber sole. In the eighties, British football supporters following their clubs in Europe adopted it, often in their team's colours, and it became a terrace culture classic. It saw a resurgence recently, alongside the Samba and Gazelle. This history explains why the page mixes performance shoes with style models.

T-toe, Torsion, Adiprene+: the terminology of the spec sheet

The T-toe is the stitched T-shaped piece at the toe of the shoe, a visual signature of the Spezial. The Torsion System is a rigid element placed under the midfoot: it stabilises the shoe while allowing the front and back of the foot to move. Adiprene+ is an adidas cushioning located at the front of the foot, designed to maintain responsiveness during push-off. Lastly, Boost is an adidas cushioning foam made from compressed beads.

Spezial: half sizes and kids' version

adidas cuts its sizes in halves, with sizes like 42 2/3 or 44 2/3. If you're unsure between sizes, measure your foot in centimetres and compare it to the size guide rather than relying on your usual shoe size. Young players can find the Spezial and Spezialist in kids' sizes, featuring the same look as the adult version.

Stabil, Adizero, Court Team Bounce: other indoor adidas

For more support, the Stabil is adidas' handball shoe built around a chassis that frames the cushioning. The Adizero page features other handball indoors, including the Counterblast. The Court Team Bounce completes the brand's handball offering. If you also play volleyball, check out the Crazyflight. The entire brand is gathered on the adidas shoes page.

Affordable Spezial

End-of-line products are available at the shoe clearance. For a Spezial worn in the city, the special lifestyle offers are worth a look, and the Black Friday shoes page gathers end-of-autumn discounts.

Frequently asked questions

Spezial Pro or Spezialist: which one to choose?

The Spezial Pro is the most technical in the family and offers a softer cushioning on landings. The Spezialist combines Adiprene+ at the front and an EVA foam, for a sensation closer to the ground. A player who jumps a lot will lean towards the former, while someone who likes to feel the ground will prefer the latter.

Does the Spezial come in a women's version?

The page mostly offers men's and unisex sizes. A female player can definitely wear them by selecting her foot length in the size guide, with half sizes helping to get it right.

How to care for a Spezial in suede?

Let it air dry after the session, then brush the suede dry with an appropriate brush to raise the fibres. A suede eraser removes light marks. Avoid the washing machine, which hardens the material and may detach reinforcements.

Can a city Spezial work for a match?

For a tournament among friends, it holds up on a clean court. For a club player, it lacks cushioning and support compared to a game version like the Spezialist or the Spezial Pro.

Why is the sole rubber-coloured?

It's the natural shade of the rubber used on the original Spezial, which has become a signature of the family. On game versions, it remains associated with a non-marking rubber that leaves no traces on the court.