Handball Spezial – Court Heritage Meets Street Style

With a suede upper, gum rubber outsole and a low-profile build that sits close to the ground, the Spezial carries a distinct look that reads differently from the Samba – longer, flatter and with a more tapered toe.

The adidas Handball Spezial: Heritage and Design Story

The Handball Spezial was first produced in the 1970s for handball players – a sport that demands quick lateral movement on indoor courts. The flat outsole, suede upper and reinforced toe cap were performance features for the sport. Like the Samba, it moved from the court into everyday wear through European football terraces in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a subcultural staple.

The current reissue stays close to the original last, with minimal changes to the tooling or upper construction. Colourways expand on what was available in the original production run, including seasonal and limited-edition options.

Spezial Shoes for Men – Styles and Colourways in Lebanon

Men’s Handball Spezial shoes in Lebanon are available in the core suede construction across a rotating range of colourways. The most in-demand options tend to be earth tones – dark green, burgundy, brown and navy – alongside the more neutral white and black options. The fit is slightly longer than the Samba and runs true to size for most men.

Men looking to complete the look with complementary shoe styles can find archive options including the Samba and Gazelle in the men’s originals range on adidas Lebanon.

Spezial Shoes for Women – Best Options Available

Women’s Handball Spezial shoes carry the same suede upper and gum sole as the men’s version, with a slightly narrower last. Colourways for women include soft neutrals and muted tones that work with a wider range of outfits. The shoe fits true to size for most women, with the same recommendation to size up half a size for those with wider feet.

Boys and girls can also find the Spezial in youth sizing through the kids’ shoes section and boys’ shoes on adidas Lebanon.

How to Style adidas Spezial: From Court to Street

The Handball Spezial’s long, flat silhouette pairs well with tapered trousers, straight-cut jeans and anything that sits cleanly at the ankle. The suede upper gives it a slightly dressier feel than a canvas or leather court shoe, making it easier to wear with smarter casual outfits.

Earth-toned colourways work well with neutral or muted clothing. White and black options are more versatile. Avoid heavily cushioned or technical-looking trousers – the Spezial reads best with clean, minimalist silhouettes that let the shoe’s profile show.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are adidas Handball Spezial shoes?

The adidas Handball Spezial is a flat-soled court shoe originally designed in the 1970s for handball players. It features a suede upper, gum rubber outsole and a reinforced toe cap. After decades as a subcultural style worn on football terraces across Europe, it has become one of the most sought-after adidas Originals silhouettes globally, with strong demand in Lebanon.

Are adidas Handball Spezial shoes available in Lebanon?

Yes, adidas Handball Spezial shoes are available in Lebanon through adidas Lebanon’s online store. Men’s and women’s sizing is stocked across multiple colourways, with cash on delivery and free returns available on all orders. Kids’ sizing is also available in select styles.

What is the difference between the adidas Spezial and adidas Samba?

Both shoes share a flat gum outsole and court heritage, but they differ in silhouette and origin. Key differences include:

• Shape – the Spezial has a longer, more tapered toe; the Samba is rounder and more compact
• Origin – the Samba was made for football training on frozen pitches (1950); the Spezial was made for handball (1970s)
• Upper – the Spezial is predominantly suede; the Samba OG uses leather or synthetic with suede overlays
• Profile – the Spezial sits slightly lower to the ground with a flatter midsole

Do adidas Handball Spezial shoes run true to size?

adidas Handball Spezial shoes run true to size for most wearers. Those with wider feet or a higher instep may find a half-size up more comfortable, as the fit is slightly narrow through the toe box. Free returns are available on adidas Lebanon, making it straightforward to try 2 sizes if you are unsure between sizes.

How do I style adidas Handball Spezial shoes?

The Handball Spezial works best with clean, minimal outfits that let the shoe’s long silhouette show. Common pairings include:

• Straight or slightly tapered trousers in neutral tones
• Slim or straight denim with a clean hem sitting just above the ankle
• Track or sweat trousers cropped to show the gum sole
• Minimal overshirts, fleeces or lightweight jackets that do not compete with the shoe

Earth-toned Spezials pair naturally with brown, green, cream and navy clothing. White and black options are the most versatile starting points.