We sell the Handball Spezial at West Coast Deals for under retail, prices you won't find elsewhere, so I've had a lot of pairs in hand. This review covers what people ask most: do the Handball Spezial run true to size? Plus the construction, the history, how it compares to the Samba and Gazelle, and a lacing tip that genuinely changes the fit.
Short version: true to size for standard feet, and the roomiest of the classic terrace models, the best one if you have wider feet. Go up half a size if you're wide or wear thicker socks.
The short answer on sizing
The Spezial fits true to size for most people. Its reputation is well-earned: of the Samba–Gazelle–Spezial trio, the Spezial is the widest, most forgiving fit, so it's the terrace shoe I point wide-footed customers to first. If you have a wide foot or wear a medium-to-thick sock, go up half a size.
The lacing tip that changes the fit
This is worth its own section because it surprises people: the Spezial ships not laced through the top eyelet. Out of the box the shoe can feel loose or insecure, the side panels flare and the foot doesn't lock in. Lace that final eyelet and the problem disappears. A lot of "my Spezials feel loose" complaints come down to this, so lace them fully before you judge the fit.
How they fit
I wear a US 11 with a wider foot, and true to size held me well once I laced the top eyelet, secure but never restrictive, which is exactly the Spezial's appeal. The thinner tongue and collar make it feel easier out of the box than a Samba. If you found the Samba too narrow, this is the more accommodating shoe.
What the Handball Spezial is
The Spezial debuted in 1979 as a high-performance indoor handball shoe, built for the grip and quick lateral movement the sport demands, as West Germany prepared to host the 1982 World Handball Championships. It crossed over to the UK football "casuals" subculture in the '80s, cementing its terrace status, and has had a major resurgence in 2023–2026 alongside the Samba and Gazelle.
Are the Handball Spezial good for wide feet?
Yes, this is the standout reason to choose them. The Spezial is the widest-fitting of the classic terrace models, with a roomier toe box and a thinner tongue and collar than the Samba. Wide feet that struggle in Sambas are usually comfortable in Spezials at true to size, or half a size up if you want extra room.
Specs and construction
- Upper: Suede on most versions (the key visual difference from the leather Samba), with serrated leather 3-Stripes and a T-toe overlay.
- Sole: Low-profile gum rubber cupsole with the three-zone tread, flat and close to the ground for that court feel.
- Stack & drop: A low heel stack with a fairly steep drop, it's a flat, planted, minimal-cushion shoe.
- Cushioning: Modest, fine for a few hours, less ideal for all-day standing.
- Profile: Low and close to the ground, with the roomiest toe box of the terrace trio.
How it compares to other adidas models
Spezial vs Samba. The Spezial is wider and roomier; the Samba is the narrowest of the trio and uses leather rather than suede. They don't size the same way, though. The Spezial runs true to size, while the Samba runs slightly long and narrow, so standard and narrow feet go down half a size in a Samba and wide feet stay true to size. Never size up in a Samba, the leather gives across the width but never in length. See our Samba sizing guide.
Spezial vs Gazelle. The Gazelle sits in the middle for width; the Spezial is still the widest. Both have suede uppers, see our Gazelle Indoor sizing guide.
Width ranking (narrow to wide): Samba, then Gazelle, then Spezial. If width has ever been an issue, the Spezial is your terrace shoe.
Who the Handball Spezial is for
Great if you want a clean, comfortable terrace classic, you have wider feet, or Sambas felt too narrow. Look elsewhere if you need real cushioning or arch support for long days on your feet, the sole is flat and minimal by design.
Final verdict
The Handball Spezial earns its reputation as the comfortable, wide-friendly terrace classic. True to size for standard feet, half a size up for wide feet or thick socks, and whatever size you land on, lace the top eyelet for a locked-in fit. For the full size-by-size breakdown see our Spezial sizing guide; to spot a fake, see how to spot fake Spezials. Browse the Black/White Spezial and the full Spezial collection.
Shop Handball Spezials
We sell adidas at West Coast Deals for under retail, authenticated in-house and shipped from our Portland, Oregon warehouse, at prices you won't find elsewhere.
Anthony from West Coast Deals