adidas sambas handball spezial | Adidas originals handball spezial

The Adidas Samba and Handball Spezial. Two iconic silhouettes steeped in Adidas heritage, both boasting a low-profile design and a timeless appeal. While often mentioned in the same breath, and frequently confused, they cater to slightly different origins and offer distinct nuances in both design and feel. This article delves deep into the world of the Adidas Samba and Handball Spezial, exploring their differences, similarities, and ultimately, helping you decide which shoe best suits your needs. We'll cover everything from material composition and design variations to comfort levels, sizing considerations, and their place within the Adidas Originals family.

So, let’s have a look at how Adidas Spezial and Samba differ from each other:

1. Material and Design:

The most immediate and noticeable distinction between the Adidas Samba and Handball Spezial lies in the materials used for their uppers and overall design aesthetics.

* Adidas Samba: Traditionally, the Samba boasts a full-grain leather upper. This gives it a smooth, classic look and provides a durable, supportive feel. The iconic T-toe overlay, typically constructed from suede, is a signature element, adding both visual interest and reinforcement to the toe area. The Samba's tongue is often a contrasting color, usually blue on the classic models, and is typically quite thin. The sole is a gum rubber outsole, designed for indoor traction.

* Adidas Handball Spezial (Adidas Originals Handball Spezial): The Spezial, on the other hand, leans heavily on a suede upper. This offers a softer, more supple feel compared to the Samba's leather. The suede also provides a richer texture and a more vintage aesthetic, which appeals to many. The toe box is typically reinforced but lacks the distinct T-toe overlay found on the Samba. The tongue is typically a matching color to the upper and features a slightly thicker, padded design for added comfort. The sole is also a gum rubber outsole, optimized for handball court grip.

A Deeper Dive into Design Nuances:

Beyond the primary material differences, subtle design details further differentiate the two models.

* Stitching: The stitching patterns on the upper vary slightly. The Samba often features more prominent, contrasting stitching, particularly around the T-toe and the three stripes. The Spezial, in contrast, tends to have more subtle, tonal stitching, contributing to its understated elegance.

* Heel Tab: The heel tab on the Samba is typically smaller and more streamlined compared to the Spezial. The Spezial's heel tab is often slightly larger and more pronounced, sometimes featuring a different color or material.

* Profile: While both are low-profile shoes, the Samba can sometimes appear slightly sleeker due to its leather construction and thinner tongue. The Spezial, with its suede upper and padded tongue, can have a slightly more robust profile.

Adidas Originals Spezial:

The "Adidas Originals Spezial" designation signifies that the Handball Spezial is part of Adidas' heritage-inspired line. Adidas Originals focuses on re-releasing and re-imagining classic designs from the brand's extensive archives. The Handball Spezial fits perfectly within this category, representing a faithful recreation of a shoe originally designed for handball players. The "Originals" label also implies a focus on quality materials, authentic design details, and a connection to Adidas' rich sporting history. When you see "Adidas Originals Spezial," you can expect a shoe that stays true to its vintage roots while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques for improved comfort and durability.

Adidas Handball Spezial WM:

The "WM" in "Adidas Handball Spezial WM" typically stands for "World Match." These editions often feature special colorways or design elements that commemorate significant sporting events, particularly the FIFA World Cup (though not exclusively). These editions are usually limited-release, making them highly sought after by collectors and sneaker enthusiasts. The "WM" designation doesn't necessarily indicate any functional differences from the standard Handball Spezial, but rather highlights a unique aesthetic tie-in with a specific event. It is important to note that not all Handball Spezial models are designated with "WM".

2. Intended Use and Heritage:

Understanding the original purpose of each shoe sheds light on their design choices.

* Adidas Samba: Originally designed for football (soccer) training on icy, hard surfaces, the Samba's leather upper provided protection and the gum rubber outsole offered superior grip. Over time, the Samba transcended its athletic origins and became a street style icon, embraced by skateboarders, musicians, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

* Adidas Handball Spezial: As the name suggests, the Handball Spezial was specifically engineered for handball players. Its suede upper provided flexibility and comfort, while the gum rubber outsole delivered exceptional traction on indoor handball courts. While it hasn't achieved the same level of mainstream popularity as the Samba, the Spezial has a devoted following within the handball community and has also gained traction as a stylish casual shoe.

3. Comfort (Are Adidas Spezial Comfortable?)

Comfort is subjective, but we can analyze the factors that contribute to the comfort of both shoes.

* Adidas Samba: The Samba's leather upper can feel a bit stiffer initially, requiring a break-in period. However, once broken in, the leather molds to the foot, providing a supportive and secure fit. The thin tongue can be a point of contention for some, as it offers minimal padding. However, others appreciate its low-profile feel.

* Adidas Handball Spezial: The suede upper of the Spezial offers a softer, more pliable feel right out of the box. The padded tongue provides added cushioning and comfort, especially around the top of the foot. Many find the Spezial to be more comfortable than the Samba for all-day wear due to its softer materials and enhanced padding.adidas sambas handball spezial