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When it comes to choosing sneakers from Adidas, two classics stand out: the Adidas Handball Spezial vs Adidas Gazelle. These shoes have been popular for decades, each offering its own style and comfort. Whether you’re looking for shoes for everyday wear, sports, or casual outings, it’s essential to know the differences and similarities between these two models.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive into the comfort, style and design, differences, sizing consistency, brand reputation, breathability, durability, fit and support, pricing, and what actual customer reviews say. Let’s get started!
Adidas Handball Spezial vs Gazelle
| Feature | Adidas Handball Spezial | Adidas Gazelle |
| Style and Design | Retro sporty look, gum sole | Sleek, minimalistic design, thinner rubber sole |
| Fit | Snug fit, especially around the midfoot | Slightly wider fit, more room in toe box |
| Durability | Highly durable due to gum sole | Decent durability for casual wear |
| Comfort | Supportive for sports, snug fit | Lightweight and comfortable for everyday use |
| Breathability | Suede upper, limited airflow | Suede upper, not highly breathable |
| Sizing Consistency | True to size but snug | True to size, more forgiving for wide feet |
| Pricing | Around $100 | Ranges from $80 to $90 |
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, both the Adidas Handball Spezial and Gazelle perform well, but they cater to slightly different needs.
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Adidas Handball Spezial was originally designed for indoor handball. This means it was built for grip and quick movement, which also translates to good cushioning and comfort for casual wearers. The Spezial has a soft suede upper that provides a snug, cozy feel, while the gum sole offers great traction. The insole also offers moderate arch support, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
Pros:
- Cushioned for impact protection
- Snug fit for those with narrow to average-width feet
- Soft suede that feels good against the skin
Cons:
- May feel tight for people with wide feet
- Not ideal for long runs or extensive walking
Adidas Gazelle
The Adidas Gazelle is known for its minimalist design and lightweight construction. Originally launched as a soccer training shoe, the Gazelle provides decent padding and cushioning but is more focused on style than high-performance comfort. The suede upper gives the shoe a soft, comfortable feel, while the EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy on the feet
- Soft suede upper for a comfortable feel
- Adequate cushioning for casual wear
Cons:
- Less arch support compared to modern athletic shoes
- Thin sole might not provide enough support for long hours of wear
Style and Design
Both the Handball Spezial and the Gazelle are style icons, but they appeal to slightly different aesthetics.
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Handball Spezial has a retro sports look, with a lower profile and a gum sole that gives it a distinct classic appeal. It’s typically available in rich colors like navy, green, and black, with contrasting three stripes on the side. The design remains true to its roots as a sports shoe, making it a popular choice among those who want a vintage athletic look.
Adidas Gazelle
The Adidas Gazelle has a more versatile, timeless design that works with almost any outfit. The slim silhouette and low-profile design make it a favorite for casual wear. The Gazelle is available in a wide range of colors, from bright reds to pastels, making it perfect for people who love variety in their wardrobe. Its simple design makes it a popular choice among sneaker lovers who appreciate understated, minimalist style.
Difference Between Handball Spezial and Gazelle
Even though the Adidas Handball Spezial and Gazelle are both classic Adidas shoes, they have some notable differences:
| Feature | Adidas Handball Spezial | Adidas Gazelle |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Indoor handball | Soccer training |
| Sole | Gum sole with excellent traction for quick movements | Rubber sole, lighter but less grippy |
| Arch Support | Moderate | Minimal |
| Design | Retro athletic with rich colors | Simple and versatile |
| Comfort Focus | Built for grip and indoor sports | Lightweight and easy to wear for casual occasions |
As you can see, the Handball Spezial is built more for performance, while the Gazelle is focused more on style.
Sizing Consistency
When choosing between these two models, it’s important to consider how they fit.
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Handball Spezial tends to run true to size but fits snugly due to its design. The suede upper can mold to your foot, but if you have wide feet, you may want to consider sizing up by half a size for a more comfortable fit. This model is especially ideal for those with narrow to medium-width feet.
Adidas Gazelle
The Gazelle also runs true to size, but it has a more forgiving fit than the Handball Spezial. The toe box is slightly wider, making it more comfortable for people with broader feet. However, the low arch support might not suit those who need extra support for long hours of walking.
| Feature | Adidas Handball Spezial | Adidas Gazelle |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Snug, may need to size up for wide feet | True to size, slightly wider toe box |
| Arch Support | Moderate, better for narrow feet | Minimal, comfortable for broader feet |
Brand Reputation
Adidas is one of the most well-known and trusted names in the sportswear industry. Both the Handball Spezial and Gazelle are iconic models within the brand’s lineup.
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Handball Spezial has a cult following among athletes and sneakerheads alike. Its authentic retro style and performance-driven design have made it a favorite for both sports and casual wear. Over the years, it has become synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort for indoor sports enthusiasts and sneaker lovers.
Adidas Gazelle
The Gazelle, on the other hand, is known for its versatility and timeless appeal. Originally a soccer training shoe, it quickly became a fashion staple. Celebrities and fashion icons frequently sport the Gazelle, cementing its place as one of Adidas’ most popular lifestyle sneakers. Its fashion-forward design has kept it in the limelight for decades.
Breathability
Adidas Handball Spezial
The suede material on the Handball Spezial offers some breathability but can feel a bit warm during hot weather or prolonged wear. The shoe’s snug fit may also limit air circulation, so it’s not the best choice for those who need extra ventilation.
Adidas Gazelle
Similar to the Handball Spezial, the Gazelle also features a suede upper, which doesn’t allow as much airflow as mesh materials. However, since the Gazelle is a more lightweight shoe, it feels less restrictive and is more comfortable for warmer climates.
Durability
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Handball Spezial is built to last, especially with its gum sole that provides excellent durability. The suede upper is also quite sturdy but requires regular care to keep it looking fresh. If maintained well, these shoes can last for years.
Adidas Gazelle
The Gazelle is also durable but less so compared to the Handball Spezial. Its rubber sole is thinner, and the shoe’s focus on style makes it less robust for heavy-duty wear. However, for casual wear, the Gazelle holds up very well.
| Feature | Adidas Handball Spezial | Adidas Gazelle |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Long-lasting with proper care | Durable for casual wear, less so for performance use |
| Material | Sturdy suede with gum sole | Soft suede with a rubber sole |
Fit and Support
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Handball Spezial offers a snug fit, which is great for those who need stability. The moderate arch support is a bonus, especially for people who need a bit more structure in their shoes. However, the tight fit might not be ideal for wide-footed individuals.
Adidas Gazelle
The Gazelle, while comfortable, offers less support. It has a minimalist design, with low arch support, making it a better choice for casual outings rather than heavy activity. The fit is more forgiving, making it a comfortable option for a wider range of foot types.
Pricing
Pricing can be a significant factor in your decision. Let’s take a look at how the two models compare in terms of cost.
Adidas Handball Spezial
The Handball Spezial is typically priced around $100, depending on where you buy it and if there are any promotions. For a shoe that offers both style and performance, this is a reasonable price.
Adidas Gazelle
The Gazelle is slightly cheaper, often priced around $80 to $90. Since the Gazelle is more of a fashion statement than a performance shoe, its pricing reflects its focus on style rather than function.
Customer Reviews
Adidas Handball Spezial
Most customers praise the Handball Spezial for its comfort and durability. Users appreciate its snug fit and retro design. However, some people mention that it can feel too tight, especially for wider feet.
Adidas Gazelle
The Gazelle is loved for its versatility and lightweight feel. Many users enjoy wearing it as an everyday shoe, though some note that it lacks the support needed for long periods of walking or standing.
Conclusion
Both the Adidas Handball Spezial and the Adidas Gazelle are excellent choices, depending on what you need from a sneaker. If you’re looking for something with a retro sports vibe and more stability, the Handball Spezial is a great option. On the other hand, if you want a versatile, lightweight shoe that works with almost any outfit, the Gazelle is the way to go. Your final choice will come down to your personal preference in style, fit, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shoe is better for casual wear, Handball Spezial or Gazelle?
The Adidas Gazelle is generally better for casual wear due to its lightweight design and versatile style. The Handball Spezial is a bit bulkier but offers more support for active use.
Do both shoes fit true to size?
Yes, both shoes generally fit true to size, but the Handball Spezial has a snugger fit, especially for narrow to medium-width feet.
Which shoe is more durable?
The Adidas Handball Spezial is slightly more durable due to its gum sole, which offers better traction and wear resistance compared to the Gazelle’s thinner rubber sole.
What is the main difference between the Adidas Handball Spezial and the Gazelle?
The main difference lies in their original purpose and design. The Adidas Handball Spezial was designed for indoor sports like handball, featuring a gum sole for better traction and a snug fit. The Adidas Gazelle was originally created as a soccer training shoe but has since become a casual sneaker, offering a lighter, more versatile design with a slim silhouette.
Are the Handball Spezial and Gazelle available in different colors?
Yes, both the Handball Spezial and the Gazelle are available in a wide variety of colors. The Handball Spezial typically comes in deeper tones like navy, black, and green, with a retro sporty vibe. The Gazelle offers a broader range of colors, from neutral shades to bright, bold options, catering to different style preferences.
