Sizing guide Updated

Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes Sizing Guide: Does It Run Small or True to Size?

Short answer

The Adidas Handball Spezial stands out as an iconic retro terrace silhouette that has successfully transitioned from indoor courts to global streetwear dominance. While official manufacturer guides label the sneaker as True to Size (TTS), its unlined, highly pliable premium suede construction stretches and molds to the wearer's foot significantly over time.

Runs true to size

Cross-sizing: what size to buy

Find a shoe you already own and read across to the Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes size to buy.

  • Adidas Samba OG

    Your usual Buy
    US 10.0 9.5
    EU 44 43.3

  • Adidas Gazelle

    Your usual Buy
    US 10.0 10.0
    EU 44 44

  • Nike Dunk Low

    Your usual Buy
    US 10.0 9.5
    EU 44 43.3

  • Nike Air Force 1

    Your usual Buy
    US 10.0 10.0
    EU 44 44

Fit Notes

Adidas Samba OG
The Samba OG features a rigid leather upper and a notoriously narrow, tapered almond toe box. In contrast, the Spezial is physically wider, features a roomier toe box, and runs slightly longer in internal length. For standard or narrow-footed wearers, this creates an important compensation factor: if you normally size up in the narrow Samba OG just to get more width, you should return to your true length or drop a half-size down to US 9.5 (EU 43.3) in the Spezial. This adjustment eliminates excess toe space and prevents the heel from lifting, while the flexible suede easily compensates for lateral room.
Adidas Gazelle
Standard Gazelles utilize a thick internal lining that compresses the foot. The Spezial is physically wider and features an unlined suede upper, making it feel roomier and more breathable out of the box. Most wearers stick to their standard Gazelle size for a comfortable, relaxed fit. However, if you chose a larger Gazelle size exclusively to alleviate width compression, you can safely drop back down to your true length size in the Spezial due to its unreinforced, accommodating suede walls.
Nike Dunk Low
The Nike Dunk Low offers a flat, moderately wide fit layout. While the Spezial is slightly narrower across the midfoot, it runs longer in physical length. A half-size reduction to US 9.5 (EU 43.3) is recommended for standard foot types to eliminate excess front space and prevent the heel from lifting during motion. Wide-foot users who normally wear a US 10.0 in Dunks should stick to a US 10.0 in the Spezial to ensure the low-profile cupsole accommodates their width.
Nike Air Force 1
The Air Force 1 is an oversized, bulky lifestyle sneaker. Matching your Air Force 1 size in the Spezial yields a comfortable, relaxed fit with a bit of interior room. If you prefer a precise, classic glove-like performance fit, dropping a half-size below your Air Force 1 size is advisable. Because neither shoe features hyper-narrow containment, no special wide-foot compensation factors are needed between these two models.

Sizing FAQ

Does the Adidas Handball Spezial run true to size?

While standard size charts designate the Handball Spezial as running true to size (TTS), real-world user data indicates that it runs slightly long, particularly for US-based consumers due to brand conversion variances. The premium suede upper is entirely unlined and highly pliable, meaning it naturally stretches and expands to mold around the foot over time. Consequently, individuals with standard or narrow feet frequently report a loose midfoot and heel slippage at TTS, making a half-size reduction optimal for a secure, locked-in fit. Wide-footed buyers or those preferring a relaxed fit should stick to their standard TTS.

Is the Adidas Handball Spezial good for wide feet?

Yes, the Handball Spezial is widely considered the most accommodating and comfortable model for wide feet within the entire Adidas terrace family. Although caliper measurements reveal a midfoot upper width of 89.5 mm (slightly below modern athletic averages), the absence of rigid leather panels or internal reinforcement allows the soft suede to expand effortlessly over structural wide-foot variations without creating painful pinch points. Wide-footed wearers are strongly cautioned against sizing down; they should purchase their true-to-size or even go up a half-size for extremely wide arches to prevent the foot from spilling over the edge of the low-profile cupsole.

How is the arch support on the Adidas Handball Spezial?

Unlike most low-profile retro sneakers that feature completely flat, unpadded insoles, the Handball Spezial incorporates a distinct, raised foam arch pad adhered directly to the medial side of the footbed. This creates a polarized user experience: wearers with high arches celebrate it for providing unexpected stability and reducing foot fatigue, while flat-footed individuals often find the protrusion intrusive and uncomfortable. Fortunately, the support is highly customizable; flat-footed users can easily apply heat with a household hairdryer to melt the internal adhesive and cleanly peel the foam pad away from the underside of the insole, or replace the insert entirely.

Specs & Sizing

Weight 344 g
Retail price $170
Release year 1979
Upper Typically high-quality suede (nubuck suede for a softer feel). Some versions use leather or a combination. Leather overlays for stripes and heel tab. Original 1979 version had breathability holes.
Midsole Firm with limited inherent cushioning; comfort largely relies on the insole. OrthoLite sockliner in some versions. Thicker outsole than Adidas Samba provides some cushioning.
Outsole Sturdy gum rubber compound designed for optimal grip and durability. Features multiple pivot points. Hardness measured at 87HC.
Technologies Gum rubber outsole with pivot points (heritage feature), Arch support in insole (for some users), Cordura fabric version for enhanced durability and weather resistance
Fit & sizing Generally fits true to size. Most recommend ordering usual size. For wide feet, consider half a size up or thinner socks. Some users report it runs large and suggest sizing down half a size.