The bold colours, animal prints and retro hues of Adidas’s Samba trainers have dominated the trainer landscape over the past year, with celebrities and fashion insiders-alike hitting the streets in the sporty style. Countless cult collaborations have come and gone – most recently Labrum’s West African model that debuted at London Fashion Week – however, there are some who will wonder just how long the Samba can hold its reign.
In fact, this year we have already seen a new Adidas superhero come to the fore: the Handball Spezial. Originally designed to be a functional sports trainer for handball players, this shoe has recently been spotted on the feet of street-style royalty, and we have a feeling that it will claim the sneaker spotlight in 2024.
Back in 1979, the Spezial was produced in just a few colourways, but today’s offering is stylishly varied. For those who lean towards bright, modern colours, there is an on-trend fire engine-red or cobalt blue with clashing stripes. As for those who worship at the shrine of retro-inspired footwear, you'll find chocolate browns and faded pinks that hark back to sports halls of the ‘80s. The unique colourways, thick gum sole and timeless nature of the Handball Spezial is sure to catapult the trainer to cult status.
Stay one step ahead of the crowd with Vogue’s edit of Handball Spezials to shop now.
