Adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Spezial: What's the Difference?

What is the difference between Adidas Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial?

It is one of the most useful comparisons to make before buying Adidas because all three are low-profile classics with strong retro identities.

However, their histories, details and styling are different.

Quick comparison

Model	Sporting roots	Style	Best for
Samba	Football	Low, classic, sporty	Everyday wear
Gazelle	Sport/training	Retro, versatile	Casual everyday wear
Handball Spezial	Handball	Low, sporty, retro	Terrace-inspired style

Adidas has itself highlighted the Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial as three classic silhouettes with sporting origins and lasting cultural relevance.

Adidas Samba

The Samba can trace its roots to football in 1950s Germany. Adidas explains that an earlier version was developed for icy pitches and later evolved into an international Originals icon.

Choose Samba if you like:

football-inspired styling
minimalist silhouettes
low-profile sneakers
classic streetwear

Adidas Gazelle

Gazelle is one of Adidas' best-known classic lifestyle silhouettes.

Its strength is versatility.

Choose Gazelle if you like:

retro styling
classic Adidas Originals design
everyday sneakers
a wide range of colour options

Adidas Handball Spezial

The Handball Spezial was introduced in 1979 as a performance shoe for handball players. Its suede upper, low profile and gum rubber outsole helped define its original design.

It later became strongly associated with football terrace culture and streetwear in Europe.

Choose Spezial if you like:

handball heritage
terrace style
suede
retro sportswear

Which one is most comfortable?

There is no universal answer.

Comfort depends on:

foot shape
size
insole
materials
amount of previous wear
how you use the shoe

This is particularly important when buying second hand.

Which one should you buy?

Choose Samba for:

Football-inspired, minimalist everyday style

Choose Gazelle for:

Versatile retro everyday style

Choose Spezial for:

Handball heritage and terrace-inspired style

Which is best second hand?

All three can make excellent second hand purchases.

However, look at the individual product rather than simply the model.

Check:

outsole condition
upper condition
heel
insole
laces
stains
material wear
authenticity

FAQ

What is the difference between Samba and Gazelle?

Samba has stronger football heritage and a more football-inspired low-profile design. Gazelle has a more traditional retro lifestyle identity.

What is the difference between Samba and Spezial?

Samba has football roots, while Handball Spezial was originally designed for handball.

Are Gazelle and Spezial the same shoe?

No. They are different Adidas models with different histories and constructions.

Which is better: Samba, Gazelle or Spezial?

It depends on your style. Samba is ideal for football-inspired minimalism, Gazelle for classic retro styling, and Spezial for handball and terrace aesthetics.

Are they good second hand?

Yes, provided the specific pair is authentic and the condition and price are appropriate.

Conclusion

Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial are three different expressions of Adidas' sporting heritage.

Samba = football
Gazelle = retro Originals
Spezial = handball and terrace culture

When buying second hand, look beyond the model name and evaluate condition, size, authenticity and price.

Sneakershyllan authenticates its products and cleans shoes before sale. Online purchases also include 14 days of open purchase/returns.