From the Court to the Skatepark: The adidas Handball Spezial ST

With some hype worthy collabs and even a cameo in Babygirl, the adidas Handball Spezial is having its moment. And now, with the drop of the new Handball Spezial ST, the glow up is about to hit another level.

When the Handball SpezialHandball Spezial first launched in 1979, it was crafted specifically for professional handball players. Over time, as more advanced athletic models hit the market, the shoe transitioned into a lifestyle staple. Today, the Handball Spezial is no hidden gem; it’s been trending on TikTok and embraced by sneaker enthusiasts everywhere. However, it has definitely not reached the same saturation level of the Sambas or the Gazelles.

For the first time ever, adidas is tailoring the Handball Spezial to a new crowd: skaters (and anyone channeling that look). The debut Handball Spezial ST colourway, dubbed "Wonder Mauve," reimagines the silhouette from the ground up. Crafted in pink suede, the shoe has been reinforced for maximum comfort and durability. High impact areas like the toebox and heel are thicker, built to handle the wear and tear of skating. Meanwhile, the three signature stripes now double as part of the lacing system; an innovative detail borrowed from adidas’ Aloha skate sneaker.

Inside, the shoe features a bold orange inner lining, while the classic wedge shaped gum midsole pays homage to the original Handball Spezial design.

The adidas Handball Spezial ST "Wonder Mauve" is available now, retailing for £90. Look out for additional colourways, including "Alumina" and "Core Black," coming soon.