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Looks like adidas is ready to march out of March with a bang! The German sneaker giant is dropping six seriously good looking SPZL kicks, and trust us, they’re bringing some serious nostalgia. These pairs are celebrating the past, with fan favourite colourways and styles making a well deserved reimagination. The Three Stripes aren’t playing around, and honestly, neither are we; our excitement levels are off the charts. Here’s the lowdown on what’s hitting shelves this Wednesday.
The adidas Failsworth SPZL "Beige Brown" is here to prove that vintage never goes out of style. Inspired by classics like the Barbados and Universal SL, this sneaker is the perfect mix of old school swagger and modern flair. Built on classic Tobacco tooling, it blends the laid back charm of adidas leisure shoes with some seriously fresh details.
Like other SPZL favourites; such as the adidas "Ardwick", "Moston Super", and "Manchester”; the Failsworth is named after a location in Manchester, specifically a town in Oldham. With Spezial's creative lead Gary Aspden’s Manchester roots, it’s no surprise this shoe honours Cottonopolis’ cultural legacy.
Design wise, the Failsworth SPZL stands out with an asymmetric toe overlay from the Universal SL, giving it a unique shape. The beige suede upper with tonal eyelets adds subtle elegance, while the brown and gold sock liner provides a luxurious touch. A ‘chocolate box’ tongue logo, inspired by adidas’ Made in France heritage branding, ties this modern design to its rich archival history.
The adidas Pampanga SPZL "Black White" digs deep into the archives to revive a hidden gem: the adidas Squire. Born in the Philippines and rocking a chunky, no frills look back in the day, the Squire was anything but subtle. Fast forward to today, and the SPZL team has given it a glow up, transforming it into a clean, well balanced tribute to ‘70s running and training kicks. Same soul, way more style.
This updated model stands out with its newly developed outsole, crafted through advanced 3D printing technology, and an EVA midsole that ensures lightweight comfort and performance. The upper combines black suede and nylon for a minimalist look, while white leather Three Stripes and Bluebird branding add a striking contrast. For added versatility, a secondary set of black laces is included, complementing the timeless black and white colourway that’s perfect for any occasion.
The adidas Roelee SPZL "Green White" is what you get when nostalgia hits the gym and comes back looking sharper than ever. This hybrid sneaker gives a cheeky nod to adidas’ heritage while flexing its future ready style. Part All Round inspo, part Whalley SPZL remix, it’s a perfect mashup of retro and modern swagger.
For the Roelee, the Spezial team replaced the Whalley’s gum sole with avocado foxing tape, a detail previously seen on the Gazelle SPZL. This subtle change creates a cleaner, more refined aesthetic reminiscent of classic adidas court shoes. The green suede upper is paired with sharp white 3 Stripes and a co branded suede tongue, while a slight mismatch in the green collar lining introduces a deliberate archival nod to the brand’s storied past.
This release exemplifies adidas’ legacy of innovation, blending materials and techniques to bring unique concepts to life. It’s a piece that will undoubtedly appeal to collectors and fans of terrace culture alike. Each pair also includes secondary laces, allowing wearers to easily personalise their look.
The adidas Handball Cup SPZL "Blue White" reimagines one of the brand’s most iconic silhouettes. Drawing inspiration from ‘80s handball shoes, this updated design breathes new life into a classic sporting icon.
The toe box has been redesigned, moving away from its traditionally elongated shape to a more refined and balanced profile. The iconic suede upper stays true to the original blue and white colourway, with bold red piping paying homage to the Handball Top; one of Gary Aspden’s favourite adidas designs. Additional details, such as the white tongue with red branding and the honey coloured gum sole, emphasise the shoe’s vintage roots and connection to the handball courts of 1980s Germany.
As an evolution of the original Handball Spezial, the SPZL version celebrates adidas’ deep ties to terrace culture and the transformation of sports footwear into lifestyle staples. Whether you're a devoted Spezial collector or new to the lineup, this release feels like it’s been pulled straight from the archives.
The adidas TRX Mesh SPZL "Blue Yellow" reimagines an adidas classic, fusing archival inspiration with SPEZIAL's renowned attention to detail. Originally made iconic by Roger Daltrey in the 1980 film McVicar, the blue and yellow TRX has cemented its place in adidas history. For Spring/Summer 2025, Gary Aspden and the SPZL team have refined this beloved silhouette, creating a fresh take on the TRX SPZL.
Departing from previous TRX reissues with moulded midsoles, this version features an EVA wedge with a scooped cutaway, enhancing the shoe’s overall shape. The mesh upper takes inspiration from a 2000 Marathon TR model produced in Scheinfeld, updated with a reworked pattern for a contemporary yet authentic aesthetic. Additional details include a dimpled tongue, cotton laces, and meticulously chosen yellow accents, perfected through multiple rounds of sampling.
Rather than delivering a 1:1 reissue, SPZL embraces the philosophy of athlete service one offs, where subtle changes in materials, overlays, and construction adapt the design to the wearer’s needs. The result is a TRX like no other; steeped in history but reimagined for the modern era.
The adidas SPZL A Aspden "Sail Blue" is a tribute with purpose. Designed by Gary Aspden, it draws inspiration from the 1970s adidas Las Palmas, blending vintage design with thoughtful updates that honour classic court style and personal legacy.
Built on the adidas Las Palmas, which itself borrowed tooling from the adidas Hawaii in the Leisure series, the SPZL A Aspden stays true to its minimalist roots while featuring refined upgrades. Perforated 3 Stripes highlight adidas’ timeless DNA, while the tongue’s nylon insert framed in leather adds a unique twist. The Sail Blue leather upper pairs seamlessly with a chalk white outsole for a clean contrast, and a reworked heel overlay adds extra sophistication.
What makes this shoe truly special is its personal touch: the handwritten signature of Gary Aspden’s late father, a master engraver, etched on the lateral side. This detail serves as a poignant tribute to family, craftsmanship, and heritage. The adidas SPZL A Aspden "Sail Blue" is not just a statement in design but a meaningful homage to legacy and artistry.
For a chance to get your hands on any of these releases before anyone else, adidas are running an exclusive event at their Carnaby Street store. Aside from exclusive early access, there will also be exclusive gifts when you make a qualifying purchase. The event is set to take place tomorrow, 26th March, and for your chance to attend head over to the adidas app.
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