adidas Handball Spezial vs adidas Samba OG
Buy the Handball Spezial if you want the lower price and a softer suede feel; the Samba OG is the safer pick if you want the most recognizable silhouette and a leather upper that needs no break-in. As of November 3, 2026, the Spezial's best new price is $40.97 at DICK'S Sporting Goods, while the Samba OG's best new price is $100.00 at Amazon. That is a gap of about $59, so the Spezial wins on value by a wide margin.
Today the adidas Handball Spezial costs $59.03 less at its best price.
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adidas Handball Spezial
4.8Choose the Handball Spezial if you want a suede court shoe with a gum sole at roughly $41 and don't mind a slightly narrower, less universal look.
- Lowest price of the pair at $40.97
- Suede upper with leather lining feels premium for the money
- EVA midsole and arch support add comfort for all-day wear
- Gum rubber outsole grips well on indoor and street surfaces
- Wide store coverage: 8 stores price it new
- Suede needs protection from rain and stains
What separates them
| adidas Handball Spezial | adidas Samba OG | |
|---|---|---|
| Best new price (Nov 3, 2026) | $40.97 at DICK'S Sporting Goods | $100.00 at Amazon |
| Upper material | Suede with suede stripes and leather lining | Leather and synthetic upper with nubuck T-toe |
| Outsole | Gum rubber | Rubber |
| Midsole and cushioning | EVA midsole with arch support | Flat heel, no EVA midsole listed |
| Break-in | Suede softens with wear; some initial stiffness | No break-in period reported |
| Ratings volume | 4.8 from about 45,000 ratings | 4.7 from about 70,000 ratings |
| Availability | 8 stores price it new | 4 stores price it new |
| Price volatility |
Price history
- adidas Handball Spezial: lowest $34.00 on Nov 2 at ShopSimon; $35.97 on Nov 3.
- adidas Samba OG: lowest $56.00 on Oct 31 at REVOLVE; $100.00 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
adidas Handball Spezial
- DICK'S Sporting GoodsNew
In stock
$40.97Observed at 9:23 AM - Going Going GoneNew
In stock
$40.97Observed at 9:23 AM - shoebacca.comNew
In stock
$65.95Observed at 9:23 AM - adidasNew
Availability unknown
$66.00Observed at 9:23 AM
Also available at
- ASOSCheck price at ASOS
- SierraCheck price at Sierra
- ShopWSSCheck price at ShopWSS
Specs compared
| Spec | adidas Handball Spezial | adidas Samba OG |
|---|---|---|
| Upper material | soft suede upper | Leather and synthetic upper |
| Outsole material | gum rubber outsole | — |
| Midsole | EVA midsole | — |
| Toe design | T-toe | — |
| First release | 1979 | — |
| Colorway | Black | — |
| Sole material | Rubber Sole | — |
| Toe type | Round Toe | — |
| Width | Width Medium | — |
| Department | Men's | — |
| Pattern | Striped |
What reviewers say
adidas Handball Spezial
With a 4.8 out of 5 average from about 45,000 ratings, the Spezial is one of adidas's best-loved retro models. Owners mostly praise the look and the suede quality, and many complain about sizing and the thin sole.
- Classic look that works with many outfits
- Soft suede and leather lining feel good out of the box
- Comfortable for everyday walking
- Holds up well with regular wear
- Runs narrow or small for some buyers
- Sole is thin and not very cushioned
- Suede scuffs and stains easily
- Break-in period can rub at first
Questions and answers
- Which is better for all-day walking?
- The Handball Spezial. Its EVA midsole and arch support give more cushioning than the Samba OG's flat heel. The Samba OG is lighter-feeling and needs no break-in, but it is flatter underfoot.
- Is the Samba OG worth about $59 more?
- Only if you specifically want the leather Samba look and the no-break-in fit. On materials and comfort the Spezial matches or beats it, so the premium is mostly about the silhouette.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Samba OG's leather upper resists scuffs and rain better than suede. The Spezial's suede shows wear faster if you skip protection, though its gum outsole wears comparably.
- Which fits wider feet?
- Both are listed as regular fit and medium width. The Spezial's suede stretches slightly with wear, so it accommodates a wider foot a bit better over time.
- Which is better for indoor courts?
- The Handball Spezial. It was built in 1979 as an indoor handball shoe, and its gum rubber outsole is made for court grip. The Samba OG is now a lifestyle shoe.
- Should I wait for a lower price?
- The Spezial has already hit $34.00 since October 30, so a dip below $41 is plausible. The Samba OG dropped to $56.00 on October 31, well under its $100 best price, so watch for that to return.
