adidas Handball Spezial vs adidas Stan Smith
Both are adidas Originals court shoes, but they suit different feet and budgets. The Handball Spezial is the better buy right now: $48.00 at adidas as of November 4, 2026, versus $51.99 at Ruze Shoes for the Stan Smith. Pick the Spezial for a softer suede upper and a grippier gum sole; pick the Stan Smith for a sleeker, lighter leather look that pairs with more outfits.
Today the adidas Handball Spezial costs $3.99 less at its best price.
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adidas Handball Spezial
4.8Choose the Handball Spezial if you want a suede, T-toe retro trainer with a gum rubber sole and you want the lower current price.
- Suede upper and leather lining feel more premium than the price suggests.
- Gum rubber outsole grips well on pavement and indoor courts.
- EVA midsole plus arch support make it comfortable for all-day wear.
- Long track record since 1979 with a large, well-rated buyer base.
What separates them
| adidas Handball Spezial | adidas Stan Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Upper material | Soft suede with suede stripes and leather lining | Leather-look upper with synthetic lining |
| Outsole | Gum rubber outsole with EVA midsole | Rubber outsole, no EVA midsole listed |
| Toe shape | T-toe with perforated detail | Plain round toe |
| Cushioning and arch support | Cushioning with arch support listed | Not specified |
| Weight and bulk | Chunkier, more padded feel | Slimmer and lighter profile |
| Style range | Retro terrace look, louder colorways | Minimal white sneaker, easy to match |
| Price as of November 4, 2026 | $48.00 at adidas | $51.99 at Ruze Shoes |
Price history
- adidas Handball Spezial: lowest $34.00 on Nov 2 at ShopSimon; $48.00 on Nov 4.
- adidas Stan Smith: lowest $49.99 on Nov 4 at Carls Golfland.
Prices at every store
adidas Handball Spezial
- adidasNew
In stock
$48.00Observed at 6:18 AM - Going Going GoneNew
In stock
$48.97Observed at 2:17 AM - ssense.comNew
In stock
$68.00Observed at 2:17 AM
Also available at
- DICK'S Sporting GoodsCheck price at DICK'S Sporting Goods
- ShopWSSCheck price at ShopWSS
- NordstromCheck price at Nordstrom
adidas Stan Smith
- GOATNew
In stock
$68.00Observed at 9:51 AM - PoshmarkNew
In stock
$109.00Observed at 9:51 AM - StockXNew
In stock
$175.00Observed at 9:47 AM - Ruze ShoesNew
Availability unknown
$51.99Observed at 9:47 AM
Also available at
- Carls GolflandCheck price at Carls Golfland
- LystCheck price at Lyst
- shoebacca.comCheck price at shoebacca.com
Specs compared
| Spec | adidas Handball Spezial | adidas Stan Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole material | gum rubber outsole | Rubber Outsole |
| Width | Width Medium | Width Medium |
| Department | Men's | Men's, Unisex |
| Material | Genuine Leather, Genuine Suede, Rubber | Genuine Leather, Polyester, Rubber |
| Closure Style | Lace-up | Lace-up |
| Style | Casual | Casual |
| Type | Sneakers | Sneakers |
| Embellishment Style | Perforated, Contrast Stitching | Perforated, Kiltie |
| Support Type | Cushioning | Cushioning |
| Upper material | soft suede upper | — |
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
adidas Stan Smith
Owners rate the Stan Smith highly, with 4.6 out of 5 from 721 ratings. Most praise the classic look and everyday comfort; a few mention creasing and a stiff start.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for all-day walking?
- The Handball Spezial. It lists an EVA midsole, cushioning and arch support, while the Stan Smith lists only a rubber outsole and synthetic lining.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Stan Smith's leather-look upper is easier to keep clean and resists scuffs. The Spezial's suede can stain and stretch, so it needs more care to last as long.
- Is the Stan Smith worth the extra money?
- At $51.99 versus $48.00 as of November 4, 2026, the gap is small. Pay it only if you want the cleaner, lighter leather look; the Spezial gives more cushioning for less.
- Which fits wider feet?
- The Spezial is listed as medium width with a padded suede upper that gives slightly. The Stan Smith is a regular fit with a slimmer profile, so try it on if your feet are wide.
- Which is better for summer?
- The Spezial lists breathable uppers and works year-round. The Stan Smith's synthetic lining traps heat more, but its lighter build suits warm weather.
- Do both run true to size?
- Both are listed as regular fit with lace closure. The Spezial's suede softens and can loosen with wear, so consider a half size down if you are between sizes.