Sambas have maintained their coveted spot at the top of the sneaker pyramid since the style first made its resurgence back in 2023. But, while celebrities aren’t exactly tossing the shoe aside, there’s a new sneaker on the block that just might have dethroned the OG: Adidas’ Handball Spezial Shoes.
I first got my hands on the sneakers (which have been spotted on the likes of Lily Collins, Dakota Johnson, and more A-listers) over a year ago when the Sambas were still regularly sold out. And while I may have gotten them at the time as a consolation prize of sorts, they’ve quickly become my go-to shoe for everything: errands, dinners, and long travel days — and now they’re 30 percent off, along with the rest of the site through May 19.
Adidas Handball Spezial Shoes
Adidas
While my Sambas typically sit unworn in the corner of my closet, the Handball Spezials have become a fixture in my wardrobe rotation. So much so, that I added a second pair to my collection — and I loved them so much, I couldn’t resist getting a third. They look more stylish than other sneakers I own thanks to their luxe suede design and fun color options. I grabbed my latest pair in a pale blue-grey shade that’s ideal for spring and summer.
The Handball Spezials also won the award in my shoe collection for comfort. They have a soft suede upper that’s flexible, lightweight, and supportive without being overly constrictive, as well as a cushioned insole that feels cloud-like. It offers shock absorption, which makes them that much more supportive and easy to walk in. In fact, I took 15,000 steps in the shoes the very weekend I got my first pair. I was shocked that the Spezials required no break-in period and didn’t leave me with any blisters.
Beyond the obvious celeb fans, there are plenty of shoppers that swear by the style, too. One reviewer said that they’re the best style “for travel, city jaunts, and really just any occasion.” They added that the sneakers keep their “feet cool, which is a necessity.” Others commented that they’re “easy to style” and have “enough arch support for walking comfortably [through] the streets of NYC.”
Head over to Adidas to snag celeb-worn Adidas Handball Spezial sneakers, or keep scrolling to browse more styles while the entire site is 30 percent off.
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