Sporty & Rich x Adidas Handball Spezial

Sporty & Rich and Adidas are back at it, dropping another timeless Handball Spezial collection. Since linking up in 2022, the two have put out multiple collabs each year, with the Samba getting most of the spotlight. This time, they’re revisiting the Handball Spezial, bringing three new colorways to the 2025 new sneaker releases calendar.

Sticking to Sporty & Rich’s “simple, thoughtful design” ethos, the latest Handball Spezial pack delivers a clean, classic aesthetic. The new colorways come in a deep, monochromatic suede—Dark Green, Night Indigo, or Shadow Red—balanced with white details on the Three Stripes, heel tab, and laces. The contrast stitching keeps things sharp, while the signature gum sole pays homage to Adidas’ football roots. Sporty & Rich’s cursive logo lands on the tongue, with a gold-stamped version on the quarter for that subtle premium touch.

Design

Blending heritage Adidas design with Sporty & Rich’s refined take on vintage sportswear, this Handball Spezial trio takes cues from the ever-popular Gazelle while keeping its own distinct identity. The uppers are wrapped in smooth and hairy suede, with tonal overlays at the heel, eyelets, and toebox for added depth. Gold Sporty & Rich branding sits above the Three Stripes, while co-branded insoles round out the collab. A gum midsole and outsole keep things grounded in classic Adidas style, with clean white laces tying the look together.

The collab behind the collection

Sporty & Rich, founded by Emily Oberg in 2015, started as a mood board filled with aesthetic inspiration and evolved into a full lifestyle brand, worn by celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. That same vintage-inspired spirit has been put into this latest Adidas collab, making it a standout for sneakerheads who want something both stylish and understated. Even Andrew Garfield, known for his love of low key looks and niche brands, has been spotted in a pair of Spezials.

How to style your Sporty & Rich x Adidas Handball Spezial

The demand for this collection grew massively in the past year, although it’s not yet at Samba and Gazelle levels. To be honest, we don’t mind that. We’re almost afraid to say it out loud, but who wants to look exactly like everyone else who’s wearing a Samba or a Gazelle? We love the Sporty & Rich x Adidas Handball Spezials because they give the same comfy retro look but they’re not as common as the other models.

These kicks are all about keeping it understated. Try them with track pants and vintage tees. Make sure you let the shoe’s colors pop, keep your clothing neutral with a hint of a color to match your sneakers.

Go for vintage sportswear energy

Lean into the sneaker’s retro roots by pairing it with track pants and simple tees. A vintage-inspired Adidas hoodie adds to the laid-back aesthetic.

Keep it clean with classic denim

For an easy everyday fit, pair the Handball Spezial with light-wash straight-leg jeans or relaxed chinos. Add a plain white tee or a tucked-in polo for that effortless ‘70s and ‘80s sportswear feel. If you want to dress it up, throw on a fitted blazer for a smart-casual vibe.

Monochrome magic

Since the sneaker already comes in rich, deep hues, you can easily build a monochrome outfit around it. A Dark Green pair with olive cargo pants, a Night Indigo pair with navy workwear, or a Shadow Red pair with tonal burgundy pieces creates a sleek, unified aesthetic.