Adidas Spezial Handball shoes have a unique presence in the world of fashion and sport. Their very name, "Spezial Handball", evokes a rich heritage and tradition that dates back decades. With their big return in 2023-2024, RADAR Concept store would like to present to you the history of this fashionable pair. Let's dive into the depths of history to understand why these iconic shoes have this name and how they became an undisputed icon in the world of streetwear and sports.


To fully understand the history of Adidas Spezial Handball, it is essential to go back to the 1970s, a time when Adidas was already a renowned brand in sports footwear. At that time, handball, a booming sport in Europe, required specific shoes to meet the demands of speed, stability and comfort.

This is how Adidas' "Handball" line was born, a range of shoes designed for professional and amateur handball players. These shoes were characterized by their exceptional grip, lightness and durability, essential qualities for dominating on the handball court.


Over the years, Adidas' "Handball" range has become a symbol of quality and performance in the world of sport. Handball players around the world trusted Adidas to provide them with shoes that would help them perform at their best on the court.

However, what really propelled the “Handball” line forward was its adoption by streetwear culture. In the 1980s and 1990s, young people in European cities began wearing sneakers as a symbol of style and belonging to an emerging urban subculture. Adidas handball shoes, with their distinctive aesthetic and exceptional comfort, have quickly won the hearts of urban fashion aficionados.


In the 2000s, Adidas became aware of the growing popularity of its handball shoes among streetwear enthusiasts. The brand then decided to capitalize on this popularity by launching the “Adidas Spezial” line. This range paid homage to classic Adidas models, while introducing modernized designs and high-quality materials.

The Adidas Spezial has become a popular collection for sneaker enthusiasts around the world, drawn to its unique blend of retro style and cutting-edge technology. The lineup included a variety of models, from running shoes to casual sneakers, but it was the iconic "Handball" silhouette that truly captured the imagination of sneakerheads.


In recent years, interest in retro sneakers has seen a real revival, hence their inclusion in the RADAR Cannes selection. Brands like Adidas have capitalized on this trend by re-releasing some of their most iconic models, including the Adidas Spezial Handball. These faithful reissues of classics have generated massive enthusiasm among collectors and sneaker aficionados, who are looking for unique pieces to complete their collection.

The appeal of the Adidas Spezial Handball goes well beyond their retro aesthetic. These shoes have become a symbol of nostalgia for a bygone era, as well as a testament to Adidas' enduring legacy in sports and fashion. Whether for their vintage style or their exceptional comfort, the Adidas Spezial Handball continues to captivate sneaker enthusiasts around the world.


Adidas Spezial Handball are therefore not just sports shoes. They embody a rich heritage and tradition that dates back decades, from their humble beginnings on the handball courts to their status as streetwear icons. Their very name, "Spezial Handball", is a tribute to this fascinating history and Adidas' continued commitment to innovation and quality. By wearing a pair of these iconic shoes, you carry with you a whole part of the history of fashion and sport. Stop by 4, rue Macé in Cannes to discover our Adidas Spezial Handball at RADAR Concept Store.