In the world of shoes, Adidas has set a milestone with its iconic Gazelle models, Samba and Handball Spezial. Each has its own legacy, distinctive design and special place in sneaker culture. However, because of their stylistic similarities, many people are not entirely clear about the differences between them.
At RUNNEA, we understand these doubts and have set out to clear them up. In this article, we are going to thoroughly break down each of these three models, from the sole to the upper.
How did these adidas 3 models come about?
Adidas Gazelle
First introduced in 1966 as a training shoe, the Gazelle was designed for multiple sports, from soccer to track and field. Its minimalist design and distinctive low-profile model made it a popular choice among athletes and street style lovers. Over the decades, the Gazelle has maintained its iconic status, with color and material variations depending on the fashions of the moment.
Adidas Samba
Launched in the 1950s as an indoor soccer shoe, the Samba quickly became a favorite both on the soccer field and on the streets. Its distinctive design with a reinforced toe cap and serrated rubber outsole made it instantly recognizable. Over the years, the Samba has evolved to suit different styles, from sporty to casual.
Adidas Handball Spezial
Originally designed as a handball shoe in the 1970s, the Handball Spezial was noted for its high-traction rubber outsole and comfortable fit. Although initially created for a specific sport, its streamlined design and retro look have made it a popular choice among vintage style lovers.
Differences and similarities between the adidas Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial
Outsole
- Gazelle: Textured rubber outsole for traction and durability.
- Samba: Rubber outsole with herringbone traction pattern for better grip on indoor and outdoor surfaces.
- Handball Spezial : Rubber outsole with handball specific design, providing grip on lateral movements.
Toe cap
- Gazelle: Rounded toe cap for a classic look and ample toe room.
- Samba: Reinforced toe cap for durability during futsal play.
- Handball Spezial : Slightly reinforced toe cap for impact protection.
Material
- Gazelle: Soft leather or suede upper for a sleek and comfortable style.
- Samba: Leather upper with suede detailing for increased wear resistance.
- Handball Spezial : Leather or suede upper with reinforcements to withstand quick movements.
Upper
- Gazelle: Classic design with the iconic Adidas three stripes on the side.
- Samba: Stitching and panel details that reinforce the structure of the upper.
- Handball Spezial : Retro styling with contrasting details and discreet branding.
Heel
- Gazelle: Padded heel for comfort and support.
- Samba: Reinforced heel for protection during play.
- Handball Spezial : Cushioned and contoured heel for a secure and stable fit.
Laces
- Gazelle: Thin, flat laces for a secure fit.
- Samba: Thicker laces for a firm fit during play.
- Handball Spezial: Round or flat laces, depending on the model, for a customizable fit.
Weight
- Gazelle: Lightweight and flexible, ideal for everyday use.
- Samba: Slightly heavier due to its sturdy construction to withstand futsal play.
- Handball Spezial: Similar to the Gazelle weight, designed for agility.
Celebrities also bet on these adidas models.
Celebrities not only set trends in fashion, but also influence the choice of athletic footwear. It is interesting to discover which celebrities have chosen the iconic Adidas models : Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial. These are the well-known names that have been spotted sporting each of these classic sneakers.
- Adidas Gazelle: Celebrities like Kate Moss, Kanye West and Gigi Hadid have been spotted sporting the classic Gazelle at events and in everyday life.
- Adidas Samba: David Beckham, Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z are just some of the famous names who have adopted the Samba as part of their style.
Adidas Handball Spezial: Liam Gallagher, lead singer of Oasis, is known for his love of Adidas shoes, including the Handball Spezial.
Here's how you can mix and match
The versatility of these three adidas models goes beyond their athletic function; they've become key pieces in any street style lover's closet. Combining these iconic shoes with different garments and styles can completely transform an outfit, whether for a casual weekend look or for a night out. Don't know how to combine them? Here are some ideas for each model:
Adidas Gazelle
Perfect for a casual chic look, pair your Gazelle with jeans, a basic t-shirt and a leather jacket or blazer for a timeless urban style.
Adidas Samba
Wear them with a sporty tracksuit for a retro-cool touch, or wear them with shorts and a T-shirt for a laid-back weekend look.
Adidas Handball Spezial
Pair them with distressed jeans and a bomber jacket for grunge style, or wear them with sweatpants and a sweatshirt for a sporty urban look.
In short, the Adidas Gazelle, Samba and Handball Spezial are much more than just shoes; they are symbols of style, innovation and cultural heritage. Whether you wear them on the court or on the street, each pair tells a unique story and leaves a lasting impression on the world of fashion and sport.
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