Three silhouettes dominate the adidas Originals shelves: the Gazelle, the Handball Spezial and the Samba. They share the T-toe, the suede or leather upper and the three stripes, yet each has its own story, fit and style. At COLLECT, our sneaker store in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, it is the question we hear most often: Gazelle vs Spezial, which one should I buy? Here is our complete answer, with the Samba thrown in.
Three icons, three stories
Adidas Samba: from football to the street
The Samba was created as a football training shoe for hard and frozen ground. Its gum sole and low profile later made it a terrace and street classic. Today it is one of the most worn sneakers in the world, often in black or white leather. Shop the adidas Samba collection.
Adidas Gazelle: the versatile classic
Launched in the 1960s as a multi-sport training shoe, the Gazelle became a fashion icon thanks to its slim suede silhouette. The Gazelle Indoor, with its gum sole and slightly more retro shape, is the version everyone has been chasing. Discover the adidas Gazelle collection.
Adidas Handball Spezial: the indoor heritage
The Spezial was designed for handball in the late 1970s. Its grippy gum sole, suede upper and slightly flatter shape made it a favourite of British casual culture. See the adidas Spezial collection.
Gazelle vs Spezial vs Samba: the comparison
| Samba | Gazelle / Gazelle Indoor | Spezial | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Football training | Multi-sport training | Handball |
| Upper | Mostly leather, suede T-toe | Suede | Suede |
| Sole | Gum | Rubber (gum on Indoor) | Gum |
| Shape | Low, elongated | Slim (Indoor: more retro) | Low, flatter |
| Style | Sporty, terrace | Versatile, colourful | Casual, vintage |
Fit and sizing
All three are fairly narrow. The Samba is the most elongated, the Gazelle Indoor is a little roomier, and the Spezial sits in between. If you have wide feet, try half a size up; if you are between sizes, come and try them on: in store you can put all three on side by side.
Which one should you choose?
- You want the timeless reference that goes with everything: Samba.
- You love colour and a softer, more fashion-forward look: Gazelle Indoor.
- You prefer a discreet vintage sneaker with a real heritage: Spezial.
For something more exclusive, check out the collaborations like adidas x Wales Bonner and the full adidas collection.
FAQ
Is the Gazelle or the Spezial more comfortable?
Comfort is similar. The Gazelle Indoor feels a bit softer and roomier; the Spezial is flatter and closer to the ground.
Do the Samba, Gazelle and Spezial fit the same?
No. They are all narrow, but their shapes differ. We recommend trying them on before buying.
Where can I buy adidas Samba, Gazelle and Spezial in Barcelona?
At COLLECT, Carrer de la Palla 25, Gothic Quarter, or online on collect-barcelona.es. Availability of sizes and colourways varies.
