Adidas Handball Spezial Elastic Collegiate Navy Clear Sky (TD): the 1979 classic in a baby version, with no laces to tie
What if your little one's first sneakers were the same icon you wear? The Adidas Handball Spezial Elastic Collegiate Navy Clear Sky (TD) bring the handball silhouette adidas launched in 1979 to baby sizes. Same navy suede, same light-blue three stripes and the same gum sole you see on streets all over Europe.
It's the classic mini-me that ends up in every family story. Plus, it has a practical detail anyone who has tried to put shoes on a baby who won't sit still will appreciate: the laces are elastic and there's nothing to tie.
The Adidas Handball Spezial Elastic Collegiate Navy Clear Sky (TD) (style code JI2899) are the baby version of the Handball Spezial. They feature a Collegiate Navy suede upper, Clear Sky 3-Stripes, a gum rubber sole and elastic laces that open up the collar so they slip on in one go. It's the original 1979 design adapted to a little one's everyday life.
Baby Handball Spezial: from the handball court to the playground
The Handball Spezial was born in 1979 as an indoor handball shoe, a sport full of hard stops and constant changes of direction. That's where its signature features come from: an all-suede upper, a reinforced heel counter and an outsole pattern designed to grip on parquet. In 2013, Gary Aspden pulled it out of the archive and made it the core of the adidas Spezial line.
The TD (toddler) version keeps everything that makes it recognizable: suede T-toe, leather 3-Stripes and SPEZIAL lettering on the side. It's not a design inspired by the original; it's the same sneaker in a smaller size.
Handball Spezial with elastic laces: what's different in the TD version?
The big change is the closure. Instead of traditional laces, it has no-tie elastic laces that stretch the collar so the foot slides in in one go. Adidas sells this model as the Handball Spezial Comfort Closure Elastic Lace, and some retailer listings also mention a hook-and-loop side opening to make it easier to put on.
Materials and construction
- Upper: soft Collegiate Navy suede, with leather 3-Stripes in Clear Sky and SPEZIAL lettering on the side.
- Toe: double-stitched suede T-toe, the model's most recognizable feature.
- Interior: soft textile lining and a rounded toe box with room for the toes.
- Outsole: classic gum rubber, flexible and non-slip, that bends easily with first steps.
- Closure: elastic laces that don't need tying.
Baby Handball Spezial: which size should you choose?
Buyer reviews agree that the kids' Handball Spezial fits true to size, so the easiest option is to order your little one's usual size. Several reviews also mention that it works well for slightly wide feet, thanks to the rounded toe.
If your baby is between two sizes, measure their foot in the afternoon and leave a little room to grow. If they don't fit when they arrive, you have 14 calendar days to return them. You can check on the product page which baby sizes are still available.
Reviews: are the kids' Handball Spezial worth it?
Three things come up again and again in parents' reviews: they're comfortable, the quality is good and they fit true to size. The suede holds up well to everyday wear and the elastic laces save time every morning. The gum sole is also flexible for feet that are still learning to walk.
An honest heads-up: suede needs a bit of care. A suede brush and a waterproofing spray go a long way, especially on a navy color that shows dirt less than white, but this isn't a sneaker for jumping in puddles.
How to style baby navy Handball Spezial
Collegiate Navy with Clear Sky is the most recognizable contrast in the Spezial family, and in mini size it's even cuter. These are the combos that work best:
- Total denim: overalls or straight-leg jeans with a white tee. The navy and light blue follow the denim palette.
- Heather gray: a gray cotton tracksuit, comfy for the playground with a '90s vibe.
- White and ecru: a light knit set lets the Clear Sky stripes take center stage.
- Twinning: if there's already an adult pair of Handball Spezial at home, the family photo is sorted.
The gum sole adds a warm touch that pairs well with earth and mustard tones if you're after something less blue.
Where to buy authentic baby Handball Spezial
At Next Step we sell the Adidas Handball Spezial Elastic Collegiate Navy Clear Sky (TD) 100% new and authentic. You have 14 calendar days to return them from the day you receive them, plus fast shipping to Spain and all of Europe. Want to see other colors? Check out our Adidas Spezial collection.
Want your little one to rock the 1979 classic? See the details and pick their size here, before their size sells out.
