Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum (GS): sizing and style

What if the most wanted sneaker in your closet wasn't the loudest one, but the most understated? The Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum (GS) have been sneaking into feeds, school hallways and office outfits for months without asking permission. Light grey, three white stripes, caramel gum sole: the 1979 formula translated into the easiest-to-wear color in the entire line.

The Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum (GS) are the junior-size (grade school) version of the handball silhouette Adidas launched in 1979: Grey Two suede upper, three white leather stripes, T-toe and gum rubber sole. Low profile, terrace aesthetic and a neutral colorway that goes with practically everything.

Side view of the Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum (GS) with light grey suede, three white stripes and caramel gum rubber sole — The low profile of the Handball Spezial in Grey Two: grey suede, white stripes and translucent gum.

What the Adidas Handball Spezial is and why it's still relevant

The Handball Spezial was born in 1979 as an indoor handball shoe. It needed flexible suede, a lightweight build and a gum rubber sole that gripped hardwood floors without leaving marks. Nothing more, nothing less.

That simplicity took it out of the sports hall. In the eighties, the UK terrace casual scene (football, European sportswear, a serious obsession with detail) adopted it as an unofficial uniform. Four decades later it's still one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the German archive.

Adidas Handball Spezial vs Samba: which one to pick?

It's the most common question in forums and comparisons, and the answer is clearer than it seems. The Samba (1950) was born for indoor soccer: narrower last, flatter sole, full-grain leather upper.

The Handball Spezial takes a different route. Its upper is suede, a material that flexes more under effort, and the build is a bit wider and more padded, with a thicker sole. That's why most reviews agree the Spezial is more comfortable for all-day wear than the Samba. If you're coming from a Samba that felt tight, this is your silhouette.

Upper: Grey Two suede versus the Samba's leather
Fit: slightly wider with more cushioning
Sole: translucent gum, a touch thicker
Archive detail: perforations and T-toe inherited from the original 1979 edition

Sizing: do Handball Spezial run big or small?

The consensus among size guides and wearers is that the Handball Spezial runs true to size for standard-width feet. Order your usual size and you'll get it right.

The nuances matter: if you have wide feet or wear medium-thick socks, going up half a size gives you some room. Wear tests describe the shoe as slightly snug, not ideal for very wide feet. A tip that keeps coming up: lace through the last eyelet. That's exactly where the difference lies between a Spezial that slips and one that holds.

Remember that the (GS) label means grade school sizing, in other words junior sizes. Plenty of adults with small feet buy in this range without any issue; check the conversion on the product page with available sizes before deciding.

Materials and details of the Grey Two colorway

Here the light Grey Two covers all the suede, and the three white leather stripes stitched to the side create a soft, low-key contrast. Next to them, the printed SPEZIAL lettering: the silhouette's signature.

Inside, a soft textile lining, removable insole and rounded toe box. Outside, a flexible midsole, reinforced heel and that caramel-toned translucent gum sole that ages beautifully and gives it the vintage touch no white sole can match.

How to style the Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum (GS)

Light grey is a wild card. It works with black, navy, white and the whole earth-tone range without clashing with anything, which is why it fits a weekend look just as well as a relaxed office one.

Raw denim, wide or straight: the default combo, the one that never fails
Beige or khaki chinos + heather grey sweatshirt
Twill shorts and mid-calf white socks for summer
Black tailored pants + white tee: the gum sole contrast does all the work
Technical tracksuit if you want the most literal terrace nod

If two pieces already bring strong color, let the grey sneakers with gum sole be the neutral base. It's their favorite role.

Why buy them at Next Step

It's the most versatile colorway of the Spezial and probably the best seller: the one that works with your whole wardrobe without thinking twice. At Next Step you'll find the Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum (GS) brand new and 100% authentic, with 14-day returns (calendar days from delivery) and fast shipping to Spain and all of Europe.

Check your size and grab them before yours sells out.

FAQ

Do Adidas Handball Spezial run big or small? +

Handball Spezial run true to size for standard-width feet, so the usual move is to order your regular size. If you have wide feet or tend to wear medium-thick socks, going up half a size will give you the room you need. Tests describe the fit as slightly snug.

What does (GS) mean on the Adidas Handball Spezial Grey Two White Gum? +

(GS) stands for grade school, the junior sizing within the Adidas size system. It's the same silhouette and the same colorway as the adult version, just in the smaller size range. Always check the exact conversion on the product page before choosing your size.

What's the difference between the Samba and the Handball Spezial? +

The Samba was born in 1950 for indoor soccer, with a narrower last, flatter sole and leather upper; the Handball Spezial arrived in 1979 for handball, with suede, a slightly wider and more padded build and a thicker sole. In practice, the Spezial tends to be more comfortable for everyday wear.

What clothes go with grey Handball Spezial? +

Grey Two goes with black, navy, white and the whole range of earth tones, which makes it the most versatile colorway of the silhouette. It works with raw denim, beige chinos, black tailored pants or a technical tracksuit. The caramel gum sole adds contrast without needing any more color.

What material is the Handball Spezial made of? +

The upper is suede, originally chosen because it flexes more than leather during sports. In this version the suede comes in Grey Two, with three white leather stripes, soft textile lining, removable insole and translucent gum rubber sole.