The adidas Handball Spezial joins the "Leopard Magic" Pack, bringing animal print energy to the iconic 1979 terrace silhouette that bridges handball courts and British football casual culture. This women's-exclusive release pairs leopard print pony hair with magic beige tones and classic gum rubber sole, continuing adidas' successful leopard trend inspired by Wales Bonner's viral 2023 Samba.

Design & Inspiration

Originally debuted in 1979 as a high-performance handball shoe, the Handball Spezial was designed specifically for Germany's indoor handball boom of the late 1970s. The silhouette earned acclaim among players from Germany, Holland, and Scandinavia with innovative ventilation holes in the sole facilitating perspiration, sturdy construction capable of enduring heavy friction, and optimal grip for slippery parquet and rubber courts. The "Leopard Magic" iteration features faux pony hair leopard print upper in magic beige, ivory leather Three Stripes with serrated detailing, and aurora ivy accent hits. Classic T-toe construction and reinforced heel maintain the shoe's 1970s handball heritage.

Comfort & Performance

Built for fast-paced handball courts, the Handball Spezial delivers lightweight construction with durable materials engineered for sharp turns and rapid directional changes. Thick gum rubber sole provides flexible traction and cushioning. Padded collar ensures comfort during extended wear. The simple but timeless design—favored by Gary Aspden who called it "utterly timeless" and featured it in his adidas Hall of Fame collection—offers vintage 1970s appeal with modern comfort updates. Today it remains comfortable for casual indoor sports while its compelling vintage aesthetic makes it streetwear icon.

Release Information & Pricing

The adidas Handball Spezial "Leopard Magic" (KI6678, Magic Beige/Ivory-Aurora Ivy) releases January 1, 2026 for $130 USD / €120 in women's sizing via select adidas retailers. It dropped already as an inline release at some spots thought.
Find out where to buy a pair online below.