Both are Adidas models, but lasts differ. Gazelle is labeled Runs Narrow (True to size in length but runs narrow — wide feet go up half). Handball Spezial is True to Size (True to size; half up if wide feet).
Gazelle is usually true to size in length but shares the Samba-style narrow last: suede does not stretch much, so wide feet commonly go half a size up for volume. Narrow/standard feet stay TTS. Do not size down for length the way you might on a Superstar — width is the constraint.
Handball Spezial is generally true to size in length and often cited as the roomiest of the Samba/Gazelle/Spezial terrace trio. Wide feet who bounce off Samba frequently land here at TTS or half up. Soft suede stretches — narrow feet who want lasting lockdown sometimes half down to avoid later heel slip.
Use the table below as a starting point from fit offsets — then confirm with try-on or returns. Width can matter more than length between these two.
| Gazelle | Handball Spezial | |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Runs Narrow | True to Size |
| Advice | True to size in length but runs narrow — wide feet go up half | True to size; half up if wide feet |
| Width | Narrow non-stretch suede — snugger than Stan Smith/Superstar | Roomier than Samba among terrace trio; pliable suede stretches |
| Break-in | Minimal | Suede molds quickly — expect more volume after a few wears |
| Fit offset | +0 | +0 |
| Confidence | medium | medium |
If the left model fits at the listed size, start here in the right model (chart + fit offsets).
| If Gazelle fits | Try Handball Spezial | Note |
|---|---|---|
| US 7 | US 7 | offset +0 |
| US 7.5 | US 7.5 | offset +0 |
| US 8 | US 8 | offset +0 |
| US 8.5 | US 8.5 | offset +0 |
| US 9 | US 9 | offset +0 |
| US 9.5 | US 9.5 | offset +0 |
| US 10 | US 10 | offset +0 |
| US 10.5 | US 10.5 | offset +0 |
| US 11 | US 11 | offset +0 |
| US 12 | US 12 | offset +0 |
Full Gazelle guide · Full Handball Spezial guide · Reverse compare · Open in converter