Adidas Handball Spezial vs Adidas Gazelle

Editorial offsets · methodology
Check current prices · Handball Spezial Check current prices · Gazelle

(paid link)

Both are Adidas models, but lasts differ. Handball Spezial is labeled True to Size (TTS for average/wide; half down if narrow (suede stretches)). Gazelle is Runs Big (Size down half a size (TTS if wide feet)).

Handball Spezial is the roomiest of the Samba/Gazelle/Spezial terrace trio for many wide feet at true to size. Soft suede stretches — narrow feet who want lasting lockdown sometimes half down to avoid later heel slip. Length guides still split TTS vs slightly long, so confidence stays Partial.

Adidas Gazelle typically runs slightly long versus a measured street size, so most narrow/average feet size down half. Wide feet often stay true to size because the last is still narrow through the forefoot — sizing down worsens pinch. Gazelle Indoor/Bold share the length rule; Bold changes stack height, not last length.

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.

Fit snapshot

Handball SpezialGazelle
VerdictTrue to SizeRuns Big
AdviceTTS for average/wide; half down if narrow (suede stretches)Size down half a size (TTS if wide feet)
WidthRoomier than Samba among terrace trio; pliable suede stretchesNarrow-leaning suede forefoot — wide feet should stay TTS, not size down
Break-inSuede molds quickly — expect more volume after a few wearsMinimal — suede softens a little
Fit offset+0-0.5
Confidencemediumhigh

Suggested size bridge

If the left model fits at the listed size, start here in the right model (chart + fit offsets).

If Handball Spezial fitsTry GazelleNote
US 7US 6.5offset -0.5
US 7.5US 7offset -0.5
US 8US 7.5offset -0.5
US 8.5US 8offset -0.5
US 9US 8.5offset -0.5
US 9.5US 9offset -0.5
US 10US 9.5offset -0.5
US 10.5US 10offset -0.5
US 11US 10.5offset -0.5
US 12US 11.5offset -0.5

FAQ

If I wear Handball Spezial, what size in Gazelle?
Use the size bridge table and the “If you wear…” box above. Offsets come from each model’s fit verdict (True to Size vs Runs Big) — confirm width notes.
Do these two fit the same?
Usually not. Read both guides: Handball Spezial and Gazelle.
Should I trust the reverse compare page?
Same data, flipped labels. Prefer the direction that starts from the shoe you already own.

Full Handball Spezial guide · Full Gazelle guide · Reverse compare · Open in converter