adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Handball Spezial: A Guide
Sleek leather, colourful suede or a classic gum sole? Compare adidas Samba OG, Gazelle and Handball Spezial to find the right look and fit for your everyday outfits.
Three stripes, a low cut and a retro look: Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial can seem similar at first glance. Put an outfit together, though, and the differences become clearer, particularly in the upper, the sole and the colour contrast.
Our take: Choose Samba OG if you like a slim silhouette and a clean leather look. Gazelle adds texture and colour with suede. Handball Spezial pairs textured leather with a distinctive gum sole. Your wardrobe and the right fit will help you decide.
The three models at a glance
| Model compared | Material and appearance | Works especially well with |
|---|---|---|
| Samba OG B75806, white | Smooth leather with suede details; slim shape | Simple combinations with jeans, tailored trousers or a dress |
| Gazelle B41645, burgundy | Suede; white stripes and a white sole | Neutral outfits that leave room for a colourful shoe |
| Handball Spezial DB3021 black / BD7633 blue | Cow suede (DB3021), leather with a textured finish (BD7633); brown gum sole | Relaxed outfits with denim, knitwear or straight-leg trousers |
These material details apply to the versions listed here. Check the product description when choosing a different colour or version.
Samba, Gazelle and Spezial: what sets them apart?
Samba OG: slim lines and contrasting leather textures
The white Samba OG B75806 combines smooth leather with suede details around the toe. Black stripes provide a clear contrast. Its low, slim silhouette makes it easy to work into a simple outfit.
Choose this version if you want a light-coloured trainer to wear with different clothing colours. The mixed upper also means that the smooth leather and suede sections need their own approach to cleaning.
Gazelle: suede and a deliberate colour accent
The burgundy Gazelle B41645 brings a different texture to an outfit: suede has a soft, matt appearance. The white stripes and sole stand out against the dark red upper.
This version works well if your wardrobe mainly features grey, beige, white, black or denim and you want your shoes to introduce colour. We are comparing the classic Gazelle here. Gazelle Indoor and Gazelle Bold are separate versions with different design details.
Handball Spezial: textured leather and a gum sole
Handball Spezial gets its distinctive look from textured leather and a brown gum sole. The black version has a cow suede upper. The black DB3021 pairs easily with a range of colours, while the blue Handball Spezial BD7633 combines dark blue with light blue details.
Black is a useful choice if you regularly switch between different tops. Blue looks particularly good with light denim, cream and grey knitwear. Start with the colours you already enjoy wearing.
Which size should you choose?
For the Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial versions featured here, adidas recommends your usual size. Treat this as a starting point: foot length and foot shape still matter.
The official Samba guide notes that some people find the fit narrow. The general Gazelle guide describes a comparatively roomy fit. This does not establish a fixed width ranking that applies to every foot.
Use these steps to choose your size:
- Measure both feet while standing, from the heel to the longest toe.
- Use the measurement of the longer foot.
- Compare it with our shoe size guide.
- Check the advice for the specific version and the sizes offered.
If you fall between two sizes, use the size chart and assess the fit when trying the shoes on. A blanket rule such as “always go up 0.5 EU” is unsuitable: adidas EU sizes also use thirds.
Three everyday outfit ideas
1. Samba OG with straight-leg jeans and a shirt
Pair white Sambas with straight-leg blue jeans and a white or light blue shirt. A black belt can pick up the stripes on the shoes. Wear the shirt open over a plain T-shirt for a more relaxed combination. Choose a trouser length that leaves the slim shape of the trainer visible.
2. Burgundy Gazelle with grey tailored trousers
Grey tailored trousers and a cream jumper give the burgundy Gazelle space to stand out. Keep the other colours understated so the shoes become a deliberate accent. To repeat the colour, add a small bag or accessory in a similar shade of red. The colours do not need to match exactly.
3. Blue Spezial with light denim and knitwear
Try blue Handball Spezial with light jeans and a grey or ecru jumper. The gum sole adds a warm tone. For a different look, a straight midi skirt and a simple top also work. Choose the black Spezial if you prefer a darker overall combination.
Caring for the different upper materials
Gently remove loose dirt from textured leather with a suitable brush. Spot-clean marks using a product designed for the material and test it on an inconspicuous area first. On the Samba, clean the smooth leather separately from the suede details. Avoid soaking the shoes and let them air-dry.
Find the individual steps in our shoe care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Samba or Gazelle: which works better with simple outfits?
Both work well. White Samba adds a light leather look to a clean combination. Burgundy Gazelle creates a stronger accent through colour and suede. Decide how much attention you want your shoes to draw.
What is the difference between Samba and Handball Spezial?
For these versions, the main differences are the upper and the overall look. Samba combines smooth leather with suede details, while Spezial pairs textured leather with a brown gum sole. Try both if fit is your deciding factor.
Which model suits wide feet?
Gazelle may be an option because adidas describes its fit as comparatively roomy. Trying it on is still important. With Samba, pay particular attention to pressure at the sides. A good fit should also hold your heel securely.
Are Gazelle, Gazelle Indoor and Gazelle Bold the same?
No. They are different versions. Gazelle Indoor changes details including the upper panels and heel. Gazelle Bold has a distinctly raised platform sole. The B41645 linked here is a classic Gazelle.
Can I wear them in the rain?
Check the details for the version you choose. Leather, textured leather or a rubber sole alone do not demonstrate waterproof protection. A suitable protective treatment may help protect the surface, but it does not automatically make a shoe waterproof. For prolonged rain, choose a model explicitly described as waterproof.
Compare more adidas styles
Prefer a chunkier silhouette? Our Campus 00s guide with outfit ideas and a Samba comparison offers another option. For a broader introduction, read Top 5 adidas Sneakers 2026.
