Handball shoes adidas
Long before becoming a street icon, the Spezial was born in the late seventies as an indoor handball shoe: adidas handball shoes have a long history with this sport, continued by the Stabil and the Adizero Counterblast.
The brand with the three stripes also outfits the French team. On this page, find its handball models for every position, from the most powerful to the most agile, for men, women and children.
Stabil, the shoe for powerful play
The Stabil is the iconic handball shoe from the brand. Its midsole cushions landings (the Stabil 16 relies on Boost foam), and the chassis surrounding it stabilises the foot during footwork and direction changes. It is aimed at players who take hits and jump, particularly backs and pivots. All variations can be found on the adidas Stabil page.
Adizero Counterblast and Court Team Bounce: speed or versatility
The Adizero Counterblast focuses on lightness, featuring a Lightstrike midsole and a chassis that supports the midfoot: it targets fast wingers and backs, on the adidas Adizero page. The Court Team Bounce, with its full-length Bounce sole and double-layer mesh upper, is a versatile indoor shoe for beginners or casual play, found on the Court Team Bounce page.
Spezial: born in the halls, adopted by the streets
The Handball Spezial was launched in the late seventies for indoor handball, featuring a suede upper and rubber sole. In the eighties, British football fans adopted it during their travels in Europe, and it became a street style classic, still part of the adidas Originals catalogue. The adidas Spezial page brings together the original version and the Spezial Pro.
Crazyflight and Novaflight: indoor shoes for jump landings
Two adidas ranges designed for jumping can also be worn on the handball court. The Crazyflight is made for jumping and landing; it comes in both low and mid versions, on the adidas Crazyflight page. The Novaflight, simpler, combines an EVA sole with Lightstrike foam at the heel, on the Novaflight page. However, the lateral movements and contacts in handball require more stability: a back or a pivot will be better served by a Stabil.
Harden, Dame, Anthony Edwards: the signature lines of adidas
adidas also features signature lines born on the basketball courts, with thick cushioning. James Harden, long associated with the brand, has his own line Harden. Damian Lillard, who has signed a lifetime contract with adidas, has the Dame line. Anthony Edwards, who extended his contract with the brand, has his own line, the Anthony Edwards line. The Trae Young line dates back to the brand's partnership with the American point guard, which has now ended. The pages Force Bounce and Rose complete the selection.
Adizero sizes: think in thirds
adidas sizes its shoes in thirds: after size 42 come 42 2/3, 43 1/3, then 44. This is helpful in finding the right length, but you need to know your exact size. Measure your foot at the end of the day, add a little room for movement, and compare it to the brand's guide. A handball shoe should hold the heel without crushing the forefoot.
adidas indoor at reduced prices
The adidas colours from previous collections can often be found in special shoe offers or in shoe clearance. During Black Friday shoes, and then during the shoe sales, part of the selection also goes on promotion.
Frequently asked questions
Stabil or Adizero Counterblast: which one to choose?
The Stabil prioritises cushioning and stability, for powerful players who can take hits, often backs or pivots. The Counterblast focusses on lightness, for wingers and speed players. A centre half will choose based on their playing style.
Which adidas shoe for a pivot?
The Stabil: its chassis stabilises foot placements and its cushioning absorbs hits and landings. The pivot plays with their back to the goal and pivots on the front foot, so stability comes before lightness. The more agile Counterblast is better suited for a winger.
Can you still play in Spezial?
The original version is mainly worn in the city: its thin sole lacks the cushioning of modern indoor shoes. For play, a recent indoor shoe like the Stabil or the Counterblast better protects the joints. Save the Spezial for after the match.
Do adidas shoes run large or small?
It depends on the models, and the indications vary from one retailer to another. The third size system allows for fine adjustments: in case of doubt, try two-thirds difference with your match socks. The heel should stay in place when you run.
Does adidas offer handball shoes for children?
Yes, several models exist in children’s sizes, from Adizero Counterblast to Court Team Bounce. For a child just starting, a simple model is sufficient, to be replaced as soon as the size changes.
