adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Spezial: which one to choose

If you’ve made it here, it’s because you’ve seen all three and can’t decide. Let’s put things in order: the Samba is the lowest, narrowest and most tapered, the one that goes with practically everything; the Gazelle is entirely made of suede, softer and more colourful, the choice for those who want character and comfort; the Handball Spezial sits in between, with its amber gum sole and that slightly vintage terrace feel that makes it a favourite among sneaker enthusiasts.

We are authorised adidas retailers and have all three in our boutique, so we can tell you how they really fit and who we recommend them to. In brief: the Samba for those looking for a clean, versatile shoe, the Gazelle for those who want colour and a rounder line, and the Spezial for those who already own the first two and want something less common. Below, you’ll find the real differences, model by model, plus our size guide.

The three icons at a glance

They all originated in an indoor sport and all feature the side stripes. But their era, materials and shape make them three different shoes. Here is the quick overview.

adidas Samba: how it’s made and how it fits

The Samba was created in 1950 as a football shoe for hard surfaces, and it has carried its signature features ever since: a T-shaped rubber sole designed for grip on parquet, a leather upper with suede inserts, a rubberized tongue with a gold logo, and the three stripes on the side. It is the lowest and sharpest of the three, with a narrow toe that gives it the tailored profile that has won over both streetwear enthusiasts and those who wear it with pleated trousers.

It is the number-one request in the boutique, and the model for which we give the most important sizing advice: the Samba runs long and narrow. Those with a regular-width foot usually do well with their usual size, while those with a wide foot often prefer to go up half a size because of the narrow silhouette; those with a slim foot or between sizes almost always go down half a size. We covered it in depth, including printed versions, in our guide to "cow-print" Sambas.

Given the demand, we stock it in many colours and versions: you can find them all in the adidas Samba collection, from the classic black style with white stripes to seasonal prints. It is the shoe to buy if you want just one pair and want it to work with jeans, chinos and skirts without having to think about it.

adidas Gazelle (and Lo Pro): the real differences from the Samba

The Gazelle arrived shortly after, between the 1960s and 1970s, as a training shoe, and the difference is noticeable to the touch: the upper is entirely made of suede, without the leather inserts found on the Samba. This gives it a softer feel and a slightly rounder, fuller silhouette, less pointed at the toe. The three stripes are more pronounced, and the colours tend to be brighter. If the Samba is the "clean" shoe, the Gazelle is the one with more colour personality.

We offer it in several interpretations. The classic men's version is the timeless Gazelle, the one you cannot go wrong with, while the women's Gazelle 1991 Halo Blush reinterprets the same vintage construction in powder pink. If you love the shape but want a closer fit, choose the Gazelle Lo Pro: a low-slung, streamlined profile, a thinner sole and a less bulky feel on the foot.

Regarding sizing: the Gazelle runs long, like other adidas styles, but since it is made entirely of suede, it tends to fit slightly more snugly than the Samba and give a little with wear. If you are undecided, stick to your usual size; we recommend going down half a size only if you have a low instep.

Handball Spezial: the terrace outsider

The Spezial - full name Handball Spezial - was created in 1979 for indoor handball and is the most "niche" of the three, although in recent years it has become a favourite among sneaker enthusiasts. Suede upper, but above all amber gum sole, its signature detail: that honey-coloured sole that pairs perfectly with the model's typical colours - bright blue, burgundy and cognac. The silhouette sits halfway between the Samba and Gazelle, slightly fuller than the former and a little more streamlined than the latter.

It's the shoe of the terrace world, rooted in the English football culture of the Eighties before moving into everyday wardrobes with a retro feel the other two don't have. We recommend it to anyone who already owns a Samba or a Gazelle and is looking for something less widespread.

We carry it in two colours: the cognac Handball Spezial, warm and easy to pair with autumn looks, and the burgundy suede version, deeper and more evening-ready. When it comes to sizing, the same applies as with the Gazelle: adidas runs long, while the suede hugs the foot, so your usual size works for most feet.

adidas Handball Spezial sneaker

adidas Handball Spezial Suede Sneakers

adidas Gazelle Lo Pro Women's

Which one to choose for you

There is no absolute best choice; there is the right one for the way you dress. The criterion we use in store is simple: look at the rest of your shoe collection.

If you want just one pair that goes with everything, choose the Samba: its low, neutral profile is the easiest to style with everything from jeans to smart trousers. If you're looking for colour, comfort and a softer silhouette, go for the Gazelle, and if you love a minimal profile, choose the Lo Pro. If you already have the basics and want a shoe you don't see everywhere, the Spezial with its gum sole is the right move. You can find all three in the adidas Originals collection.

Available now

Samba, Gazelle and Spezial available

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Fit and sizing: our guide

All three share one characteristic: adidas sneakers tend to run long, measuring slightly more generously than other brands. However, how closely they fit varies.

The Samba is the narrowest and most streamlined: go half a size down for a tapered foot or if you’re between sizes, and choose your full size for a regular or wide foot. The Gazelle and Spezial, being made from full-grain suede, fit a little more closely but loosen slightly with wear: your usual size almost always works here, with half a size down recommended only for a low instep.

The same advice applies online: if you’re unsure, write to us before ordering. We’d rather help you choose the right size than handle a return.

Frequently asked questions

Samba or Gazelle: which is better? It depends on what you’re looking for. The Samba is lower, narrower and more neutral - the versatile sneaker that works with anything. The Gazelle is made entirely from suede, softer, rounder and more colorful - the choice for those who want personality and comfort. For one pair that goes with everything, choose the Samba; for character and color, choose the Gazelle.

Does the Spezial fit like the Samba? No. The Handball Spezial is made from full-grain suede and has a slightly fuller silhouette, so it fits a little more generously than the Samba, which is the narrowest and most streamlined of the three. We often recommend going half a size down in the Samba; in the Spezial, your usual size works well for most feet.

Which adidas goes with everything? The Samba. Its low profile, tapered toe and classic colors make it the easiest to style, from jeans to tailored trousers and even skirts. That’s why it’s the most requested of the three in our boutique.

Where can you buy authentic Samba, Gazelle and Spezial sneakers? From an authorized adidas retailer. At Vittorio Citro, you’ll find them with up-to-date availability, the original box and tags. We’ve been a physical boutique since 1917, and we’ve written a separate guide explaining why it’s worth buying from an authorized retailer.