Coffee-brown Handball Spezial sneakers Women product image (primary)
Pair of low-top suede sneakers in coffee-brown with white three-stripe detailing, white heel tabs and gum rubber outsoles, shown draped over a model's shoulder with laces tied and hanging.

Adidas Originals

Coffee-Brown Handball Spezial Sneakers Women

4.9/5 (11)
CA$140.00CAD
In Stock

The adidas Originals Handball Spezial is a women's low-top lifestyle sneaker crafted with a genuine suede upper, layered leather accents, and a non-skid gum rubber outsole. It features a padded collar, synthetic lining, and a removable foam footbed, with model number IF6490. This style runs large, so a half-size smaller than usual is recommended; user feedback also notes the shoe is versatile and suitable for everyday wear.

Color
Coffee-Brown
Material
Genuine suede upper with layered leather, synthetic lining, removable foam footbed, gum rubber outer sole
Gender
female
Style
retro, sporty, casual
Category
Apparel & Accessories > Shoes

Color

Brown

Size

566.577.588.599.51011

Specifications

Women's handball-inspired sneakers with suede upper and gum rubber sole.

Genuine suede upper, padded collar, removable foam footbed, non-skid gum rubber sole.

Color
Coffee-Brown · brown
Material
Genuine suede upper with layered leather, synthetic lining, removable foam footbed, gum rubber outer sole
Secondary
rubber
Style
retro, sporty, casual
Gender
female
Age Group
adult
Condition
new
Category
Apparel & Accessories > Shoes

Additional Attributes

  • Genuine suede upper with layered leather
  • Comfortable padded collar
  • Synthetic lining
  • Removable foam footbed
  • Non-skid gum rubber outer sole
  • Runs large, size down recommendation

Product Insights

The Adidas Originals Coffee-Brown Handball Spezial for women revives an unchanged 1979 handball design with T-toe overlay and gum sole, adopted by UK terrace casuals and revived as a collectible. This women's-exclusive Femme edition offers a softer neutral colorway that develops unique patina over time. The raised arch footbed from the original brief provides support but is often swapped for orthotics, while the thin forefoot sole prioritizes ground feel over cushioning. Buyers report exceptional all-day comfort, more than the Samba, though the shoe runs large and is slim-fitting – suede stretches to accommodate wider feet. The soft natural-rubber outsole provides excellent dry traction but wears faster than the suede upper, creating a tradeoff between authenticity and durability. An extra set of laces and subtle tongue texture add to the insider appeal of this scarce, versatile terrace shoe.

Verified claims

Design heritage
Unchanged 1979 handball design with T-toe overlay and gum sole; sole wears before the suede.
Terrace culture
Adopted by UK terrace casuals in the 1980s, revived by Gary Aspden in 2013 as a collectible.
Arch support
Raised arch footbed from 1979 handball brief; often replaced with orthotics by casual wearers.
Femme collection
Women’s-exclusive Handball Spezial Femme line with softer neutral color palette.
Sizing
Buyers size down half to full size; runs larger than Samba.
Width
Slim fit ideal for narrow feet; suede stretches to accommodate wider feet over time.
Cushioning
The thin forefoot sole prioritises ground feel over cushioning.
Comfort
Buyers report exceptional all-day comfort and find it more comfortable than the Samba.
Colorway
Coffee-brown colorway is a versatile fall staple, per buyers.
Exclusivity
Women's-exclusive Femme collection; scarce, insider-coveted.
Positioning
Nicer than Samba, less so than Gazelle, most versatile adidas terrace shoe.
Arch removal
Arch support can be removed by swapping the insole or peeling off padding.
Patina
Suede upper darkens and molds to the foot over time, creating a unique patina.
Durability
Gum rubber outsole wears down before the suede upper.
Care
Recommended suede protector spray maintains appearance but does not stop natural darkening.
Traction
Excellent dry grip; traction on wet surfaces is limited.
Squeak
Initial squeak on dry surfaces fades after short wear.
Build quality
Buyers report a rough suede upper with clean stitching and no glue stains.
Accessories
Buyers report an extra set of brown laces in the box.
Tongue texture
Buyers report a subtle textured pattern on the tongue.
Outsole
Soft natural-rubber outsole with high traction but faster wear on pavement.
Collector appeal
Women-exclusive coffee-brown edition of a cult shoe with 1979 heritage.

Product record

Title
Coffee-Brown Handball Spezial Sneakers Women
Brand
Adidas Originals
Price
140 CAD
Availability
In stock
Rating
4.9 stars, 7 reviews, scale 5

Image Analysis

3 images
Coffee-brown Handball Spezial sneakers Women product image (primary)
01

Product

Pair of low-top suede sneakers in coffee-brown with white three-stripe detailing, white heel tabs and gum rubber outsoles, shown draped over a model's shoulder with laces tied and hanging.

  • Overall silhouetteLow-top sneakers with a classic rounded toe, flat gum-rubber sole, and low ankle collar; one shoe rests on top of the other and both are shown from the lateral outer sides.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.48 · w 0.64 · h 0.34 (high)
  • Upper materialNapped suede upper in a medium coffee-brown shade with visible nap texture along side panels and toe box.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.50 · w 0.60 · h 0.26 (high)
  • Three stripesThree parallel white leather or synthetic stripes on the lateral side of each shoe, evenly spaced and running diagonally from midfoot toward the sole.
    1 regionx 0.33 · y 0.57 · w 0.30 · h 0.15 (high)
  • Heel tabContrasting white heel tab at the rear collar on each shoe with a smooth finish.
    1 regionx 0.62 · y 0.58 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high)
  • LacesFlat white laces threaded through eyelets and left untied with lace ends hanging over the model's shoulder.
    1 regionx 0.30 · y 0.35 · w 0.40 · h 0.28 (high)
  • Sole constructionGum-colored rubber midsole and outsole with a textured sidewall pattern and slightly raised foxing around the base.
    1 regionx 0.20 · y 0.66 · w 0.60 · h 0.18 (high)
  • Sole embossingRectangular embossed badge on the lateral side of the midsole near the heel with small raised text and a trefoil-like mark.
    1 regionx 0.63 · y 0.71 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (medium)
  • Side textSPEZIAL
    1 regionx 0.53 · y 0.56 · w 0.12 · h 0.07 (high)
  • Sole textadidas
    1 regionx 0.63 · y 0.72 · w 0.14 · h 0.06 (medium)

Other

Lifestyle studio shot showing a model from the chest up holding the shoes draped over her shoulder against a plain light background; soft, even lighting with minimal shadows.

  • Model and poseFemale model shown from chest upward facing slightly toward camera with left arm raised to rest shoes on her shoulder; shoes hang by their laces over the shoulder.
    1 regionx 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.65 · h 0.65 (high)
  • Clothing visibleModel wears a white short-sleeve top under a dark green sleeveless garment, both visible where shoes rest.
    1 regionx 0.08 · y 0.36 · w 0.55 · h 0.42 (high)
  • Background and lightingSmooth off-white studio background with soft, even frontal lighting producing subtle, diffuse shadows under the shoes.
  • Image qualityHigh-resolution, well-focused image with visible fine texture on suede and crisp edge detail; no visible motion blur.

Colors

coffee brown· suede upper#74523Cwhite· three stripes and lacesgum brown· sole#947363
Coffee-brown Handball Spezial sneakers Women product image 2
02

Product

Pair of low-top suede sneakers shown from a rear three-quarter view; visible details include brown suede upper, cream leather heel tab and three stripes, gum rubber textured sole, and white SPEZIAL branding on the side.

  • Upper materialBrown suede upper with visible nap texture on the heel and quarter panels.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.47 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high)
  • Heel tabCream/off-white smooth leather heel tab that wraps slightly onto the lateral side with visible stitching along its lower edge.
    2 regionsx 0.40 · y 0.43 · w 0.18 · h 0.15 (high); x 0.08 · y 0.45 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (medium)
  • Three stripesThree cream/off-white serrated leather stripes on the lateral side contrasting with the brown suede.
    1 regionx 0.57 · y 0.50 · w 0.25 · h 0.22 (high)
  • Side branding textSPEZIAL printed in white on the lateral quarter above the midsole.
    1 regionx 0.62 · y 0.55 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high)
  • Midsole and outsoleGum rubber sole with textured patterned sidewall and a shallow ridge separating midsole from outsole.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.68 · w 0.72 · h 0.20 (high)
  • Embossed sole logoadidas wordmark and trefoil logo embossed on the lateral heel section of the gum sole.
    1 regionx 0.54 · y 0.78 · w 0.20 · h 0.08 (high)
  • Tongue and collarPadded brown suede tongue and collar visible from the rear opening, showing dark brown textile lining inside the shoe opening.
    1 regionx 0.52 · y 0.33 · w 0.20 · h 0.22 (high)
  • Visible lacesOff-white laces partially visible on the right shoe near the vamp.
    1 regionx 0.66 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high)

Other

Studio product shot with neutral light grey background, soft shadow under shoes, and two shoes arranged with the right shoe in front and left shoe cropped at left edge.

  • Shot compositionRear three-quarter studio view focusing on the lateral heels and outer sides of the pair; right shoe is foregrounded and left shoe is partially visible behind.
  • BackgroundUniform very light grey background filling the frame.
    1 regionx 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high)
  • ShadowingSoft diffuse shadow beneath the shoes slightly to the lower right, indicating soft top-front lighting.
    1 regionx 0.22 · y 0.78 · w 0.56 · h 0.12 (high)

Colors

coffee brown· suede upper#6A4D3Bcream· heel tab and stripesgum brown· rubber sole#AB7B4Cdark brown· inner lining#3A2D24
Coffee-brown Handball Spezial sneakers Women product image 3
03

Product

Top-down view of a pair of coffee-brown suede low-top sneakers with cream three-stripe side accents, flat cream laces, gum-colored outsole edge, and patterned dark-brown insoles with repeated 'adidas' wordmark and trefoil logo.

  • Upper materialCoffee-brown textured suede covering the entire visible upper including toe box, vamp, and tongue; suede has a slightly napped surface visible in close-up.
    1 regionx 0.04 · y 0.02 · w 0.92 · h 0.96 (high)
  • Side stripesThree parallel cream/off-white leather or synthetic stripes on the lateral sides of each shoe, running from midfoot toward the heel area and visible from top-down.
    2 regionsx 0.12 · y 0.36 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.36 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (high)
  • LacingFlat cream/off-white laces threaded in a standard crisscross pattern across each tongue; laces lie flat and are visible across the vamp.
    1 regionx 0.18 · y 0.20 · w 0.64 · h 0.28 (high)
  • Tongue labelRectangular tongue label at the top of each tongue with embossed or debossed text and a small logo; characters are faintly visible on the label.Partial
    2 regionsx 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium); x 0.66 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium)
  • Gum outsole edgeVisible gum-colored rubber outsole forming a raised rim around the shoe perimeter, visible at the toe and side edges from the top-down view.
    2 regionsx 0.04 · y 0.02 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.76 · y 0.02 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (high)
  • Insole patternDark-brown insoles printed with repeating light-colored 'adidas' wordmark and trefoil logo motifs across the visible surface of each insole.
    2 regionsx 0.09 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.33 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.33 (high)
  • Stitching detailVisible tonal stitching in the suede around the toe cap, vamp panels, and along the side overlays forming multiple stitched panels.
    1 regionx 0.04 · y 0.02 · w 0.92 · h 0.96 (high)

Other

Top-down studio shot of both shoes on a neutral light-gray background with soft shadows; even lighting and minimal reflections highlight texture and color.

  • Shot compositionTop-down overhead view showing both shoes side by side, left shoe on the viewer's left and right shoe on the viewer's right, centered in frame.
  • Background and lightingSmooth light-gray background with soft diffuse lighting and faint soft shadows beneath the shoes indicating studio illumination.
  • Image qualitySharp focus with visible texture detail on suede and stitching; no visible creasing or wear on the shoes.
  • Insole text transcriptionadidas adidas adidas
    1 regionx 0.09 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.33 (high)
  • Insole logo transcriptiontrefoil logo
    2 regionsx 0.09 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.33 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.58 · w 0.34 · h 0.33 (high)
  • Tongue label transcriptionadidasPartial
    2 regionsx 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium); x 0.66 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.14 (medium)

Colors

coffee brown· upper (suede)#735543cream· side stripesoff-white· laces#C4C4C4light gum brown· outsole edgedark brown· insole background#3A2C24cream print· insole logo print

Customer Reviews

11 total
4.9

11 reviews · out of 5

Great Colour - Great Quality and fit

Catherine M.

I've been thinking about these shoes for awhile and very happy with them. I find many street shoes too wide but these are a slim fit so they're perfect for me.

Va avec tout!

Chantal S.

La couleur est magnifique! Fait grand, prendre une taille plus petite que ce que vous prenez normalement.

Confortable

Sandrine B.

Prendre demi-pointure de moins que habituellement car fait grand

Love these

Shumaila k.

I’ve been looking for this color for months and it wasn’t available in stores or online. Finally found them and absolutely love them.

Comfortable, lite weight shoe

Maryanne G.

Love the colour combination. Comfortable fit.

No regrets with these sweet

jacqueline b.

No regrets with these sweet hugs for my feet.

Très confortable

Julie F.

J’adore le look et sont très confortables Normalement je porte 9 de femme, mais j’ai pris la taille 8

LOVE

Nathalie W.

these are perfect!! Love the colour and are very comfortable! They are roomy and ordered a 9 instead of 9. 5 and are perfect. I want them in every colour!

Good choice for the fall

Aleksandra S.

Good choice for the fall season

0,5 pt trop grand

Marie-Eve G.

Plus confortable que les samba mais font plus grand

Adidas spezial

Charlotte M.

Favorite sneakers. Color rich and classy. Very comfortable! I normally wear 7 but 6. 5 fits perfectly

Reddit Insights

6 threads · r/adidas, r/RepsneakersDogs

Reddit users generally appreciate the Handball Spezial for its style and versatility, though the aggressive arch support and thin sole are polarizing; the brown colorway is seen as a stylish 'it' shoe.

mixed sentiment65% match

Positive sentiments praise the silhouette, colorways, and build quality, while negative sentiments focus on the uncomfortable arch support and thin footbed. Overall, the model is liked but has notable comfort caveats.

Themes

Arch Support Controversymixed
Style and Versatilitypositive
Comfort for Walkingmixed
Sizing and Fitneutral
Build Qualitypositive

Use Cases

  • Everyday casual wear
  • Travel and extensive walking
  • Fashion statement

Watch Out For

mediumHigh arch support can feel like a lump and may require removal for comfort.
mediumThin sole under the ball of the foot may lead to discomfort during prolonged walking.
lowGum outsoles can be squeaky initially but the noise usually fades after short wear.

Compared To

vs Samba

Spezial is considered nicer than Samba and more comfortable.

vs Gazelle Indoor

Not as nice as Gazelle Indoor according to one user.

vs SL72

SL72 offers more cushion but less arch support compared to Spezial.

Source Threads

  • General impressions and comparisons

    Nicer than the Samba, not as nice as the Gazelle indoor. But probably the best adidas shoe to match with almost anything.

    u/playa787r/adidasView thread →

  • Colorway preferences and outfit matching

    I have the dark brown ones. They go with a lot of my outfits, for some reason I find olive green harder to match, despite loving green shoes.

    u/WightHouser/adidasView thread →

  • Arch support frustration and removal advice

    The “arch support” in these is ridiculous. It’s like a random wad of tissues lodged under your foot. I recommend ripping the sticky foam padding out of the insoles. If you heat the insoles with a hairdryer it peels right off. You will be glad you did it.

    u/tessa_drizr/adidasView thread →

  • Comfort assessment for walking and travel

    I love my Spezials, I have 10 pairs and they are extremely comfortable. I wore mine around Europe last summer and I was fine. The arch support was a welcome feature for all that walking. However, the sole under the ball of the foot is a bit thin and that can be hard for some people.

    u/TacoDeliDonaSaucer/adidasView thread →

  • In-hand review of brown Handball Spezial

    The upper is this beautiful rough suede. The white stripes and heel tab are cut and stitched very well. No obvious errors or glue stains. The blue shoebox came with an extra set of brown laces. The original laces are the better pick out of the two in my opinion.

    u/kerstknulr/RepsneakersDogsView thread →

  • Appreciation of details on Made in Germany Spezials

    I didn’t notice the texture on the tongue when I bought em, adds such a nice touch.

    u/Poppperclopsr/adidasView thread →

Provenance

Merchant Link
https://www.simons.ca/en/women-footwear/all-our-shoes/coffee-brown-handball-spezial-sneakers-women--2911-4253490?colourId=0
Updated