Adidas Originals
Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women
The adidas Originals Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers are women's casual loafers featuring a leopard-print pony hair leather upper with a penny strap, gold trefoil accent, and three stitched stripes. They include a synthetic lining, removable foam footbed, and a non-skid gum rubber cupsole with molded tread and adidas branding. Designed as a lifestyle shoe, it blends the classic penny loafer silhouette with a sporty sole, suitable for everyday wear.
- Material
- Pony hair leather upper, synthetic lining, removable foam footbed, non-skid gum rubber outer sole
- Gender
- female
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Specifications
Women's penny loafers featuring leopard pony hair leather upper, synthetic lining, removable foam footbed, and non-skid gum rubber outsole.
Pony hair leather upper, removable foam footbed, non-skid gum rubber outer sole
- Material
- Pony hair leather upper, synthetic lining, removable foam footbed, non-skid gum rubber outer sole
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- adidas Originals brand
- Handball Spezial model
- pony hair leather upper
- synthetic lining
- removable foam footbed
- non-skid gum rubber outer sole
- penny loafer silhouette
- leopard pony hair pattern
- slip-on closure
Product Insights
Revived from a 1979 handball shoe, the Adidas Originals Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers for women replace the original velour with a genuine leopard-print pony hair upper, offering tactile depth and natural pattern variations while the moccasin construction and Spezial Trefoil branding tie it to terrace culture and 1980s streetwear. The penny strap cinches the instep for a heel-lock fit, and the gum rubber outsole provides non-skid traction and longevity, though the pony hair sheds over time and requires cleaning with a soft brush and suede eraser, avoiding water. Priced at sale of 59.95 CAD, this loafer functions as a neutral leopard print suitable for casual, office, and evening wear, but its design is polarizing—seen as either a bold fashion statement or as house slippers. The removable foam footbed allows custom orthotics, and the true-to-size fit ensures all-day comfort.
Verified claims
- Heritage
- Originated in 1979 as a handball shoe, adopted by UK terrace culture, and revived in the 2020s.
- Material
- Leopard-print pony hair upper replaces the original velour, with proportions refined over earlier suede versions.
- Construction
- Moccasin upper with Spezial branding and zoned gum outsole, distinct from sporty hybrids.
- Texture
- The genuine pony hair upper has a velvety, three-dimensional texture and natural pattern variations, unlike flat printed leather.
- Care
- Clean with soft brush and suede eraser; avoid water for pony hair.
- Longevity
- Pony hair sheds over time; gum outsole boosts longevity.
- Styling
- Leopard print functions as a neutral, suiting casual, office, and evening wear.
- Traction
- Non-skid gum rubber outsole provides good traction on wet surfaces.
- Fit
- Fits true to size, with a penny strap that prevents heel lift.
- Value
- Sale price at 59.95 CAD makes the leopard loafer trend accessible.
- Sizing
- Fits true to size, unlike the original laced Spezial.
- Comfort
- Foam footbed and gum rubber sole deliver all-day comfort.
- Design polarity
- Polarizing reception: seen as a bold fashion statement or as house slippers.
- Heel lock
- Penny strap cinches the instep to prevent heel lift without laces.
- Orthotic compatibility
- Removable foam footbed allows custom orthotics for personalized fit.
- Wearability
- True-to-size fit and neutral leopard print make it a versatile all-day loafer.
- Archive branding
- Spezial Trefoil branding ties the loafer to adidas' handball heritage and 1980s streetwear culture.
- Indoor/outdoor use
- The non-skid gum rubber outsole is suitable for both indoor and outdoor wear, with good traction on varied surfaces and everyday durability.
- Pattern consistency
- The leopard print is consistent and vibrant, with a rich brown base and darker spots, though slight natural variations may occur.
- Break-in period
- Buyers report first-day comfort with no blisters and a slipper-like feel, and the gum rubber sole needs no stiff break-in period.
- Styling pairings
- The leopard print pairs well with Breton stripes, charcoal grey tailoring, and satin midiskirts for casual, office, and evening looks.
Product record
- Title
- Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women
- Brand
- Adidas Originals
- Price
- 160 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 22 sourcesUses
A retro court shoe born for handball
The adidas Handball Spezial debuted in 1979 as a top-performance shoe for handball players, with a four-zone sole built for the hard turns the sport demands. It caught on with professional players for its performance and was widely worn at the World Handball Championships. This leopard pony hair penny loafer version carries that same Spezial design heritage.[2,3,5]
Easy slip-on loafers for everyday casual wear
These lace-free loafers slip on quickly for casual, day-to-day wear, with a strap closure for a secure, adjustable fit. They feature a non-skid gum rubber outer sole, and the brand describes them as keeping feet comfortable through the day.[1,8,9,10]
Casual streetwear with terrace-culture roots
These loafers fit into everyday casual streetwear looks, a style space where the Handball Spezial name gained traction in football terrace culture during the 80s and 90s, especially across the UK and Europe. The leopard pony hair leather adds a statement touch to low-profile, clean-lined styling.[2]
A slip-on loafer for dressing up a fashion-forward outfit
These laceless pony hair penny loafers are meant for styling outfits where you want a fashion-forward look with an athletic-heritage twist, blending the Handball Spezial's clean, low-profile shape with an easy slip-on construction. One Reddit commenter singled out the leopard pair as something they might pick up just to have a fancy fit, though that's a stated intention rather than an experience with the shoes.[1,2,7]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women: Choose this if you want a laceless, slip-on penny loafer with a bold leopard-print pony hair leather upper that some wearers pick for a fancier outfit. It pairs that statement look with a low-profile non-skid gum rubber sole, a removable foam footbed, and a synthetic suede lining, and is described as fitting true to size with a standard loafer fit. Keep in mind the sporty gum sole and hairy leopard upper make a distinct stylistic choice rather than a neutral dress loafer.[1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12] | Stan Smith Lo Ballet Leather Ballet Flats Women: Choose this if you want a low-profile, ballet-flat take on the Stan Smith with a genuine leather upper, adjustable hook-and-loop instep strap, cushioned leather insole, and a non-skid rubber sole that keeps the sole flat and close to the ground. It works for lifestyle and off-duty wear, with perforated three-stripes, subtle adidas branding, and a black colorway in sizes 6 through 11. Note that reviewers frame it as purely lifestyle rather than performance footwear, so it is not intended for athletic use.[13,14,15,16,17] | Black And Ivory Samba Jane Sneakers Women: Choose this if you want a Mary Jane-style sneaker with a ballet-inspired look—satin fabric upper with suede overlays, an adjustable hook-and-loop strap, padded collar and footbed, and a gum rubber sole—built for casual lifestyle wear rather than athletics. Be aware that this style runs large and is reported as roomy to very wide (a size 6.5M measures about 3.5 inches across the widest point), so sizing down may suit wide feet, and the flat sole offers little arch support for all-day walking.[18,19,20,21,22] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Side-profile right-facing women's loafer with leopard-print pony-hair upper, brown rubber sole, penny-style strap and visible adidas embossing on the sole.
- Overall silhouetteLow-profile penny loafer shown in side view with rounded toe to the right, low flat sole, and a slightly raised heel area.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.52 · w 0.88 · h 0.26 (high) - Upper material and patternExterior upper covered in short-haired pony-hair with a leopard spot pattern of dark irregular spots over a warm tan/gold background.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.52 · w 0.78 · h 0.22 (high) - Penny strapHorizontal penny-style strap across the vamp made from the same leopard pony-hair material, stitched to the upper.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.50 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high) - Metal logo on strapSmall gold trefoil-shaped metal logo affixed to the outer side of the penny strap.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.52 · w 0.03 · h 0.04 (high) - Three stitched stripesThree parallel stitched stripes in matching pony-hair material on the shoe's outer side above the sole, each outlined by visible stitching.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.56 · w 0.28 · h 0.14 (high) - Edge piping and weltDark brown smooth trim piping along the topline and moc toe edge; welt joins upper to sole with visible stitching.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.50 · w 0.70 · h 0.18 (high) - Rubber sole textureDark brown rubber cupsole with textured sidewall and molded patterned tread visible on the sidewall.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.70 · w 0.96 · h 0.12 (high) - Sole embossing text“Embossed text and logo on the outer heel area of the sole reading 'adidas' alongside a trefoil mark.”
1 region
x 0.11 · y 0.70 · w 0.18 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a neutral light gray background with soft drop shadow beneath the shoe; shoe centered horizontally and shown in full profile.
- Background and stagingEven light gray seamless background with a soft shadow directly under the shoe indicating overhead lighting.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionCentered side profile composition showing the entire lateral side of the shoe with a small clear margin around the product.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow visible beneath the sole, darker directly under the heel and toe areas.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.78 · w 0.96 · h 0.06 (medium)
Colors
warm tan· upper basevery dark brown· upper spots#1B1512dark chocolate brown· sole and trim#3B2B24- Overall silhouetteLow-profile penny loafer shown in side view with rounded toe to the right, low flat sole, and a slightly raised heel area.
- 02
Product
Pair of low-profile loafers photographed from a rear-quarter angle showing the outsole, heel counter, upper with leopard pony-hair print, and rubber sole with textured tread and embossed branding.
- Upper material and patternLow-cut shoe upper covered in leopard pony-hair with a warm tan background and irregular black and dark-brown spots; hair-on-hide texture is visible across the vamp and heel counter.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.48 · w 0.64 · h 0.38 (high) - Sole construction and treadThick brown rubber sole with molded textured sidewall and a detailed molded outsole pattern including circular, diamond, and grid elements; outsole of one shoe faces the camera showing full tread design.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.36 · w 0.63 · h 0.46 (high) - Heel branding panelRectangular molded branding panel on the outer side of the sole near the heel with raised lettering and a small trefoil-like mark.
1 region
x 0.59 · y 0.74 · w 0.26 · h 0.12 (high) - Inner collar and liningVisible dark-brown inner collar and lining around the shoe opening with a smooth finish contrasting the hairy upper.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.47 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (high) - Insole or internal label (partially visible)Small fabric label inside the right shoe visible at the rear of the opening; text on the label is not fully legible at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.71 · y 0.44 · w 0.09 · h 0.08 (medium) - Outsole circular logo text“Raised circular mark on the outsole contains legible raised text 'adidas' within the pattern.”
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.57 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Heel side molded text“adidas”
1 region
x 0.63 · y 0.76 · w 0.18 · h 0.09 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a neutral light gray background photographed from a low rear-quarter angle; even diffuse lighting with soft shadow beneath shoes; image cropped to show lower two-thirds.
- Shot compositionTwo shoes arranged with one shoe on its side showing the outsole and the other shoe upright showing the heel and upper; camera angle is low and slightly to the right rear of the pair.
- Background and lightingEven light gray seamless background with soft shadows under shoes indicating diffuse studio lighting and minimal reflections.
- Image crop and framingTop portion of image contains empty background; shoes occupy the lower central area of the frame and are fully in focus.
Colors
tan golden· upper pony-hair backgroundblack and dark brown spots· upper spots#1B130Cchocolate brown· sole and molded sidewall#52352Adark brown· inner collar and lining#231B14- Upper material and patternLow-cut shoe upper covered in leopard pony-hair with a warm tan background and irregular black and dark-brown spots; hair-on-hide texture is visible across the vamp and heel counter.
- 03
Product
Top-down view of a pair of penny-loafer style shoes covered in leopard-print pony hair with dark brown leather trim, visible insoles with 'adidas' text, and small gold metal accents on the strap area.
- Overall shape and viewPair of loafers shown from a top-down view with toes at the top of the image and heels at the bottom, occupying most of the frame.
- Upper material and patternUpper surfaces are covered in a leopard-print pony-hair texture with irregular black spots on a golden-tan background; hair direction and short pile are visible across the vamp and toe box.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.02 · w 0.42 · h 0.50 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.02 · w 0.42 · h 0.50 (high) - Penny strap detailA stitched penny-strap runs across the vamp of each shoe, finished in the same leopard pony-hair material and edged by dark brown piping.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.36 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.36 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Gold metal accentSmall gold metal accent rivet or stud is attached to the outer side of each penny strap near the shoe opening.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.44 · w 0.04 · h 0.04 (medium); x 0.79 · y 0.44 · w 0.04 · h 0.04 (medium) - Edge piping and trimDark brown smooth leather or synthetic piping outlines the shoe opening and forms a narrow welt around the top edge of the vamp and toe apron.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.10 · w 0.42 · h 0.80 (medium); x 0.53 · y 0.10 · w 0.42 · h 0.80 (medium) - Insole visible branding“Lower insole area of each shoe contains a printed lowercase 'adidas' logotype.”
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.62 · w 0.30 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.62 · w 0.30 · h 0.30 (high) - Insole fine-printDense fine-print block present on each insole below the 'adidas' text, illegible at this resolution.
2 regions
x 0.10 · y 0.72 · w 0.30 · h 0.15 (medium); x 0.58 · y 0.72 · w 0.30 · h 0.15 (medium)
Other
Neutral light grey background with soft shadow under shoes; image is centered and cropped tightly around the pair, shot from above with even studio lighting.
- BackgroundFlat, light grey background filling the frame.
- Shadows and lightingSoft diffuse shadows visible beneath and between the shoes indicating even overhead studio lighting.
- Shot compositionTop-down composition centered on the two shoes with small margins around outer edges; image cropped to include full shoes and slight surrounding background.
Colors
golden tan with black spots· upper pony-hair#8B8B8Bdark brown· edge piping and insole#3C2A24metallic gold· metal accent
Variants
10 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4539253 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 5 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Yes |
| 4539254 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 6 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539255 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 6.5 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539256 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 7 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539257 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 7.5 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539258 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 8 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539259 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 8.5 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539260 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 9 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539261 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 9.5 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4539262 | Handball Spezial Leopard Pony Hair Leather Penny Loafers Women - Brown - 10 | CA$59.95CA$160.00 | Out of Stock |
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
2 total2 reviews · out of 5
Really Great
First day out was a long hot day in the city. No blisters. Super comfy, like slippers. Sick looking. Highly recommend. (I'm probably going to have to get them in black as well. )
Handball spezial léopard
Tres beau loafers
Reddit Insights
2 threads · r/adidasReddit has mixed opinions on the Adidas Handball Spezial Penny Loafer, with some calling it a bold fashion statement and others comparing it to nursing home slippers or grandpa shoes.
Opinions are split between those who appreciate the unique design and those who find it unattractive or too sporty; there is no clear consensus.
Themes
Use Cases
- Fashion statement / fancy fit
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs New Balance 1906l
A user said they wear 1906l sneaker loafers to work but don't like the Spezial loafer due to the sole.
vs Earlier hairy/suede Handball Spezial loafers
The leather version is seen as more 'proper' looking compared to the earlier hairy ones, which were criticized for looking like house slippers.
Source Threads
Might get the leopard pair for a fancy fit
Might get the leopard pair just to have a fancy fit
u/GyokoressGuardDogr/adidasView thread →
Preference for new leather proportions over earlier hairy ones
They already had the suede and hairy ones a few months back, but they didn’t move me much, it’s just the materials used and something about the proportions I couldn’t see them as anything more than house slippers. I thought the spezial sole looked too sporty and didn’t work for proper loafers, but I don’t mind it on these I like the proportions.
u/DrunkenMasterIIr/adidasView thread →