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adidas Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Spezial: Which One Is Right for You?

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adidas Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Spezial: Which One Is Right for You?

Feb 14, 2024

The adidas Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Spezial is a serious showdown, pitting three exceptional sneakers against one another. The good news is there are no losers here. But if you need help selecting an iconic adidas style, we’ll explain the differences in fit, feel, origins, materials and more. 

The Three Stripes Heritage: From the Pitch to the Streets

Each of these three sneakers came from different origins. The Samba was created to be a soccer shoe, through and through. It’s a timeless classic with an athletic, on-field, ready-to-win look. There is no denying this shoe was built for serious players. However, that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a desirable fashion sneaker for the casual wearer. Its roots in soccer culture gave them a built-in audience, as soccer players and fanatics alike were eager to wear them, whether on the field or on the sidewalk.


The Gazelle’s origins aren’t as niche. These shoes were designed as general training shoes, making them suitable for walking, running, lifting weights, and whatever other activity you’re taking on today. Gazelles were made for being active, but it didn’t take them long to walk their way into streetwear culture. The suede upper and plump silhouettes are inherently stylish and easy to wear with everything from leggings to jeans to miniskirts. 


Lastly, the Handball Spezials are, well, special. They were specifically designed for indoor handball, making their origins even more niche than the Samba’s history in soccer. However, this niche origin might be why they’re so widely adored. Their slim, flexible design, street-ready appearance and indoor comfort make them appealing for daily wear. And their highly specific origins and inspiration give them an underground, unique vibe that sneakerheads adore. Why get something made for everyone when you can wear something that feels rarer?

adidas Gazelles

Under the Foot: Comfort and Midsole Differences

We know which adidas sneaker is the most comfortable is a big question when breaking down adidas Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Spezial. While all three are comfy and offer varying levels of support and flexibility, the Gazelle is often considered the coziest, most easygoing option. 


Compared to the Spezial and Samba, the Gazelle has a thicker, plusher design with a firm midsole, cushioned collar and tongue, secure fit and soft feel. They have a wide midsole, ideal for wider feet or anyone who wants a roomy fit. But the Spezial and Samba are no slouches in the comfort department. 


We love the Spezial for its ample midsole that offers sensational arch support and shock absorption. The upper, collar and especially the tongue are much thinner than the Gazelle’s. This offers more flexibility and spaciousness, so you get support and an airy feel. 


The Samba falls somewhere between the Spezial and the Gazelle. You get a more rigid fit from the leather upper, but you can also enjoy the roomy footbed. The thin tongue mimics the Spezial, but the lighter midsole is similar to the Gazelle. 


Ultimately, the Spezial provides the best sole support with high flexibility. The Gazelle hugs your foot without being tight, offering a robust fit and feel. And the Samba brings a stable feel combined with relaxed support.

Materials and Texture: Leather vs. Suede Showdown

The biggest difference in materials is leather vs. suede. Like the suede showdown: Campus vs. Gazelle, the Gazelle and Spezial are both suede styles that have that luscious, supple feel. Because of the thinner upper on the Spezial, the suede can feel looser, while the thick cushioning reinforces the suede on the Gazelle. 


In a showdown similar to the adidas Campus vs. Samba comparison, the Samba has a suede-and-leather upper, whereas the Gazelle and Spezial have just suede. This gives them a much stiffer texture but also makes them the most waterproof option of the three sneakers. 


The Samba has a shiny, slim, low-profile look that creates a streamlined silhouette, while the Gazelle is stylishly chubbier. The Handball combines the softness of the suede with the slimmer look of the Samba, giving you a bit of both aesthetics. For a wet weather shoe, Samba is the top choice. The Gazelle is ideal for colder weather, and the Spezial can be your go-to summer sneaker. 

adidas Spezial sneakers

Finding Your Fit: Sizing Guide for the Samba, Gazelle, and Spezial

We adore adidas, but the sizing isn’t always straightforward. Overall, the shoes usually run true to size or a little bigger than average. Here’s how we recommend choosing your size when you shop at Hibbett:


  • Gazelle: True to size or ½ size down for narrow feet
  • Spezial: True to size or ½ size down for a more secure fit
  • Samba: True to size or ½ size up for narrow feet

Width plays a large role here. If you’re unsure about your size, visit a Hibbett store to try on all three styles and get expert help. 

If you’re confident in your adidas size, you can effortlessly order adidas’ most popular styles directly from the Hibbett website. At Hibbett, we have love for every adidas design. If you’re on the fence about adidas Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Spezial, get all three and amp up your sneaker rotation with these adidas favorites. 

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