Samba vs Gazelle - which adidas trainers are best for you?

It's undeniable that adidas trainers are a timeless choice of shoe for those who want to add a new style to their best white trainers wardrobe. However, with so many options to pick from, it can be hard to know where to start.

The adidas Originals collection features three of the coolest heritage styles. adidas Sambas are among the popular styles with fashion insiders and celebrities alike, alongside the classic Gazelle and Handball Spezial trainers. While all three styles share a similar design profile, there are subtle differences to take into account when you're buying a new pair. We've previously reviewed adidas Sambas, but the Gazelles and Handball Spezial styles have been catching our eyes recently, too.

We've studied the three most popular shapes from the adidas Originals family to decode the differences between adidas Sambas vs Gazelles and Handball Spezials, which will hopefully help you find the right pair for your feet.

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Adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Spezial: SAMBA

A low-profile classic shoe originally released in the 1950s as an indoor football shoe, adidas Sambas have had a stronghold on the fashion world for several seasons, thanks to their comfortable fit and cool look. Since its return to the forefront of fashionable footwear, the style has been spotted on a vast range of celebrities, from Katie Holmes and Jennifer Aniston to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Featuring a smooth leather upper overlaid with a suede T-bar toe and the brand's iconic triple stripe detail, the shoe's thin gum rubber cupsole provides a strong grip and close-to-the-ground feel. The Samba has the narrowest fit of all three styles; its sleek, minimal design has helped it become a favourite of those looking for a pared-back lifestyle trainer to complement smart casual outfit ideas.

When it comes to which are the most comfortable trainers, there are subtle differences between the three we're looking at - the adidas Samba has the thinnest sole, which is something to consider if you prefer a more cushioned shoe. The toe is also almond-shaped, contributing to the narrower fit, while the Gazelle and Spezial styles both have a more rounded toe shape, which allows for more space around your upper foot.

This design also features a longer tongue that finishes higher on the front of the leg. Some limited edition and collaboration versions have been known to add additional design details on the tongue or go for an exaggerated, fold-over design.

Adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Spezial: GAZELLE

Another streamlined shape, the adidas Gazelle was first released as a lightweight training shoe in 1966. Unlike the Samba, which often features a mix of suede and leather on its upper section, the Gazelle is fully suede. While both the Samba and Handball Spezial feature an overlayed T-bar detail, with the Gazelle, this detail is picked out in stitching on a single-layered upper section.

In terms of comfort, the Gazelle sits between the Samba and Handball Spezial with a slightly thicker sole than the Samba, offering a more cushioned feel. Like the Spezial, it features a rounded toe but in a slimmer proportion more akin to Sambas. If you're wondering what the best shoes to wear with barrel leg jeans are, all three of these styles are a great option to balance more voluminous denim styles.

Having had a wave of style revival in the Nineties and Noughties, the Gazelle was an essential footwear staple in the Britpop era. It continues to be popular for its slick, streamlined design that comes in a myriad of colours. Celebrity fans include Jennifer Lawrence, Brie Larson and Olivia Wilde, who is often pictured in a pair from adidas' 2023 collaboration with Gucci.

In 2022, the brand introduced a platform version of the shoe, featuring a triple stacked sole which allows for more cushioning - if you're looking for an adidas Sambas alternative, the Gazelle could be the stylish swap your shoe wardrobe needs.

Adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Spezial: HANDBALL SPEZIAL

Named after the sport for which it was initially developed, the adidas Handball Spezial was originally designed as an indoor court shoe for elite athletes and released in 1979. However, thanks to its incredibly comfortable fit, it was quickly embraced by football fans in the 80s and became known as a terrace-style classic.

As the shoe was originally engineered for quick and precise movements on indoor courts, it features a slightly more cushioned footbed and thicker sole than the Gazelle and Samba styles. Due to its original design purpose, the shoe offers excellent grip as well, without impacting the sleek, low-profile design, meaning they're the perfect pair to team with your favourite jeans and a blazer for a stylish look.

With a rounded toe that is slightly chunkier in proportion in comparison to the Gazelle, this style offers ample wiggle room for your toes. Interestingly, this style also features a shorter tongue than the others, meaning that it gives an overall lower profile look than the Gazelle and Samba, creating a flattering eyeline as the overall design finishes lower on the ankle when viewed from the front.

Adidas Samba vs Gazelle vs Spezial: What's the difference?

Despite the three designs being similar to the uninitiated eye, there are some small but key differences between the three styles that may affect which is the best pair for you.

We've summarised the key differences between styles in a handy table below.

Comfort

Despite the three designs being similar to the uninitiated eye, there are some key differences in style. Before purchasing a pair of adidas Originals, it's worth considering how and when you'll be wearing your trainers. With the thinnest sole, Samba styles offer less cushioning, which means that they aren't the best style for longer walks or periods on your feet.

If you're looking for the best pair for all-day wear, Handball Spezial styles will be your best option. Not only do they feature a thicker sole and deeper footbed, which will absorb more shockwaves, but the wider shoe upper also offers more space for your foot to expand as the day goes on.

Our tester said:

"Trying on all three styles, you can definitely feel a difference in terms of comfort. The Gazelle's soles felt much thinner and less likely to absorb shocks, while the Handball Spezial soles offered a more bouncy feel - perfect for those days when I'm running around on errands.

However, it was the tongue of each style where I noticed a difference in just how comfortable each pair truly was - both the Samba and Gazelle pairs have longer tongues with pointed corners that I found pressed into my ankle. The tongues of these styles are also often made of contrasting, tougher or plasticised fabrics, whereas the Handball Spezial's tongue is made of the same leather as the trainer's upper and cut on a straight and shorter finish, leading to a more comfortable experience."

Fit & sizing

When it comes to adidas Samba vs Gazelle and Handball Spezials, each style has a slightly different fit and shape. Those with wider feet will find that the Handball Spezial design offers the widest fit, while those with narrow soles may prefer the Samba's slim fit.

If you're determined to slip your feet into a pair of Sambas, try sizing up by half a size for a slightly more roomy fit.

Our tester said:

"I found that there are definitely differences between the three styles that affect the comfort and fit. While I tried my normal size in both the Sambas and Handball Spezial styles, I found that the Gazelles were more comfortable when I sized up by half a size.

While all three styles look similar at first glance, the toe cap's shape may affect how comfortable you find each pair - narrower styles such as the Samba and Gazelle offer less wiggle room, meaning that you might start to feel the pinch as the day goes on. The Handball Spezial style is widely acknowledged as being slightly more generous in terms of fit, and I feel the difference instantly when slipping them on - my toes feel like they have more room in the more rounded upper."

Product range

Thanks to the popularity of all three styles, there is a plethora of colour combinations to choose from for Sambas, Gazelles and Handball Spezial trainers.

The best investments tend to be pairs in classic colours such as white, cream or light brown; these neutral shades will work with a variety of different looks and outfits, making them a wise investment.

If you love the colourful trainers trend, a pair of adidas Originals are a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit. Muted tones such as burgundy, navy or emerald green are subtle ways of injecting colour to your look or go bold with fun, eye-catching hues such as mustard yellow, red or cobalt blue for an instant lift.

Pricing

Unusually, all three of the styles - Samba, Gazelle and Handball Spezial - come in at a similar price, with prices falling between £85-£100 on average, although some more premium limited edition fabrics such as cowhide leopard print are priced slightly higher. Of the three styles, Sambas tend to be the most expensive, with basic models starting at £95.

How to care for Adidas trainers

An overwhelming majority of designs for all three styles are made of or feature suede panels, so therefore it's important to take preventative steps to protect your new trainers. Start by applying a protective suede and nubuck spray; not only will this stop stains from taking hold, it will also add a durable layer of water resistance, helping to prevent water marks and damage.

If your pair does get wet or muddy, stuff the toes with newspaper to prevent shrinking and leave them somewhere warm (not hot!) to dry, preferably overnight. Do not be tempted to scrub them clean as this will only push the stain into the fabric.

Once dry, use a suede brush or old toothbrush to gently refresh the fabric and remove dirt and debris from the surface.

Just like any protective layer, over time the benefits can wear away so it's important to top up your protective spray. Make sure to give your shoes a gentle clean beforehand to avoid sealing in stains.

FAQs

Are adidas Sambas more comfortable than Gazelles?

Ultimately, the style that is most comfortable for you will come down to personal opinion plus the way a style fits your foot. While they've long been considered the coolest of the three styles, Sambas are also widely acknowledged as the least comfortable thanks to their thinner sole and long tongue. They also often require a period of breaking in.

While Gazelles are generally more comfortable than Sambas, they too have a fairly narrow fit and their tongue is often stiff, which needs breaking in or getting used to.

For everyday comfort, the Handball Spezials have soared in popularity as consumers have noticed that they are the most comfortable style of the three as they have a thicker, more supportive sole and generally need less time to break in.

Are adidas trainers good for plantar fasciitis?

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, Sambas, Gazelles and Handball Spezial trainers may not be the best fit for your feet. While there is some cushioning in the Handball Spezial style, all three offer minimal arch support and their thinner soles may lead to more pain or discomfort if they are worn for longer periods of time.