The adidas Handball Spezial Gets the Sneaker Loafer Treatment in 2026

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Quick Facts

  • More sneaker loafers are headed our way in 2026
  • The latest hybrid sneaker is the adidas Handball Spezial Loafer
  • Expect multiple colorways to hit shelves in the second half of the new year
  • Find exclusive first looks at three upcoming pairs below
adidas Handball Spezial Loafer
adidas Handball Spezial Loafer

Footwear brands have experimented with loafer and dress shoes-adjacent designs that fuse sportswear tech with traditional footwear design language for years. However, the last 12 months have been packed with new versions of “sneaker loafers,” which are essentially loafer mutations of popular sneakers. New Balance kicked off this trend with the 1906L, a loafer version of the 1906R, and every major player has followed in their footsteps. This is especially true over at adidas, just like with the Samba Jane and other balletcore-like designs. They’ll continue to expand this space with a remake of the Handball Spezial in 2026.

So far, we’ve only seen CAD renderings of three upcoming renditions of the Handball Spezial Loafer, one in a classic Black Gum combo, another in a trendy leopard print, and finally a Maroon Gum variant. The pairs forgo laces as most sneaker loafers do, placing a forefoot strap near the top of the tongue. Three Stripes branding is partially cut off, but the serrated logo still remains on the midfoot. Below sits the traditional Handball Spezial midsole and outsole.

adidas Handball Spezial Loafer Leopard Print
adidas Handball Spezial Loafer Leopard Print

While the Handball Spezial has been around since 1979, it’s really taken off in the 2020s as one of adidas’ most popular sneakers alongside the Samba. Akin to how the Samba was made as a performance soccer shoe, the Handball Spezial was made for indoor handball players. It’s since transcended its sportswear roots to become a staple piece in wardrobes around the globe.

The adidas Handball Spezial Loafer will be released June 2026 through adidas online and in-store. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price has not yet been confirmed. Check below for images of CAD renderings of the sneaker loafer, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time updates on the latest releases, raffles, and restocks in the sneaker world.

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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com