The brown trainers are a hit with fashion fans who say they’re ‘so stylish’ and ‘super comfy’
Every year there’s an ‘IT’ shoe that goes viral and sells out. Last year the Adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers started gaining popularity, with fashion fans snapping them up to elevate their everyday looks. The trainer has sold out previously in some colours but is currently in stock in the sought-after brown at ASOS. They retail for £90 and come in UK shoe sizes 3-13.
The trainers boast over 1,000 reviews on the fashion retailer’s website with an average score of 4.9 out of five stars. As well as their on-trend look, I rate the Adidas Spezial trainers for comfort as they fit my narrow feet nicely without slipping.
Personally, I don’t tend to buy into too many trends, only selecting the ones I think I’ll wear once the initial hype has died down, and I’m pleased to say my love for these trainers is still going strong despite wearing them most of last winter.
This year I’ve decided to give the maroon and cream ones a try, as although I prefer a neutral palette, I think adding a darker autumnal colour to my wardrobe will add interest and depth to my looks.
Pros
- Easy to style thanks to the classic everyday design
- Very comfortable
- Work well with skirts and trousers
- Look chic compared to many trainers
Cons
- May not work as well for wide feet
- Not as much cushioning as other designs
- High maintenance to take care of thanks to soft suede upper material
- High price point
Get the look
Shop the Adidas Originals Handball Spezial Trainers at ASOS
How to style Adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers for autumn
Personally I tend to prefer wearing trainers with trousers; whether wide leg tailored styles or jeans. Since I’m not a skinny jean wearer I tend to opt for longer bottoms that cover the top part of the shoe. I’m not a fan of trainer socks so wear ordinary length ones that are hidden by my trousers.
Whilst the Adidas Spezials come in a whole host of colourful designs from green and blue to pink and red, I personally think investing in a neutral design is the easiest way to get the maximum cost-per-wear out of the item.
Other trainers on my radar for autumn include the New Balance 530 Turtledove with Angora and Mushroom. The brown details give the cream trainers a seasonal update. At £100, they’re an investment, but New Balance trainers are the most comfortable I’ve personally tried, requiring no time to break them in.
I’m also coveting the New Balance 574 trainers that come in a brown colour and boast this autumn’s hottest material; suede. They’re also £100, but one shopper said: “Wonderful. The most comfortable shoe I have ever worn” which gives me hope that this style will be as comfy as the 530s.
One of my favourite things about the Adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers is that they add an ‘off duty’ vibe, making something that could be dressy look a little less polished.
Featuring Adidas’ signature three stripes, plus a low profile design and a gum sole, they’re much easier to transition into everyday looks than some more ‘sporty’ looking chunky designs.
One ASOS shopper said: “I love the colour way and the comfort of the shoe. So stylish and easy to wear all day, and goes with so many outfits – whether it’s to the office or going out” which I have to agree with.
One of the drawbacks of the shoe is that it doesn’t have as much cushioning as the New Balance 530s for example, and I’ve never used them for days where a huge amount of walking is involved. I have narrow feet and I’d say they fit me well which is unusual for trainers, so those with wider feet may not find them comfy.
As much as I and many other fashion fans adore the shoes, one review on ASOS reads: “Terrible quality. Each shoe looked completely different… material and colour. Sent back!”
However other shoppers loved the design with over 2,000 shoppers awarding the trainers five stars. One said: “Super comfy, love the style!” Another commented: “Love them! Comfy and go with everything.”
I would say the material is relatively delicate so I tend not to wear them out if it’s raining. That being said, you can purchase protective sprays and due to the darker colour they’ve not shown up much dirt so far. The ASOS website notes that they do need to be wiped clean with a soft dry cloth.
Shop the Adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers at ASOS.