Suddenly, So Many Celebs Are Wearing These “Overlooked” Trainers

There’s no denying that footwear has been a focal point throughout the year. We’ve seen the revival of ‘dated’ styles in the ballet flat revolution, taken practical steps in opting for mid-heel styles over stilettos, and explored colour theory with cream iterations. In the world of trainers, its clear that one particular style is ruling right now, the Adidas Handball Spezial.

When it comes to trainer trends, they come in two forms. One arrives slowly, with infrequent sightings on the streets and occasional TikTok videos before finally reaching the surface. Other times, a footwear trend arrives in a flurry of celebrity sightings and listings on fashion people’s wish lists. And that’s the exact course of this particular shoe.

Dating back to the late 1970s, the Handball Spezial has maintained a sturdy following throughout the years, but always sat just under the cusp of reaching cult status. That was until now. From Bella Hadid to Katie Holmes, celebrities and fashion people alike have shown that these cool sneakers are finally having their moment. With a casual silhouette, a nod to retro designs and a wide range of colours to choose from, we can see how the adoration of this shoe has grown. Whilst the brand’s other iconic trainer, the Samba, has been harder to get our hands on than a Birkin, the Handball Spezial is just reaching the mainstream and therefore much easier to track down, which I’ve done below for added ease. And unlike some of the designer footwear that have made headlines (and won our hearts), they also come at a comfortable price point too.