At the 2024 French Throwdown, Laura Horvath took to the competition floor clad in emerald green Adidas trainers.
- They appeared to be Spezials, cousins of the Gazelle and the Samba – three shoes that, despite their major street cred, are seldom seen in modern high-level sport.
At that moment, viewers’ virtual shopping carts began filling with the 1980s throwbacks. Whether or not it was her intention, Horvath showcased a blending of styles – classic streetwear and functional sport – which got hype beasts chattering.
Little did we all know, something big was on the way.
The Training Spezial
On May 15, Adidas officially releases the Training Spezial, a revamped version of the 1979 shoe designed for handball athletes.
- The original Spezial is typically made of suede for soft, pliable comfort. It has a traditional sole and is often regarded as the most comfortable of the terrace styles.
The Training Spezial was crafted to blend sport and the culture it inspired in a new and revitalized way. It offers a Repetitor foam midsole that provides additional comfort and stability, combined with a Cordura mesh upper that creates a lightweight and breathable experience while adding further durability.
- With this shoe, Adidas has elevated the performance of a cultural icon to suit the training space. The flexibility, durability, and classic t-toe style have remained unchanged.
If you’ve been watching closely, Adidas athletes have been teasing the shoes since January at live competitions and on their social media accounts.
What They’re Saying
Jorge Fernandez wore the Training Spezial while competing at the World Fitness Project in Indianapolis. He told us that he thinks they are unique and versatile for training.
- “I wore them at WFP because they gave me a great balance of stability and flexibility, which is perfect for workouts that mix lifting and dynamic movements,” Fernandez told Morning Chalk Up.
They are not your typical training shoe, which is exactly what Fernandez likes about them. “They feel lighter, more responsive, and still solid underfoot,” he said.
- “Plus, they look great,” he added.
Sydney Wells loves their stability and their flat soles and shared with us that she trains in them often.
- “The way my foot sits in them is great. I would choose them for a simple CrossFit workout, like a Cindy-style workout,” she said.
Ty Jenkins agrees. He not only wore them at WFP but also throughout the In-Affiliate Semifinals.
- “They are super sharp and have that classic look, but they are still a training shoe at heart. They have a hard sole, which is good for lifting, but still find a way to be significantly lighter than most training shoes,” Jenkins told Morning Chalk Up.
Jenkins sometimes chooses them over other trainers because they offer a unique, classic look that few modern training shoes provide.
The Bottom Line
The Training Spezial is a perfect representation of the Adidas brand as a whole – a convergence of style, nostalgia, functionality, and athletics. This shoe, whose original design boasts a 46-year history, offers a silhouette new to our sport – one that is very welcome among the professional athletes and sneakerhead writers who have been lucky enough to test out a pair.
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Featured Image: Scott Freymond
