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adidas Originals Sneakers (2026): Samba, Gazelle, Spezial & More
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Samba, Gazelle and Spezial look alike in photos, but they don't fit the same. The sole, the upper material and above all the shape change: some run narrow, others give your toes room. We picked the eight most searched adidas Originals models so you can choose by how they'll fit, not just by hype. Prices from adidas.es (Spain) on October 12, 2026. Sale prices may change.
How we compared
- Fit: narrow (Samba, SL 72) or roomier (Spezial, Campus 00s).
- Sole: thin and flat for a minimal look, or thicker and padded for all-day walking.
- Upper: smooth leather (tougher, easier to clean) or suede (softer, more delicate).
- Size: adidas says true to size for all, but the narrow models sometimes call for a half size up.
- Actual price on adidas.es and current discounts.
Quick comparison
| Model | Price | Upper | Fit and style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samba OG | €120 | Leather with suede overlays | Narrow, thin sole |
| Gazelle | €110 | Suede | Slightly narrow, low profile |
| Gazelle Indoor | €84 | Premium materials | Wraparound translucent rubber sole |
| Handball Spezial | €110 | Suede with leather details | Roomiest of the trio |
| Campus 00s | €84 | Leather | Wide, thick sole and tongue |
| SL 72 OG | €82.50 | Leopard print (pony hair) | Narrow toe, runner style |
| Superstar II | €120 | Leather with rubber shell toe | Basketball classic |
| Italia 70s | €78 | Suede with leather details | Low profile, '70s look |
Samba vs. Gazelle vs. Spezial vs. Campus vs. SL 72
Samba OG: born for soccer in 1949. Soft leather upper with suede overlays (the famous T-toe) and a rubber sole. It's the narrowest and has the thinnest sole.
Gazelle: arrived in 1966. Its signature is suede on almost the whole upper, with leather Three Stripes. Suede is thinner and more flexible: comfy out of the box, but it gets dirty and wears faster than leather. The Indoor version swaps in a translucent rubber sole that wraps up the sides.
Handball Spezial: a 1979 handball shoe. Premium suede, gum sole and a rounder toe. In side-by-side tests it usually comes out as the most comfortable and the roomiest in the toes.
Campus 00s: the chunky Campus. Taller sole, heavily padded tongue and collar, fleece lining. It's heavier (about 422 g per RunRepeat), but the easiest one for walking for hours.
SL 72: a 1970s running shoe. The original uses nylon with suede overlays and an EVA midsole; it's light, narrow at the toe and looks sportier than the indoor soccer models.
Sole and comfort
The Samba, Gazelle and Italia 70s have a flat, thin sole: they look sleek, but offer little cushioning and no arch support. If you're on your feet all day, go Spezial or Campus 00s.
None of them is built for training. For the gym, see our guide to adidas gym shoes.
What size to get
adidas recommends your usual size for every model on this list.
If you have wide feet or they swell during the day, consider a half size up in the Samba and Gazelle: they're narrow and the tongue can dig in at first. In the Spezial and Campus 00s, your usual size usually works.
How to style them
Samba and Gazelle: straight jeans, pleated trousers or a midi skirt. They're slim, so they work with dressier outfits.
Spezial and Italia 70s: earth tones, wide-leg pants and knitwear.
Campus 00s: wide-leg or cargo pants to balance the chunky sole.
SL 72 and Superstar II: the first with retro sportswear or a tracksuit; the Superstar with jeans and a hoodie, as always.
Suede care
Brush it dry regularly and spot clean with a suede cleaner. Skip the washing machine and use a waterproofing spray before the first wear.
1. Samba OG
€120
For anyone who wants the most iconic model and has normal or narrow feet.
UpperLeather with suede overlays
SoleRubber
SizeTrue to size (half up for wide feet)
Pros
- Soft leather upper: holds up to daily wear better than suede.
- Thin rubber sole with loads of style.
- Goes with almost anything, dressier outfits included.
Cons
- Narrowest of the group: wide feet will notice.
- Very thin, firm sole; usually needs a few days of break-in.
2. Gazelle
€110
For those who prefer the soft feel of suede and a clean, low profile.
UpperSuede
ProfileLow
SizeTrue to size
Pros
- Flexible suede, comfy from day one.
- Cheaper than the Samba.
- Classic 1966 silhouette in lots of colors.
Cons
- Suede stains and wears faster than leather.
- Slightly narrow fit.
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3. Gazelle Indoor
€84
For those who want the Gazelle look with a more vintage twist for less.
UpperPremium materials
SoleWraparound translucent rubber
SizeTrue to size
Pros
- On sale: €84 (was €120).
- Translucent rubber sole that wraps the foot and grips well.
- Design inspired by the indoor court version.
Cons
- The translucent sole gets dirty and yellows with wear.
- The discount may end soon.
4. Handball Spezial
€110
The best pick of the trio for comfort or wider feet.
UpperSuede with leather details
SoleGum rubber
OriginHandball, 1979
Pros
- Rounder toe with more room for your toes.
- Premium suede with leather details.
- Retro gum rubber sole.
Cons
- Suede needs care.
- Less versatile with formal clothes than the Samba.
5. Campus 00s
€84
For anyone who wants a chunky, well-padded sneaker for lots of walking.
UpperLeather
LiningFleece
WeightAbout 422 g (RunRepeat)
SizeTrue to size
Pros
- On sale: €84 (was €120).
- Heavily padded tongue and collar, fleece lining.
- Roomier forefoot.
Cons
- Heavy: about 422 g in the reference size (RunRepeat).
- Hard to clean, per RunRepeat's review.
6. SL 72 OG
€82.50
For anyone after a light, different retro runner look.
UpperLeopard print pony hair
SoleLow midsole and rubber outsole
SizeTrue to size
Pros
- Cheapest non-sale model on the list.
- Light, low-profile 1970s running silhouette.
- This version has a bold leopard print.
Cons
- Narrow at the toe.
- The print doesn't go with everything.
7. Superstar II
€120
For fans of the basketball classic with the rubber shell toe.
UpperLeather
ToeRubber shell
SoleTextured rubber
Pros
- Iconic rubber shell toe and soft leather upper.
- Padded tongue and ankle.
- Leather is easy to clean.
Cons
- Bulkier than the indoor soccer models.
- Same price as the Samba, no discount.
8. Italia 70s
€78
The budget alternative to the Gazelle with a '70s feel.
UpperSuede with leather details
ProfileLow
SizeTrue to size
Pros
- Cheapest on the list: €78 (was €120).
- Suede with leather details.
- Understated, easy-to-style design.
Cons
- Lesser-known model: fewer reviews and sizing guides.
- adidas doesn't detail the sole on the product page.
Verdict
For the most versatile pick with normal or narrow feet, get the Samba OG. For comfort or wide feet, the Handball Spezial. For walking for hours, the Campus 00s, now €84. And for the terrace look on a budget, the Italia 70s at €78 or the Gazelle Indoor at €84.
Frequently asked questions
Do adidas Sambas run big or small?
adidas says true to size. Still, they're narrow: if you have wide feet or you're between sizes, many people do better with a half size up.
What's the difference between Samba and Gazelle?
The Samba is leather with a suede T-toe and a thin rubber sole; the Gazelle is almost all suede with a slightly roomier fit. The Samba holds up better to daily wear; the Gazelle is softer from day one.
Which is most comfortable: Samba, Gazelle or Spezial?
The Handball Spezial: it has the roundest toe and the most toe room. The Samba takes the longest to break in.
Can you put adidas sneakers in the washing machine?
It's not recommended, especially with suede. Wipe leather with a damp cloth and clean suede with a brush and a suede cleaner.
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