Paul Mescal really likes his Adidas sneakers. He’s got the Gazelles. He’s got the Sambas. He’s got the Stan Smiths. He’s got a pair from 2022’s mega-hyped Gucci collab, too. And he’s even got more underrated silhouettes like the gym-ready Dropset. But above all, the Irish actor’s go-to is the Handball Spezial. Your humble majesty, we are astonished once more.
In London on Monday, Mescal arrived at the studios of the “Capital Breakfast” radio show to talk all-things Gladiator II. And on his feet were his fave pair of Handball Spezials, specifically in the Core Black colorway.
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First introduced in 1979, the Handball Spezial was originally designed for professional handball players who actually wore them for a living. Eventually, as more advanced models started coming through, it became more of a lifestyle shoe. As GQ contributor Jake Woolf explained last year, “By now, of course, the Adidas Handball Spezial isn’t exactly a sleeper hit; as you might imagine, it’s already plastered across TikTok. That said, it’s hardly reached the same saturation point as the Samba or the Gazelle.”
And it’s true. Because while the model does borrow some elements from its soccer-oriented brethren, the Handball Spezial is sleeker and more streamlined. The gum-rubber sole features a unique wedge shape that’s ridiculously comfy. And Paul Mescal’s trainers are decked out entirely in supersoft pigskin nubuck. And even though he’s owned them for a minute now and they’re well-worn and well-loved, they still look great.
So the next time you’re getting yourself some sneakers, maybe it’s time to skip the Samba aisle. Pick up something Spezial instead.
This story originally appeared on British GQ.
