Adidas has unveiled a new version of its iconic Handball Spezial sneakers, this time as sleek loafers. Kursiv LifeStyle explores why this model, reminiscent of market moccasins, is already being hailed as the season's biggest trend, reports infohub.kz.
According to GQ, the Handball Spezial Loafer combines several recent trends: a retro silhouette, minimalist design, and fashion's love for footwear that blurs the line between sporty and classic.
The new version retains the recognizable Spezial silhouette but replaces suede with smooth black leather. A trim and a leather strap typical of loafers are added at the front. The three white stripes and low rubber sole remain.
In addition to the classic black leather model, there are bolder options with leopard print or a spotted pattern reminiscent of Bambi. And yes, they are fuzzy.
The model's popularity is boosted by the success of the entire line. In recent years, Handball Spezials have been spotted on celebrities, including Andrew Garfield, Paul Mescal, and Harris Dickinson.
Adidas is not the only brand converting sneakers into more classic footwear. GQ notes that Vans is already developing a separate line of loafers, and Converse is turning its Chuck Taylor and One Star models into loafers.
"Perhaps this is where it was all heading. After two years of trying to make sneakers look like loafers, brands realized they could just make loafers. And if they look as good as this model, why not?" writes GQ's Adam Cheung.
On Adidas's official website, the black Handball Spezial Loafer sells for $130 (59,000 tenge).
Social media reactions have been lukewarm so far. Users joke that the loafers look like market moccasins and recall the familiar combination of Adidas track pants with classic shoes.
In Kazakhstan, they could well replace the Loro Piana knockoffs currently flooding the markets. Now, instead of bazaar loafers, people can honestly wear Adidas with the iconic three stripes.
Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle wrote about another footwear trend: Chanel is proposing to almost abandon the traditional front part of shoes.