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Adidas’s New Retro Sneaker Is a Blue, Suede Stunner Better Than Any Samba

The Spezial may be the unsung sibling to the Samba. But a new version under Adidas’s “Made in Germany” banner could finally change that.

Adidas Spezial in blueEnd. Clothing

By Jack Seemer

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Despite a loyal cult following, the Spezial is a black sheep of the Three Stripes catalog.

With a low-profile look and gum-rubber outsole, the shoe is often mistaken for the ever-popular Samba model.

However, the name has never quite reached the heights of its high-profile sister shoe, despite countless colorways and cool suede upper.

A new Spezial under the brand’s “Made in Germany” banner may finally change that.

Adidas Spezial in blue
The Spezial is the latest Adidas shoe to get the “Made in Germany” bump.
End. Clothing

Spezial treatment

To be clear, noting its place of manufacture is more than a mere matter of provenance.

Like New Balance’s “Made in USA” and “Made in UK” programs, “Made in Germany” represents Adidas’s antidote to the mass-produced shoes it manufactures overseas.

As such, they usually boast higher-quality leathers and superior detailing, often accomplished by hand at the company’s factory in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Adidas Spezial in blue
“Made in Germany” is more than an origin story. Adidas shoes with that designation are made to a higher standard and usually feature fancier leathers.
End. Clothing

The Spezial Made in Germany sneakers are no exception.

The pair features upgraded suede across the upper, paired with a plush leather collar and more precise stitching than you’ll encounter on the Samba or even inline Spezial.

Adidas Spezial in blue
The Spezial Made in Germany comes with a collectible hang tag.
End. Clothing
Adidas Spezial in blue
The gum sole has become a signature treatment of the Samba. However, it started with the Spezial, a shoe original designed for indoor sports like handball.
End. Clothing

What’s more, Adidas opted to endow this release with a simple blue-and-white colorway that will undoubtedly earn it a place in the history book as one of the brand’s best efforts on an unsung model.

Adidas Spezial in blue
The blue-and-white colorway keeps the release approachable, even if the price is steep.
End. Clothing

Availability and pricing

The Adidas Spezial Made in Germany is not yet available on the brand’s official website.

But shoppers can get a leg up by heading over to British retailer End. Clothing, which already has the shoe in stock for a price of $235 — less than the cost of the Superstar Made in Germany from May.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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