Taiwanese sneaker boutique Invincible collaborates with adidas to reimagine the Handball Spezial, offering a clean and uniquely designed aesthetic. After numerous collaborations, including a Campus with Tokyo-based Dayz and another project involving the Campus model in partnership with Japanese brand Neighborhood, the connections made through the adidas Consortium initiative have led to some extraordinary sneakers.
Founded in 2007 by Jimmy Wu, the passion for streetwear at Invincible was apparent initially, and the retailer has only grown since then. As the exclusive retailer of numerous brands in Taiwan, the store has become the ultimate destination for fashionistas and streetwear enthusiasts throughout the continent.
Immediately, the changes to the traditional makeup of the adidas Handball Spezial silhouette are apparent, with the Stan Smith inspiration taking center stage. Luxurious crystal white premium leather is utilized to craft the upper, featuring side panels that, instead of being adorned with the iconic Three Stripes branding, have a series of perforations, just like the famous Stan Smith sneaker. Another unique detail is the lace stay, with curved edges that dominate the aesthetic as they slightly overlap the upper. Invincible is debossed in gold foil, parallel to the perforated Three Stripes branding on the sides, in a retro font recognizable to adidas aficionados worldwide.
At the rear, a hit of plush cream suede is used for the heel tabs, with leather strips looped through each side, while dual branding is seen through a laser-cut finish. The T-style toebox is crafted from premium nubuck and applied with a double-stitched pattern that elevates the detailing. The tongue has no branding, and the minimalist look is completed with a thin lace set. The premium leather insoles feature adidas Consortium branding while also carrying a genuine leather stamp. Underfoot, a gum-colored rubber sole gives the sneaker its signature touch, providing comfort and improved grip.
The Invincible x adidas Handball Spezial is set to release in Spring 2025, via Invincible, adidas, and select retailers online and in-store. Coming in men's sizing, retail is TBD. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Invincible x adidas Handball Spezial
Images via adidas
In this article
Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
