Handball shoes on clearance

Lateral support and flat sole: what makes a handball shoe

Handball requires quick direction changes, extended foot placement, and one-legged landings. The handball shoe responds with a low, wide sole made of non-marking rubber, keeping the foot close to the ground and gripping the floor like the synthetic surfaces in gyms. Side reinforcements on the upper, like those on the adidas Stabil, whose name indicates its purpose, prevent the foot from spilling over the sole during feints. The heel is held by a stiff heel counter, while the forefoot remains flexible to pivot without resistance. A shoe with too high a sole would tip the ankle with each lateral step.

Other clearance items

The handball clearance also includes:

• Textiles.
• Balls.
• Equipment, knee pads and resin.
• Supporter.
• Club Space.

All clearance items are gathered on the handball page.

Back, winger, pivot: what shoe for which position

The back, who combines running and jump shots, needs cushioning at the heel and good support to absorb their landings: the adidas Stabil and the Puma Eliminate, focused on stability, are suitable for them. The winger, light and explosive, prefers a low and responsive shoe, like the Puma Accelerate, for quick starts and tight angle shots. The pivot, in constant contact with defenders, seeks stability and a reinforced upper to protect the foot from opposing foot placements. The goalkeeper, who often makes lateral movements and jumps, selects a soft and lightweight shoe, like the Hummel Guardian, designed for this position.

Hummel, adidas, Puma: the history of handball shoes

Hummel, born in Hamburg in 1923 and known for its chevrons, is now Danish and remains one of the brands most associated with handball, a very popular sport in Denmark. At adidas, the Spezial, released in 1979 for European arenas with its suede upper and rubber sole, has moved from gyms to stands and then to the streets; the Spezial Light and Spezialist continue its legacy on the court. Puma offers two lines, the Accelerate for speed and the Eliminate for stability, featuring Nitro foam infused with nitrogen. Mizuno places its Wave plate under the heel, distributing landing shock across the width of the foot.

Children and resin: how to choose and maintain your pair

For children, the Hummel Multiplay and Flex or the adidas Speedcourt offer a flexible sole and, in smaller sizes, a Velcro closure that the child can tighten themselves before practice. About half a centimetre of extra space is left at the end of the foot, no more, to prevent slippage during stops. Players using resin quickly find it on their soles: it collects dust and reduces grip. It should be removed after the match with a cloth and suitable cleaner, and the shoes should air dry away from radiators, with special care to keep them in the gym to avoid wearing out the rubber on asphalt.

Frequently asked questions

What size should you choose for handball shoes?

You keep your usual size, tried on with the thick sport socks used for matches. There should be little space in front of the toes so that the foot doesn’t slide during stops, and a well-fitted heel that doesn't lift when running.

How many matches can you play before needing new handball shoes?

For a player training two or three times a week, a pair generally lasts a season. A smooth sole that slips, compressed foam, or an upper that no longer supports the foot indicate it's time to replace them.

Do you need high-top shoes to protect your ankles in handball?

Most handball shoes are low or mid-cut, as a high upper can hinder foot placements. Protection primarily comes from the low sole, side reinforcements, and proprioception training; for fragile ankles, additional strapping is recommended.

Can you play handball in adidas Spezial?

The Spezial sold as a street sneaker retains the look of the 1979 model, but not its sports function: thin sole, little cushioning, and limited support. For playing, it’s better to opt for a current indoor shoe designed for modern handball placements.

How to wash handball shoes?

You scrub the upper and sole with a soft brush and soapy water after removing laces and insoles. The washing machine and dryer can damage the rubber: let them air dry, stuffed with newspaper.