Launched in 2014, 2024 marks Spezial’s tenth anniversary.
To kick off this anniversary, Gary Aspden and the Three Stripes take a look at the label’s past, present, and future. Their latest collection tells the timeless story of adidas’s design DNA.
The lineup features seven unique silhouettes.
First up, the Gazelle SPZL returns from the Fall/Winter 2023 lineup in two versions: one all in black with a suede upper (a nod to the Pulsebeat SPZL) and the other in a chalk-white denim upper with subtly contrasting white stripes.
Next up are three new additions to the special running series. The Whitworth SPZL draws inspiration from many 1980s running shoes and features a colorway inspired by the classic adidas Clipper. It features an upper made of suede, nylon, and mesh with reflective accents on the heel and tongue.
The Handball Pro SPZL draws on the upper of a lesser-known adidas handball silhouette discovered by Gary Aspden.
The upper has been reworked on a rubber outsole and presented in a classic blue color often found on indoor sports shoes.
The Moston Super SPZL, which rounds out the selection of all-new sneakers, is inspired by the mid-70s adidas Artic and features a green suede upper with bold green stripes and contrast stitching.
The shoe lineup is rounded out by the return of two classic SPZL silhouettes.
The cult favorite Wensley SPZL was first released in 2017 and features an asymmetrical upper with a nylon base and shaggy suede overlays.
To mark the label’s 10th anniversary, the silhouette gets a new light brown colorway and a redesigned padded tongue. The adilette SPZL, on the other hand, infuses the classic slip-on look with the Spezial identity.
The adidas Spezial Spring/Summer 2024 collection features not only shoes but also apparel and accessories. Leading the collection is the already iconic Todmorden Smock Jacket.
It was first introduced in Spring/Summer 2021 and sold out immediately. This season, the coveted model returns in two colorways: navy blue and white. A Mod Trefoil T-shirt celebrating the 10th anniversary brings the Spezial spirit to life as a certified collector’s item.
Two lightweight jackets—the Trentham and the Wingrove—are perfect for spring,
while the matching Anglezarke training top and training pants feature the signature Spezial details.
The apparel collection is rounded out by the Rossendale Shorts,
two polo shirts, and
the Lytham T-shirt.
The selection of accessories includes the Brinscall bag,
a Mod Trefoil cap,
a two-pack of socks, and
a Mod Trefoil towel.
This drop (the first chapter in a series that will span the rest of the year) is brought to life by a campaign film featuring actor and musician Ashley Walters (Top Boy, Bulletproof).
Dynamic, iconic, and understated—the film and photos, created by longtime collaborators at &SON, perfectly capture the energy of the collection.
“It was a great honor to be part of this campaign. adidas is a brand I’ve always felt connected to throughout my career, and this special collection has only deepened my love for it. Ten years of greatness, inclusivity, and connection to culture. Here’s to many more.”
– Ashley Walters, March 2024.
The latest adidas special collection will be released on April 4 in limited quantities at 43einhalb, AFEW-Store, Allike, Asphaltgold, HHV, and SUPPA.
Here’s an overview of all the sneakers from the adidas SPZL “Pre-Spring 2024” Collection:
Photos via adidas
