CrossFit Champion Laura Horvath Wins CrossFit Event in Shoes Designed for… Handball!?!

CrossFit champion Laura Horvath turned heads and set tongues wagging by sporting a pair of Adidas Spezial sneakers at the French Throwdown CrossFit Semi Final Event.

The sneaker was originally designed for the German handball team in 1979.

The Adidas Handball Spezial, along with the Gazelle and Samba models, has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, thanks to their adoption in fashion circles. However, their appearance at a CrossFit event was something no one saw coming.

Laura Horvath: A CrossFit Phenomenon

Laura Horvath, the formidable Hungarian athlete known for her explosive strength and tenacity, has been a force to reckon with in the CrossFit world since her sensational debut in 2018. That year, she finished second at the CrossFit Games as a rookie, an achievement that marked the beginning of a promising career.

Her hard work and dedication culminated in her victory at the 2023 CrossFit Games, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s elite competitors.

Horvath has also been a prominent ambassador for Rad, an up-and-coming footwear brand that has captured the fitness community’s attention with its innovative designs and exclusive releases. Hence, it was all the more surprising when she stepped onto the competition floor in a pair of Adidas sneakers, particularly the retro Handball Spezial, a shoe that has not been associated with serious athletic pursuits for decades.

A Sneaker Throwback on the Competition Floor

The first hint of Horvath’s unexpected footwear choice came during a Sunday workout involving rowing and handstand walks, where she donned a pair of white Gazelle Indoors with green stripes.

The real shocker came during the snatch ladder event, where Horvath emerged in a pair of green Handball Spezials with white stripes. This choice was particularly striking given the event’s demand for footwear that provides stability and support during heavy lifts.

Flat-soled shoes have been a staple for weightlifters for ages, with models like Vans and Chuck Taylors being popular among powerlifters. In CrossFit, the evolution of sport-specific footwear has seen brands like Reebok, Nike, and No Bull dominate the scene with designs tailored for the unique demands of the sport.

The Evolution of CrossFit Footwear

Reebok’s Nano, first introduced in 2011, was specifically designed for CrossFit, setting the standard for the sport’s footwear. Nike followed suit with the Metcon in 2015, and other brands like Inov8, Strike Movement, and GoRuck have since entered the market. Even Adidas, which previously owned Reebok until 2021, has a history of making Olympic weightlifting shoes but has largely stayed out of the CrossFit arena until recently.

Adidas’ decision to sponsor CrossFit athletes isn’t entirely out of the blue given their history in weightlifting. However, seeing an athlete of Horvath’s caliber opt for a pair of retro sneakers, which are more commonly associated with casual wear and fashion rather than competitive sports, was a bold and unexpected move.

The sneakers, which are often seen on the feet of fashionistas and football fans, were certainly not designed with modern CrossFit competitions in mind.

Public Reaction and Speculation

The bold choice did not go unnoticed. During the event’s live commentary, one announcer pointed out that Horvath was wearing “non-CrossFit shoes.” This observation sparked a flurry of speculation about her relationship with Rad, the footwear brand she has been closely associated with. The brand itself remained tight-lipped, offering no comments on the situation.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ben Massey, the owner of Rad, made a light-hearted comment on an Instagram post by The Barbell Spin, which suggested that Rad might be too small to retain Horvath. Massey joked, “Bummed we couldn’t afford her anymore,” to which fellow Rad athlete Danielle Brandon responded, “yall spend too much on a small time athlete like me,” indicating the playful nature of the exchange but also hinting at the underlying tensions and dynamics within athlete sponsorships.

An Homage to Weightlifting’s Golden Era?

Some pundits saw Horvath’s footwear choice as a nod to the history of weightlifting. Tyler Watkins, speaking on The Sevan Podcast, humorously suggested that Horvath was paying homage to the Bulgarian weightlifting team of the 1980s, a team that dominated the sport and became synonymous with raw strength and power.

Adidas, after all, has a rich heritage in the world of weightlifting, and the Spezial might have been a symbolic choice, representing a connection to the sport’s storied past.

Laura Horvath’s Continued Dominance

Despite the unexpected footwear, Horvath’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Her choice of shoes did not impede her ability to excel, proving that her strength and skill transcended any perceived limitations imposed by her unconventional gear. Horvath’s success at the European Semifinals adds to her impressive list of achievements in CrossFit, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s premier athletes.

CrossFit Achievements

Horvath’s career has been marked by numerous milestones beyond her rookie year and 2023 victory. She has consistently placed in the top ranks at various CrossFit competitions worldwide. Known for her powerful lifts and remarkable endurance, Horvath has become a fan favourite not just for her athletic prowess but also for her resilience and sportsmanship.

In 2019, she finished fifth at the CrossFit Games, demonstrating her ability to maintain top performance amidst fierce competition. Her 2020 season was highlighted by strong showings at the Rogue Invitational and the Dubai CrossFit Championship, events that feature the best athletes from around the globe.

Horvath’s versatility is one of her greatest strengths. She excels in events that require both raw strength and cardiovascular endurance, a rare combination that sets her apart from many of her peers. Her performances in events like the CrossFit Open and various international competitions have consistently proven her capability to adapt and thrive, regardless of the challenges thrown her way.

The Legacy of the Adidas Handball Spezial

The unexpected moment with Horvath and the Handball Spezial has added a new chapter to the sneaker’s storied history. Originally designed for a specific sport, the shoe has transcended its initial purpose and found a new life in diverse arenas, from fashion runways to CrossFit competitions. It stands as a testament to Adidas’ timeless design and the enduring appeal of classic footwear.

In conclusion, Laura Horvath’s bold decision to compete in retro Adidas sneakers not only captured the attention of the CrossFit community but also highlighted her unique approach to the sport.

Her continued success and the surprising sneaker choice have sparked conversations about athlete sponsorships, the evolution of sports footwear, and the rich history of weightlifting. As Horvath continues to dominate the CrossFit scene, one thing is clear: whether she’s wearing cutting-edge training shoes or retro classics, her performance remains unparalleled.

Screenshot image courtesy of CrossFit Inc.