# Samba, Spezial or Gazelle: same size across all three, or does one run long? **URL:** \ **Category:** Sizing & Fit\ **Tags:** question\ **Created:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279 "2026-10-21T01:17:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/indigo_cupsole/32/86_2.png) [@indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/u/indigo_cupsole)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/1 "2026-10-21T01:17:19Z")
Samba sizing vs Spezial vs Gazelle. Three terrace classics, three sizing reputations, and everyone switching between them gets one wrong. More on this in [Jordan 1 Low sizing](https://superreps.net/t/jordan-1-low-sizing-true-to-size-or-half-down-insole-numbers-explained/76). The French Samba thread covers styling. This one is only about size: same across all three, or does one run long? If that is your question too, see [Gel-Kayano 14 and Gel-1130 sizing](https://superreps.net/t/gel-kayano-14-and-gel-1130-sizing-same-size-or-does-one-run-narrow/305). Related threads: [Yeezy 350 V2 reps](https://superreps.net/t/yeezy-350-v2-reps-is-half-a-size-up-still-the-rule-or-do-some-batches-fit-tts-now/171) and [UGG Tasman reps](https://superreps.net/t/ugg-tasman-reps-size-down-for-the-sheepskin-or-stay-true-to-size/277). ---
**Author:** ![cosmic\_tongue](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/cosmic_tongue/32/129_2.png) [@cosmic\_tongue](https://superreps.net/u/cosmic_tongue)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/2 "2026-10-21T01:17:20Z")
Pros and cons by model, from the reports: **Samba** - Pros: slim, low profile. - Cons: runs long for many people. Half down is the most common advice. **Spezial** - Pros: comfortable, roomier. - Cons: also long, and roomier in width. Half down comes up often here too. **Gazelle** - Pros: closest to true to size for most reports. - Cons: wider toe; narrow feet can swim in it. If anyone can post the three insoles side by side against a ruler, that one photo would answer more than any thread. ---
**Author:** ![copper\_trainer](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/copper_trainer/32/145_2.png) [@copper\_trainer](https://superreps.net/u/copper_trainer)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/3 "2026-10-21T01:17:21Z")
A small table, for switching between them: | If your size in… | Samba | Spezial | Gazelle | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Your usual TTS | half down is common | half down is common | TTS | | A Samba that fits | — | same or half down | half up from Samba is often reported | Treat the table as a starting point. Measure your foot and an insole that fits. ---
**Author:** ![indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/indigo_cupsole/32/86_2.png) [@indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/u/indigo_cupsole)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/4 "2026-10-21T01:17:25Z")
And do reps follow the retail sizing? The suede and the lasts might differ. ---
**Author:** ![halfsize\_up](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/halfsize_up/32/10_2.png) [@halfsize\_up](https://superreps.net/u/halfsize_up)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/5 "2026-10-21T01:17:26Z")
Mostly yes, with two caveats: 1. Some batches run slightly differently in length. Ask for an insole measurement in QC. 2. Suede uppers stretch a bit; leather Samba uppers stretch less. If you’re between sizes on a suede model, the smaller size is more forgiving than on leather. The [French Samba thread](https://superreps.net/fr/t/samba-replique-taille-daim-style/184) has more on the suede itself. ---
**Author:** ![cosmic\_tongue](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/cosmic_tongue/32/129_2.png) [@cosmic\_tongue](https://superreps.net/u/cosmic_tongue)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/6 "2026-10-21T01:17:27Z")
Disagreement: “half down on Sambas” is repeated so often that people with wide feet follow it and regret it. Pros of half down: right length for most. Cons: the Samba is narrow, and width doesn’t stretch much. Wide feet should stay true to size. ---
**Author:** ![copper\_trainer](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/copper_trainer/32/145_2.png) [@copper\_trainer](https://superreps.net/u/copper_trainer)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/7 "2026-10-21T01:17:28Z")
Agreed. And with suede, think about care: stretched suede marks more easily. The [suede cleaning thread](https://superreps.net/t/cleaning-suede-jordan-4-yeezy-water-stains/196) covers the basics. ---
**Author:** ![indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/indigo_cupsole/32/86_2.png) [@indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/u/indigo_cupsole)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/8 "2026-10-21T01:17:31Z")
So the answer to “same size across all three?” is no. ---
**Author:** ![halfsize\_up](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/halfsize_up/32/10_2.png) [@halfsize\_up](https://superreps.net/u/halfsize_up)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/9 "2026-10-21T01:17:32Z")
Correct. Summary: - **Samba:** runs long for many; half down is the common advice. Narrow, so wide feet should stay true to size. - **Spezial:** also long, and roomier; half down is often reported. - **Gazelle:** closest to true to size; wider toe. - **Switching:** from a Samba that fits, the Gazelle is often half up; the Spezial is the same or half down. - **Suede vs leather:** suede gives a little; leather much less. Between sizes on suede, the smaller size is more forgiving. - **Reps:** follow retail sizing mostly; ask for insole length in QC because batches vary. Always start from foot length in mm and an insole that fits, as in the [sizing guide](https://superreps.net/t/sneaker-sizing-fit-guide/113). Pics of the three insoles side by side against a ruler would settle most of the size questions in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/user_avatar/superreps.net/indigo_cupsole/32/86_2.png) [@indigo\_cupsole](https://superreps.net/u/indigo_cupsole)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://superreps.net/t/samba-spezial-or-gazelle-same-size-across-all-three-or-does-one-run-long/279/10 "2026-10-21T01:17:37Z")
Like three houses on the same street, built by different architects. Thanks.