April 17, 2022

Written bySarim A

How To Identify Real vs Fake Sneakers

Identify real vs fake sneakers by using multiple techniques and never get scammed!

Whether you’re a hypebeast or a casual sneakerhead, you’ve probably come across fake sneakers at some point in your life. With the proliferation of social media and online marketplaces, it’s easier than ever for counterfeit products to flood the market. In fact, the counterfeit sneaker market is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. Let’s dig deeper on how to identify real vs fake sneakers.

So how can you safeguard yourself from buying fake sneakers? In this article, we’ll show you how to spot fake sneakers, so you can avoid getting scammed and make sure you’re only spending your hard-earned money on the real deal. If you did not know already, we constantly push out new educational content on our Instagram and TikTok.

Looking at The Sole

One of the easiest ways to tell if a sneaker is fake is to take a close look at the sole. In most cases, fake sneakers will have a slightly off-color sole. This is because the manufacturers of fake sneakers often use lower-quality materials, so the color of the sole can be slightly different from the authentic version.

In addition, the pattern on the sole of a fake sneaker is often not as crisp as on an authentic pair. So if you’re looking at a pair of sneakers and the sole looks slightly off, that’s a good sign that they might be fake.

Examine The Stitching

Another way to tell if a pair of sneakers is fake is to closely examine the stitching. In most cases, fake sneakers will have less precise and less even stitching than authentic sneakers.

This is because the manufacturers of fake sneakers often cut corners to save money, so the stitching on a fake pair of sneakers is usually not as nice as on the real thing.

In addition, the thread on fake sneakers is often not as strong as on authentic sneakers. So if you pull on the thread and it starts to come undone easily, that’s another sign that the sneakers might be fake.  

Check The Materials

When it comes to spotting fake sneakers, it’s also important to pay attention to the materials used. In most cases, fake sneakers are made with lower-quality materials than authentic sneakers.

For example, authentic Nike sneakers are usually made with high-quality leather, while fake Nike sneakers are often made with lower-quality materials like polyester. As a result, the fake Nike sneakers might look similar to the real thing at first glance, but they won’t feel as nice or last as long.

In addition, fake sneakers often have different materials in different parts of the shoe. For example, a fake Nike sneaker might have a leather upper but a synthetic sole. So if you notice that the materials in a pair of sneakers don’t seem to match, that’s another sign that they might be fake.

Check The Labels

When it comes to authentic sneakers, the labels are usually made with high-quality materials. In contrast, the labels on fake sneakers are often made with lower-quality materials.

In addition, the labels on fake sneakers are often not as securely attached as on authentic sneakers. So if you notice that the label on a pair of sneakers is loose or seems like it might fall off, that’s a good sign that the sneakers are fake.

Look for Irregularities

When you’re looking at a pair of sneakers, it’s also important to look for irregularities. In most cases, fake sneakers will have some kind of irregularity that authentic sneakers don’t have.

For example, the Nike swoosh on a fake Nike sneaker might be slightly off-center. Or the Adidas three stripes on a fake Adidas sneaker might not be perfectly straight. So if you notice any irregularities on a pair of sneakers, that’s a good sign that they might be fake.

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Check The Price

One of the easiest ways to tell if a pair of sneakers is fake is to check the price. In general, authentic sneakers are very expensive, while fake sneakers are much cheaper.

So if you’re looking at a pair of sneakers and the price seems too good to be true, that’s a good sign that the sneakers might be fake.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, you might be able to find a pair of authentic Nike sneakers on sale for a lower price. But in general, if the price of a pair of sneakers seems too good to be true, it’s probably because they’re fake.

Do Your Research

Before you buy a pair of sneakers, it’s always a good idea to do your research. In general, authentic sneakers are made by well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.

So if you’re looking at a pair of sneakers and you’ve never heard of the brand before, that’s a good sign that the sneakers might be fake.

In addition, it’s a good idea to read reviews of the sneakers before you buy them. If you’re looking at a pair of Nike sneakers and all the reviews say they’re fake, that’s a good sign that you should avoid buying them.

Finally, it’s also a good idea to ask around. If you know someone who’s a sneakerhead, they might be able to tell you if a pair of sneakers is fake.

Get a Second Opinion

If you’re ever in doubt about whether a pair of sneakers is fake or not, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion. There are a few different ways you can do this.

One option is to take the sneakers to a local sneaker store and ask the staff if they think the sneakers are fake. Another option is to post a photo of the sneakers on a sneaker forum and ask for opinions.

Finally, you can always buy a pair of authentic sneakers from a reputable store and compare them to the sneakers you’re thinking about buying. If the two pairs of sneakers look not identical, then chances are the sneakers you’re thinking about buying are fake.

Conclusion

Spotting fake sneakers takes a bit of practice, but it’s definitely doable. By paying attention to the details, you can make sure you’re only spending your money on the real deal.

Find out in detail if StockX sells fake sneakers.

FAQ on Real VS Fake Sneakers

Author

Sarim A

Thanks to sports, Sarim's love for sneakers began and has grown ever since. He's been part of the sneaker culture for many years, seeing it evolve and grow more serious over time. A particular favorite pair of sneakers for him is the Air Jordan 3 'White Cement'