How To Spot Real Vs. Fake Adidas Shoes

Are you concerned about purchasing fake Adidas shoes? In this guide, we'll explore how to distinguish between genuine Adidas footwear and counterfeit replicas.

Whether you're buying online or in-store, knowing how to spot fake Adidas shoes can save you from disappointment and ensure you get the quality you expect.

Let's dive into the details to help you make informed decisions and avoid counterfeit scams.

Table of contents

Visual Inspection Tips
Online Purchase Precautions
Physical Checks After Purchase
Conclusion

Visual Inspection Tips

If you can touch and see a pair of Adidas Shoes in real life, use these tips.

Check the Tags and Serial Numbers

In the newer style of size tags introduced after 2016, compare the fake and real Adidas Superstar shoes. Refer to the comparison image below. Here's what to focus on:

Start by looking at the "MADE IN INDONESIA" text. On fake shoes, this text looks thin, lacking the boldness of authentic pairs. Similarly, the "US UK FR JP CHN" inscription is thinner on fakes, unlike the clearer print on genuine shoes.

Next, check for the "MALE/M LE" text. While it may or may not be present on both real and fake shoes, it's not a reliable authenticity indicator.

Moving to the "Adidas ®" inscription, notice the thickness of the text. Fake shoes have thinner text without the defined look of genuine Adidas Superstars. If "Adidas" and the "®" symbol touch, it's a sign of fake Adidas Superstars.

Lastly, examine the size prints on the tag. The text indicates that the shoe size is thinner and less clear on fake shoes than on genuine ones.

For older format size tags used until around 2016, you'll notice that the text on fake shoes is generally too thin compared to genuine Adidas Superstar shoes. This applies to all inscriptions on the tags.

Analyze the Adidas Logo

Another key indicator of authenticity is the Adidas logo. Authentic Adidas shoes feature a well-defined logo with sharp lines and proportions. Fake shoes may have logos that are poorly printed or distorted, indicating lower quality craftsmanship.

Inspect the Stitching Quality

When checking Adidas Superstar shoes, pay attention to the stitching. Real ones have neat, evenly-spaced stitching, while fake ones may look messy or uneven. Focus on the curved stitching line on the upper part of the shoe.

Authentic pairs have smooth curves, while fakes may have jagged or exaggerated curves. Stitching quality should be consistent across authentic pairs, so any major differences could signal fakes.

Assess the Material Quality

The quality of materials used in Adidas shoes can also help determine authenticity. Authentic shoes often have high-quality materials that feel durable and well-made. Counterfeit shoes may use cheaper materials that feel flimsy or poorly constructed.

Online Purchase Precautions

If you buy online, take these precautions.

Unrealistic Pricing

When shopping online, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Unrealistically low prices are often a sign of counterfeit products. Genuine Adidas shoes are priced competitively, so heavily discounted prices may indicate a scam.

Seller Verification

To avoid fake Adidas shoes, it's important to buy from verified sellers. Stick to reputable retailers and official Adidas stores to ensure you're getting authentic products. Avoid buying from unknown or unauthorized sellers, especially on auction sites and social media platforms.

Examining Product Photos

Before making a purchase, carefully examine the product photos provided by the seller. Look for clear, high-resolution images that show detailed shots of the shoes from multiple angles.

Be wary of sellers who only provide stock photos or blurry images, as they may be hiding the true condition of the shoes.

Watch Out for "Rare" Colorways

Be cautious when purchasing Adidas shoes in rare or limited edition colorways. While some rare colors may be legitimate, others could be counterfeit. Research the authenticity of the colorway and compare it to known authentic examples to avoid buying fake shoes.

Physical Checks After Purchase

Make these checks to be sure that you've got the real deal after you purchase the pair.

Box and Packaging Examination

After receiving your Adidas shoes, inspect the box and packaging for any signs of tampering or damage. Genuine Adidas shoes typically come in sturdy boxes with clear labeling and branding. Counterfeit shoes may have flimsy packaging or inconsistent labeling.

Detailed Logo and Tag Checks

Continue your inspection by examining the logos and tags on the shoes themselves. Look for inconsistencies in the placement, size, and font of the logos and tags. Genuine Adidas shoes have carefully placed logos and tags with clear printing and accurate details.

Feel and Comfort Test

Finally, try on the shoes and assess their fit and comfort. Authentic Adidas shoes are known for their quality construction and comfortable fit. If the shoes feel cheaply made or uncomfortable, they may be counterfeit.