How to Spot Fake Adidas Yeezy 500

Paying attention to small details is crucial when authenticating sneakers. Focus on the heel and toe box shapes, textures, and materials. Check the tongue, insole, outsole, and size tag carefully.

Table of Contents

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Legit check the rear side
Inspect the midsole
Authenticate the tongue
Verify the toe box
Examine the heel
Analyze the outsole
Look at the insole
Pay attention to the size tag
Are Adidas Yeezy 500 comfortable?
Do Yeezy 500 run small or big?
Where do I get my Yeezy 500 authenticated?

Adidas Yeezy 500 Authentication: The Rear Side

Start with the shape of the sneaker's rear side. Fake Yeezys often have a steeper heel shape. The midsole and lower outsole should match in color.

On fake pairs, the midsole may be creamy, while the outsole is yellowish. However, color differences can sometimes be due to photo lighting, so this isn't always a definitive sign of a fake.

The Midsole Details

The midsole should be outlined with tumbled leather and designed like bulky pods with a stamped Adidas logo. Authentic Yeezy 500s use Adiprene technology for cushioning and a bouncy feel.

Compare textures: the mesh on real Yeezys is usually smaller, and the tumbled leather should be more wrinkly. Fakes often have leather that looks too smooth and too visible stitching, whereas the real ones have more hidden stitching.

Check the Adidas logo: the original is distinct and stamped with a 3D effect, while fakes are flatter and may have excess dots that shouldn't be there.

The Tongue

The tongue of the Yeezy 500 has a complex structure. It features a mesh construction with suede tabs forming the eyelets and a leather layer in the middle to maintain the shape.

The leather part on fakes is usually shorter than on genuine pairs. Additionally, it's essential to check the shoelaces. While it's hard to judge from pictures alone, in person, you can feel if the laces are firm and well-structured yet elastic and stretchy.

If you have old shoelaces, compare them with Yeezy laces; Yeezy laces should feel superior. The stitching on the tongue should be neat, with each stitch looking consistent.

The Toe Box

The toe box is made of suede, and the texture of the suede is a critical factor in authentication. The suede is soft and pleasant on genuine pairs, with hairs that are neither too long nor too short and an even color.

Fake pairs often have longer hairs and uneven coloring. While suede can change color depending on lighting, there shouldn't be any particularly dark or light spots.

The shape of the toe box is also a giveaway; authentic Yeezys have a round and short toe box, while fakes are boxier, longer, and bulkier. Additionally, the stitching on fake pairs is less delicate, with some stitches varying in shape and size.

If you want to read more about Yeezy authentication, check other guides from our library: Yeezy 380 Mist, Yeezy 700 V3 Azael.

The Heel

The heel of the Yeezy 500 features an exciting structure with three overlapping materials. First, check the top suede part; on fake pairs, it's usually too large compared to genuine ones, while the mesh is smaller.

The stitching is a crucial aspect to examine. Close-up pictures often show that stitches on fakes come too close to the border, making them appear untidy and too small compared to authentic Yeezys.

The Outsole

Authenticating the Yeezy 500's outsole can be tricky due to its complex patterns. However, a few key details can help. The outsole is entirely rubber and does not feature Adidas Boost technology, so that it might feel stiff.

This feeling is normal for authentic Yeezy 500s. Focus on the "non-marking" text on the lower half of the outsole. This writing should be distinct, well-stamped, and deep enough to read easily. Fake pairs often have slightly more rounded and bold letters.

These small details can make a big difference in identifying genuine Yeezy 500s from fakes.

The Insole

First, note that the Yeezy 500 insole has three logos: Adidas, Yeezy, and Ortholite. The Ortholite logo is a newer addition, as older Yeezy models didn't have Ortholite insoles. Genuine Yeezy 500 insoles have pods on the backside for added comfort, although the insole is quite thin.

Focus on the logos: The original Yeezy logo has thicker letters than fakes. This trend continues with the ® sign on the Ortholite logo. Interestingly, fakes often have thinner letters on the insole. Another subtle difference is that fake letters are glossier, while authentic ones are more matte.

The Size Tag

Another critical point to check is the size tag. On fake tags, most letters are smaller and thicker than the original, especially the "Made in China" text, which is too small and far from the edge.

The product code letters at the bottom often need to be more transparent and easily read on fakes. These flaws are expected in counterfeit products, so be vigilant when examining the size tag.

Are Adidas Yeezy 500 Comfortable?

The Adidas Yeezy 500 lacks the Boost technology, making them stiffer and firmer than the Yeezy 350 or 750. They are still comfortable, but some find them the hardest to get used to.

Does Yeezy 500 Run Small or Big?

Yeezy 500s run true to size unless you have wider feet. If so, going half a size up is ideal.

Where Do I Get My Yeezy 500 Authenticated?

LegitGrails is the go-to place for detailed and accurate verification of your Yeezy 500. Contact their team through live chat or visit their Yeezy legit check service.