Buying Sneakers: Spotting the Fakes

Reselling 101

By RC Staff

14 June 2023

It’s usually a simple process to buy sneakers. When you get new shoes, the pleasure you get from them generally outweighs the money spent, but there’s a problem when your ideal shoe isn’t what it appears to be. We’re here to assist you in identifying fakes, therefore we’ve put up a brief checklist of things to look for when you’re on the hunt for new sneakers.

Fake VS Real Sneakers

Not all knockoffs are created equal, and some are immediately recognizable while others aren’t. This is a lucrative industry, in part owing to the many people who benefit from the sale of counterfeit shoes as well as the plethora of “legitimate” fakes available. We’ve all seen the Twitter memes of terrible fakes, with the wrong logos and misspelled words, but those aren’t the only fakes out there.

Much like counterfeiting money, the goal for a successful faker is to spend just enough time and money to produce a fake that passes for an original at a glance. Sophisticated fakes that are very hard to identify are pretty rare, because of the effort required. Most fakes will fall somewhere in between obvious knockoff and clone of the original.

When you’re looking to buy a new pair of shoes, be on the lookout for these four things:

• The quality of the materials: A good way to tell if a shoe is fake is by checking the quality of materials used. If the materials feel cheap and flimsy, then it’s most likely a fake. Also, take a look at the stitching and see if it’s even and consistent. If not, then the shoe is probably a fake.
• The weight of the shoe: Another way to tell if a shoe is fake is by checking its weight. A real shoe should feel heavy, while a fake one will feel light. This is because counterfeiters usually use lower-quality materials to make their shoes.
• The comfort of the shoe: A fake shoe will often be uncomfortable to wear, while a real one will feel comfortable and snug. This is because fake shoes are often made with inferior materials that can cause irritation or discomfort.
• The price of the shoe: If the price of the shoe seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Counterfeiters often sell their shoes at very low prices to lure customers in.

Spotting fake sneakers doesn’t have to be rocket science. We’re here to help so you can spot fakes and make the best decisions possible. With our guide, you’ll be able to tell the difference between a fake and an original in no time!

Pay attention to the packaging!

You could be wondering if they’re real even before you even see the new pair in person. The box itself may be quite revealing of authenticity. If there are indications of damage, misuse, or anything else that catches your attention on a first look, investigate.

Each box from the manufacturer should contain the following: place of manufacture, SKU number, barcode, name of the sneakers, and sizing information.

In most cases, this will all be on the sticker located in the box. If you’re purchasing your shoes online, insist on pictures of the box and its contents to ensure that what you’re getting is what you paid for.

What about fake stickers?

Stickers from unknown manufacturers may also be present. When this happens, determining a counterfeit is simple. Look for any abnormalities or telltale signs. When it comes to producing stickers, most companies use the same design, typeface and spacing.

If you have concerns about the authenticity of your stickers, look them up on the internet and compare them to other examples. If they don’t match, then you’re probably looking at a fake.

Shoe quality checklist

Recognizing well-done fakes based on materials or craftsmanship is a specialty for experts, but you may learn how to do it. Because there are so many distinct versions released, it’s difficult to describe general quality flaws in great detail. However, there are a few factors that everyone should know, and are a good starting point for more advanced fake detection. Remember, these tips are more subjective. You will need to rely on your sense of intuition, and have to go off of what “feels right” –and what doesn’t!

Check the sneaker's smell

The eyes can be fooled easily when it comes to spotting fakes but the sense of smell is more discerning. The materials used to make shoes are unique, as well as their scent.

In comparison to more expensive alternatives, cheaper ones are made of lower-quality materials and have a distinct odor. This odor will typically give it away! Picture the fresh, distinct smell of new sneakers. Fakes will typically have a sharper, more rubbery/plasticky smell.

Check the sneaker's stitching

The most precise procedures likewise display the most severe mistakes. Examine the distance between individual holes as well as the thread’s quality and structure. These are some of the basic things to look for when looking at the thread and stitching of a shoe.

Check the sneaker's feel

The real ones have a distinct surface structure and special materials that can’t be duplicated precisely. The peculiar features of counterfeit versions may not appear at first sight. However, if something feels wrong or doesn’t seem right when feeling the exhibit with your fingertips, you’re probably dealing with fakes.

It’s all about your senses in some cases, while in others, it’s all about the details!

When in doubt, always consult an expert or reach out to the company directly for clarification. With our tips, you should be able to avoid getting duped by fake sneakers!

The ultimate legit check

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid fakes is to purchase them from reputable online or in-store retailers. Many places like StockX and eBay now have authenticity guarantees and have their in-house legit checks. These legit checks are performed by some of the best in the industry and can spot fakes from miles away.

If you’re still unsure about a purchase after reading this, or if you’re still hesitant, remember that paying with a credit card is preferable to paying with a debit card. If you are scammed or defrauded out of your money by a counterfeit shoe, your credit card can assist with chargebacks so you may get your funds back!

For novice resellers looking to avoid getting burned, connecting with more experienced sellers can be a good way to spot fakes. RC Elite has a section dedicated to sneaker reselling, and it’s a great place to ask questions and post photos of dubious kicks before spending your money. That’s in addition to the 24/7 updates on new sneaker releases and network of trusted buyers and sellers you gain access to with your RC Elite membership.

As always, stay safe and happy reselling!