How to Spot Fake Vs. Original Adidas/Nike Sneakers?

Having a pair of Adidas or Nike sneakers Having a pair of shoes in your closet might help you make a fashion statement. Adidas shoes are popular among people of all generations, not just millennials. The world over but are the perfect footwear choice for many global celebrities and fashion icons. Having a pair of Adidas/ Nike sneakers or shoes in your closet boosts your fashion statement. Different Adidas/ Nike shoes are not just revered by millennials the world over but are the perfect footwear choice for many global celebrities and fashion icons.

However, most Adidas/ Nike shoes are pretty pricey to the point of being unaffordable. As a result, you will be compelled to purchase low-cost Adidas clones. Nike sneakers to satiate your desire. On the flip side, many unknowingly waste their money to buy fake, considering them as real ones.

Many times, it’s impossible to identify fake Adidas/ Nike sneakers. This is because the market for counterfeit is skilled enough to imitate natural products. So at the first look, it might seem you are holding a genuine piece, but on looking closer, the loopholes might be visible. While counterfeiters may try to mimic authentic Adidas products, it is impossible to copy its various features. To help you differentiate between fake and original Adidas/Nike sneakers, here is a list of ways to know if your Adidas/Nike sneakers are fake or original.

Related: Most Expensive Sneakers in The World

10 Ways To Tell Fake Vs. Original Adidas Sneaker

Almost everyone owns a pair of Adidas, but some tell-tale signs can help you distinguish between authentic and fake Adidas sneakers. Here are ten ways to tell the difference between fake and original Adidas shoes:

Way 1. Check Serial Number

Checking the serial number is one of the simplest ways to tell if your Adidas sneakers are genuine or not. Many counterfeiters try to make a replica by closely resembling all the features, while some might overlook this detail. Hence, this is one way to tell your Adidas shoes are real or not just by checking the serial number. If you have an original pair, you will find a unique 12-digit identification code pasted on the shoe’s inner side. This code begins with “Germany” and ends with “MD.” You can also find this identification code on other shoe parts, such as tongue labels and molding seams. If there’s no such label present, then your Adidas sneakers are fake.

Way 2. Check the Cut-Outs

If these cut-outs are not appropriately attached and there is a gap in between, then you can be sure that your shoes are fake ones. Only if you were a military child who failed to attach this section properly and couldn’t find a gap or any other trace of it on your shoes would you be exempt. Otherwise, these cut-outs should always fit nicely into each other without any separation at all.

In an actual Adidas shoe, if you look closely, you will notice that there are no holes or openings for this particular reason in between two parts of the shoe’s upper body. In addition, you should also check the Adidas lettering on these cut-outs. If the lettering is faded or incomplete, your shoes are likely fake ones.

Way 3. Check Adidas Logo

When comparing a fake and an authentic pair of sneakers, you’ll notice that fakes always feature branding stickers, but the authentic emblem is carved into the tongue. As a result, the branding on fake sneakers will fade considerably more quickly than the actual pair.

Way 4. Matching Stitching Pattern

The stitching pattern on an original pair of authentic Adidas sneaks always has a line that runs vertically. The vertical line is at the same level as the stitching pattern on the shoe’s tongue label. If you run your finger over this vertical line, you will notice it is not flat like the original one. If there is no such vertical line running vertically along with a matching line horizontally, then this would be another sign of fake shoes. The original Adidas sneaker’s seams are strong, smooth, and clean, with no glue residue. As a result, if a new pair of sneakers has a sideways sticking thread or line, it is a fake.

Way 5. Consider Laces and Eyelets

Original sneakers usually come with an extra pair of laces that are well-packed. If you get a pair of sneakers and there aren’t any new laces in the package, you’ve probably got a fake. Many counterfeiters, on the other hand, have begun to include a fresh pair of laces. As a result, this cannot be the essential factor for identifying genuine from the counterfeit. This isn’t to argue that you shouldn’t use this feature. If there are laces in the box, look at how they are packaged because most fake manufacturers don’t care about the laces being packaged separately. The material of the eyelets for laces is another factor to consider. Only older Adidas models came with metal eyelets. On any of the new versions, there are no metal eyelets.

Way 6. Check Barcode

A barcode is one of the most significant features to look for in any pair of sneakers. You can find a small and black barcode label on the sole of the original Adidas sneakers. If you see a small and white barcode label, you can ensure that your shoes are fake. The primary goal of this code is to determine whether or not a product is genuine. However, this doesn’t mean that Adidas copes with this problem and stops producing fake products. Therefore, it’s necessary to check the barcode when you buy your Adidas sneakers.

The inscription “Made in China” is no longer a guarantee of authenticity. To enhance output, Adidas has moved practically all of its manufacturing to third-world countries since 1994. As a result, even in the original store, the inscription “made in Germany” is not visible on sneakers, which should not alarm you. It’s perfectly normal! The barcode on Adidas products incorporates the German code, which means the first three numbers must be between 400 and 440, regardless of the place of origin.

Way 7. Price and Place

First and foremost, consider whether you are purchasing your Adidas shoes online or at a physical store. If you are buying the sneakers in some random online store, there are several potential risks involved. Besides, the prices on the websites of counterfeiters might not be legal.

Besides that, if you know that there is a significant difference between the original price of sneakers and fakes, it might be possible to check this quickly. Because high-quality materials are used in the manufacture of brand shoes, they are not inexpensive. Furthermore, you should be aware that authentic Adidas may only be purchased through an official Adidas store, their official website, or an official representative’s website. So take this into account and don’t think you have found a great deal, which is several times cheaper than the shoes presented on the official website.

Way 8. Shoe Packaging

As we have mentioned above, Adidas uses actual packaging to transfer sneakers to consumers. Therefore, the box itself can be very telling of authenticity. Therefore, if you have got a pair of Adidas sneakers and notice that they came in a paper box or some other bag, you can be sure that these shoes are fake. The fact that your sneakers arrived in a box is a positive indicator in and of themselves. It’s considerably worse if your shoes come suddenly wrapped in a few scraps of paper or even a plastic bag. Some retailers may provide shoe delivery without the box, but these are exceptions that you should be aware of before finalizing your purchase.

Way 9. Check SKU Code

The stock-keeping unit (SKU) code is a number that is used to identify each product. The abbreviation stands for stock holding unit, which translates to stock unit number. This number, which may or may not include letters, is unique for each color design and model of branded shoes. Using this, you may check the internet to see whether your product matches the requested pair. Simply enter the code into your search engine, and the results will appear instantly. The SKU code may be found on both the specified label on the box and the tag inside one or both of the shoes. Sometimes it’s simply numbers, and other times it’s letters or a hyphen. The “SKU number” is a 10-character identifier that is provided to each shoe and may be used to identify the product.

For example, the SKU code has been 5576, which means that this particular pair of Adidas sneakers was made in July 2006. The 10-character code can be used to identify each product and will certainly help you know whether you have got an original or a fake pair. Remember how the SKU code works because this is one of the best ways to detect fake sneakers.

Way 10. Consider Weight of the Shoe

It is essential to notice that even though this is not a decisive criterion when distinguishing original and fake products, it is still worth paying attention to this feature when ordering new sneakers. The weight should be equal to the original ones. If it differs, don’t overlook this feature because it can entirely distinguish one pair of sneakers from another.

Materials that appear to be visually identical can have very diverse compositions. The weight of the sneaker can be a clear indicator in both extremes. Some sneakers are noted for their unmistakable lightness, which a knockoff usually lacks. On the other hand, imitation materials can be much lighter than the real deal due to their poor quality, which can also be an indicator.

10 Ways To Tell Fake Vs. Original Nike Sneaker

No one wants to be duped into buying counterfeit goods, but it’s surprisingly hard to tell them apart. Here are some tips on how to tell if your Nike shoes are fake or original:

Way 1. Check the Seller

If you are buying shoes online, you have to check if the store is authentic or not. The store should have an official website that looks professional. This can be noted if it contains an email address, phone number, or other ways of contacting people. Besides, the website should contain all information about the store, including terms of shipping and returns.

Way 2. Check the Price

By comparing prices across different websites, you can quickly determine whether you’re dealing with a fake or genuine product. The prices might vary across different sites but not by much. A meager price tag is one of the most apparent characteristics of fake Nikes. If the shoes appear to be too cheap to be genuine, they almost certainly aren’t. This does not, however, imply that all inexpensive Nikes are counterfeit. If the marked-down price is less than half of the original price, you should be cautious.

Big markdowns on Nike aren’t every day unless you’re shopping from an authorized Nike store during a clearance event like Black Friday. Compare the price offered by the seller to the prices listed in authorized retailers or on the Nike website. Nordstrom Rack and Amazon are the finest places to go if you want to get Nike shoes at a discount. When purchasing shoes on eBay, however, you must exercise extreme caution.

Way 3. Check the Tracking Number

If you are buying shoes online, you should always include a tracking number in your order. For example, Nike tracks sneaker shipments across the country electronically and can give information to its customers about where their sneakers are present.

Way 3. Check the Box

It is a good idea to check the box that the sneakers come in. The original boxes have a unique code that can track down any returns for a particular model. Moreover, Nike uses specially made “special packaging” for this purpose. All Nike sneakers are packaged in a box that is appropriately labeled and labeled. The color and print of the box will vary based on the type you buy, but orange, brown, and red are the most popular colors. Important information, such as style, size, SKU and serial number, and barcode, should be displayed on the box’s side. Counterfeiters try to duplicate these boxes, but they lack the necessary side printing. Some internet dealers mail phony Nikes without the box in plastic bags.

Way 4. Check the Style

Nike shoes come in many different styles. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the different styles and how they differ. In addition, it comes in multiple sizes with sizes for women as well as men. Different styles can also be found in numerous colors, such as black, white, light blue, red, etc. Unfortunately, a counterfeit sneaker will usually only come in one color and size with no variation at all. Browse product images on the Nike website. Also, make sure to look at the color options for the product you’re interested in. Many counterfeiters offer famous Nike shoes, but the hues and tones are not the same as the originals.

Way 5. Check the Uppers

Authentic Nike shoes are made of high-quality materials. Counterfeit sneakers are made with cheap materials. Look at the tag or leather patch positioned above the shoe’s tongue to see if this is the case. Under the Nike emblem, the tag should mention “genuine leather” or “leather upper.” Authentic Nikes do not contain animal products (e.g., leather, suede). According to Nike, all materials used for manufacturing shoes are vegan-friendly.

Nike sneakers are known for their high-quality design and manufacturing. Nike combines innovative technology in addition to high-quality materials to create fashionable and comfortable sneakers. Your Nikes should appear and feel like high-quality sneakers, regardless of the model you choose. From a distance, counterfeit Nikes and knockoffs may appear to be genuine, but closer inspection reveals irregularities and defects in the design. Uneven stitching, overlapping colors, and stiff uppers should all be avoided.

Way 6. Check the Tongue

A fake Nike should have a cardboard-feel tongue instead of a genuine Nike’s leather or textile tongue. The high-quality nylon tongue of authentic Nikes can be easily determined if you check it carefully. On the other hand, genuine leather tongues are harder to differentiate from the original because they feel similar.

Nike’s logo on the tongue is also another giveaway of an original pair of Nikes. The logo should show up on the white part of the Nike Swoosh with no outlines around it. The brand name and the swoosh should be displayed on the tongue of the upper, along with the style or model name in some cases.On the inside of the tongue, a tag containing information such as size, location of manufacturing, and the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) or serial number should be printed. The number inscribed on the box’s surface should correspond to this unique alphanumeric code, which is typically nine digits long. Fake Nikes frequently have random numbers on the tag that do not match the ones on the package.

Way 7. Check the Weight

A pair of genuine Nike shoes weighs between 10 and 14 ounces (300 grams to 400 grams). Fake Nikes should not be light, but they should also not be under 300 grams. If they do, it’s a dead giveaway that you’re dealing with a forgery. Most of the time, counterfeits will feel heavier and more stiff than genuine ones. Genuine Nike shoes should be lightweight, so you don’t feel like you’re dragging about in them.

Way 8. Check the Midsoles

Nike midsoles are built of high-quality materials, and the initials “AIR” should be present to show this. Check the writing on the bottom of the shoes for the three letters (AIR) to ensure that you have a genuine pair of Nikes. Check to see whether “Nike” is printed on the sole as well. The midsoles of genuine Nike training and running shoes are usually bonded rather than sewn. They are instead comprised of sophisticated lightweight foam, which offers arch support and cushioning. The brand name is also printed on the insoles, the swoosh, and occasionally the model name on most new models.

Way 9. Check the Outsoles

Nike sneakers’ outsoles are constructed of tough rubber and should be non-marking. It should also have the Nike logo. Check the insoles as well, since these might provide information on whether or not the shoe is genuine. The printed sole, on the other hand, is the Achilles heel of counterfeits. Because they are comprised of high-quality rubber, the outsoles of genuine Nike sneakers give grip and stability. Unfortunately, imitations are made with cheap rubber that feels plasticky and heavy on the foot. The soles’ ridges and patterns should be consistent and equally spaced. Fakes often feature poorly spaced designs and rigid, non-flexible soles.

Way 10. Inspect the Logo and Small Details

The quality of the Nike logo on the top should be high. Check that the print is consistent and that the borders are clean. Check for gumming or glue marks on the sole, since this is a frequent feature of counterfeit pairs. Nike shoes with chain strings are regarded counterfeit, not legitimate. Nike sneakers with metal eyelets are also called knockoffs since they may easily injure those who use them during workouts. Other obvious symptoms of an imitation might be seen in the shoe’s minor elements. For example, the typeface on the printouts should be consistent, as should the font size. On the uppers, look for damaged or crooked stitching details, which might indicate phony shoes. Furthermore, counterfeit Nike sneakers may have misspellings and swoosh emblems that are overly large or facing the incorrect way.

Scanning Test Barcode of Adidas/Nike Sneaker  

To begin, you must recognize that these are barcodes are not interchangeable. For example, the Nike A-S-N-E tag is missing from the Adidas barcode. Because the codes are distinct, they cannot be scanned at the same time.

You can Use the “Shopkick” app for barcode scan test; detail below:

• Download the app to your phone (if you do not currently have it installed
• Scan the barcode of the shoe to be purchased
• Once you have scanned the barcode of the shoe, you must also scan another code on your screen; this code will be unique to the product purchased with Shopkick. This is how “Shopkick” works
• The app will notify you if the barcode is legitimate or not. It is “legitimate” only if it is the same product. For example, my Shopkick app notified me that my Adidas barcode was illegitimate because it was not the identical shoe described in my app purchase.
• Take a pic of the shoes, the box, and the barcode on your phone. If you are ever requested to “prove” that they are fake, you can use this as evidence.

Test the Serial Number of Adidas/Nike Sneaker  

You can test the serial number, step by step method is as follow:

• Check the inside of the shoe on the tongue tag, or contact Adidas/ Nike directly for more information.
• Call Adidas/ Nike to verify that you are indeed dealing with a fake pair of their shoes. It will not help you if you do not have registered proof on file, but they will invest the time to check for you if you provide proof of purchase and proof that it is fake (barcode).
• Search for the serial number on www.cascodigital.com/sneakerhead/serialsearch, search engines for Adidas products’ real and fake serial numbers. This may also help you verify that your pair of shoes is indeed fake, as the number listed on this website may not match with the own serial number of your shoe if it is indeed fake.
• You can also search on eBay and see if the seller has recently sold any other fake shoes. If so, you may want to contact eBay and get your money back.

Issues like this should not be handled by the consumer but by the manufacturer.

Ways to Avoid Buying Fakes

There are many ways to avoid buying fake products. First, of course, the best way to avoid getting ripped off is to do your research. Still, others include:

• Being skeptical of any online or retail purchase you make.
• Not being afraid to ask questions.
• Buying only from reputable retailers.

Research Online

Take your time and research your product before you buy it. Check out pricing and availability information on the manufacturer’s website, search for user reviews, check blogs, and do a general search online to see if any questions or concerns have been raised. If you are still in doubt, ask your peers if they have had experience with your chosen product before purchasing. People who use the products you want to buy will know which retailers sell authentic products and which ones sell fakes.

Do Your Due Diligence

Researching the product on the manufacturer’s website is a good start, but do not stop there. Check out reviews of your product online as well as reviews of your chosen retailer. Reading reviews will help you get a good idea of how reliable your chosen retailer is and whether any problems have been reported with the products sold at that location.

Be Skeptical

Some people might tell you that you are being paranoid or wasting your time, but they are wrong. Even if you are sure that your purchase is authentic, double-check the item. Research the item and make sure that everything is correct. If it seems like somebody might be trying to rip you off, you should not be afraid to ask questions.

Check the Warranty

Always make sure that sellers offer a warranty on their products. If they do not offer a brief warranty period, think twice about your purchase! A good warranty will protect you should an issue arise with your purchase in the future.

Ask Questions

If you want to avoid purchasing fake products and spending too much money, the best thing to do is ask questions. If you do not ask, you will probably never know if the product that you are interested in is fake or not. Unfortunately, this means that you will end up spending a lot more money on items that may or may not be accurate.

What to do if I buy fake Adidas/ Nike Sneaker?

If you bought fakes shoes, you could do one of three things:

• Try to return the shoes to the retailer/seller you bought them from. If they want to refund or replace your order, make sure they do so within the allotted time frame. Refunds are usually processed within two weeks of receiving an item back, while replacement orders are usually shipped 2–3 weeks.
• If the shoes are still in your possession, try to get a refund from eBay. To do so, contact the seller and explain what you’ve bought was fake. They will most likely refund you the purchase price (plus shipping, if applicable), but not the additional 25% “certificate of authenticity” fee you paid when you purchased your fake items. If they refuse to refund or replace your items, contact the appropriate consumer protection agencies in your country and ask for help getting your money back.
• If you bought them on a website, contact the website directly and ask for a refund. If they refuse or ignore you, contact the appropriate consumer protection agencies in your country and ask for help getting your money back.

How to recognize a store with fake products?

If you want to shop for good-quality shoes, you need to know how to recognize a store with fake products. Here are some indicators that can help you improve your shopping experience.

• Do not buy shoes from an online retailer that has not been in business for more than six months.
• Make sure the product that they are selling is actual before buying it.
• Make sure that the shoes you buy are not more than $50.00 or 60.00 dollars.
• Be careful if they try to sell products without the original box and the original receipt
• If they do not accept exchanges, returns, or refunds, then you should try to avoid this store at all costs.
• If the seller does not have a physical address on his website, be very careful before placing an order with them.

FAQs

Helpful Resources to Check Real or Fake Adidas / Nike Sneakers

1. Adidas Customer Service: https://www.adidas.com/us/help
2. Nike Customer Service: https://www.nike.com/help
3. Sneaker Con (third-party authentication service): https://sneakercon.com/pages/authentication
4. Legit Check App (third-party authentication service): https://legitcheck.app/
5. GOAT (sneaker reseller with in-house authentication): https://www.goat.com/

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Adidas and Nike sneakers are made with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure that they meet the companies’ standards.
• Fake sneakers, on the other hand, are often made with lower-quality materials and are not subject to the same quality control measures.
• Some common signs of fake sneakers include poor quality materials, uneven stitching, and inaccurate logos or branding.
• Authentic sneakers should have consistent and precise stitching, with no loose threads or uneven areas.
• The packaging and labels on authentic sneakers should include specific details such as the style number and color code, and the font and spacing should be consistent and accurate.
• Authentic sneakers may also come with additional features such as holographic tags, special boxes, or certificates of authenticity.
• The price of a pair of sneakers is not always a reliable indicator of authenticity, as counterfeiters may sell fake shoes at a similar price to the real ones in order to deceive buyers.
• If you are unsure about the authenticity of your sneakers, you can seek out an expert opinion from a company or individual who specializes in authenticating sneakers.
• It’s always best to purchase sneakers from reputable sellers, such as official retailers or authorized resellers, to avoid the risk of buying fakes.
• If you do come across a seller who is selling fake sneakers, you can report it to the companies or authorities to help prevent others from being scammed.

Where to buy real adidas or nike sneakers online?

There are several online retailers where you can purchase authentic Adidas and Nike sneakers. Here are some reputable options:

1. Adidas.com: The official Adidas website offers a wide range of authentic sneakers, as well as apparel and accessories.
2. Nike.com: The official Nike website also offers a large selection of authentic sneakers, as well as apparel and accessories.
3. Foot Locker: Foot Locker is a popular sneaker retailer that carries a variety of brands, including Adidas and Nike.
4. Finish Line: Finish Line is another popular sneaker retailer that carries a wide range of Adidas and Nike sneakers.
5. Zappos: Zappos is an online retailer that specializes in footwear and offers a large selection of authentic Adidas and Nike sneakers.

It’s important to note that there are also many unauthorized sellers of sneakers online, so it’s always best to do your research and purchase from a reputable source to ensure that you are getting authentic products.

Is Stockx selling real adidas or nike sneakers?

StockX is a reputable online marketplace that specializes in authentic sneakers, including Adidas and Nike. The company has a team of experts who authenticate every product sold on the platform to ensure that buyers are getting genuine products.

When a seller lists a pair of sneakers for sale on StockX, the shoes are shipped to the company’s authentication center, where they are inspected by a team of experts. The experts check the shoes for signs of wear, verify the authenticity of the materials and construction, and compare them to known authentic products.

If the shoes pass the authentication process, they are shipped to the buyer. If they do not pass, the seller is notified and the shoes are returned. This process helps to ensure that buyers can purchase authentic sneakers with confidence.

However, it’s important to note that even reputable marketplaces like StockX can occasionally sell counterfeit products. If you have any concerns about the authenticity of a product you have purchased on StockX, you can contact the company’s customer service team for assistance.