TOMS is a non-profit organization that donates a pair of sneakers to a kid in need of each pair of TOMS sneakers purchased. Once you purchase a pair of counterfeit TOMS sneakers, no footwear donation is made to a kid in need. You can quickly spot if you have a pair of fake TOMS or not by examining tags, accessing the overall quality, and guaranteeing that your sneakers were bought from a licensed retailer.
To protect yourself from forgers, here are ten things to look for when purchasing TOMS sneakers online:
Key Takeaways
- The insoles of TOMS shoes should be stitched in and should not fall out easily.
- TOMS shoes should have built-in arch support on the inside.
- For imitation TOMS shoes, look for low quality stitching. Verify the size accuracy.
- Fake TOMS often feature logos that are too low or too high, as well as with uneven stitching.
- If the inside soles can be removed, they are most certainly counterfeits.
- Check for the motto “One for One” inscribed inside the shoe.
- Fake TOMS sneakers must not have the TOMS slogan anywhere on the shoes or shoe box
- Check for a pattern on the inside walls of the shoes.
- Examine both the insoles and the outsoles to identify fake TOMS.
Always Inspect the Seller First
If you are looking to purchase TOMS from an unapproved retail outlet or searching for second-hand sneakers, you must first do some research. There are many sellers who assert to supply genuine sneakers but only have counterfeit ones.
You can check the reviews, feedback, and investigate the website first. Also, find another shop with a better prestige if you happen upon negative feedback or ridiculous claims.
Inspect the Packaging
Because of TOMS’ environmental commitment, all the brand sneakers are wrapped in environmentally-friendly and recyclable materials. For example, a canvas bag with the TOMS badge and a TOMS label must be included in a genuine TOMS sneaker box.
The print or design of the sneaker box might alter on a regular basis, based on the season or different styles of the sneaker you buy.
Examine the Tag
Many counterfeit TOMS have “Made in China” written on their labels, which are positioned on the external right side of the sneaker. TOMS sneakers are manufactured in Argentina, Ethiopia, Haiti, and China. However, this is not stated or marked on any part of the sneaker.
The brand has also pledged to manufacture one-third of its sneakers in the areas in which they are donated.
Because domestic manufacturing helps in building markets, creating employment, and ensuring a sustainable future, we’re left wondering why they don’t undertake to produce all of their sneakers in these nations.
The tiny tag must only bear the TOMS brand but nothing else. Furthermore, keep in mind that these labels must lay flat on the sneaker and not protrude from behind.
Look for Size Comparison
Genuine TOMS sneakers are typically true to size and can also stretch a little bit once broken in. False ones, on the flip side, are frequently too short due to the various and reduced-quality materials used in manufacturing.
You can also test the fit by comparing your brand new TOMS shoes to other sneakers in your closet.
Inspect the Logo Placement
A legitimate TOMS pair of shoes must have the logo half the way down the back heel, with even sewing all around the flag.
Counterfeit TOMS generally include logos that are either too high or too low, as well as very wonky seam.
Inspect the Insoles and Outsoles
One of the most dependable ways to distinguish phony TOMS is via their insoles. In particular, if the insoles of the TOMS sneakers can be detached, they are almost certainly forgeries. Legitimate TOMS sneakers, regardless of design or style, have their insoles stitched into the soles rather than attached or glued.
In addition, they do not slip and cannot be replaceable. Cushioning and arch support must also be included in the soles.
False TOMS shoes typically come with flat insoles that provide no support or padding to your feet at all. When worn, these features will become uncomfortably tight.
The authentic TOMS outsoles also come with a lightweight, textured pattern and are quickly flexible even when completely new. Counterfeits, on the other hand, will feel extremely rigid and thick, and will be unable to be bent.
Examine the Lining
Genuine TOMS sneakers generally have a printed liner. The lining’s illustration prints vary based on the style and color of the sneaker. Many counterfeit TOMS has extremely poor quality from within linings with the same drawings in various styles.
Some do not even include graphic shapes, which is unusual for true TOMS.
To be certain, always compare them to the models available on the TOMS’ official website. Remain aware that the women’s collections have more lining styles.
The majority of men’s TOMS sneaker collections, on the other hand, have simple internal prints, while a few men’s TOMS sneakers tend to have no interior prints at all.
Inspect the Text Prints
The TOMS vision and mission announcement is printed on the insoles: “With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.” One-for-one.” So, any poorly printed text, unequal lines, and spelling mistakes are all clear indicators of fictitious shoes.
Pay attention to all of these small yet important signs, and the spacing errors in the text print as well. The font used across the text must be consistent with the font used by the TOMS brand.
Check the Style
Fake sneakers are typically available in a multitude of styles, some with bizarre and downright cheap looking designs. Sellers might even label these sneakers as “rare finds” or “limited editions” to deceive you. It is always an awesome idea to check the style on the TOMS’ official website first.
The vintage canvas TOMS are generally the most reproduced styles since they are the simplest to design and build and also as they are the most common style.
In addition, always double-check and compare the design to shoe photos from the TOMS’ official website or other licensed chain outlets online.
Check the Texture, Fit, and Comfort
Apart from the worthwhile cause, TOMS sneakers are recognized for something else: they are super comfy on the feet. Genuine TOMS must be comfortable to wear. Soft and smooth canvas uppers, unrivaled arch support, and flexible soles distinguish these shoes.
Since they are made of cheaper materials, counterfeit TOMS frequently appear and feel rigid. If they feel strange and too stiff on your feet, they are most likely fake.
