Vans shoes are really not cheap, so don’t spend your cash on anything less than the genuine Vans sneakers. Every single thing from the wrapping to the logo and to the sneaker design should be thoroughly examined. If possible, you can also compare the sneakers to a pair you know is authentic.
This article helps you spot a pair of genuine and fake Vans shoes
Inspect The Packaging
To ensure that you’re purchasing authentic Vans shoes, inspect the packaging before making a purchase. This means ensuring that the shoebox has the Vans logo on it, includes information about the shoes such as the style and size, and has a barcode label. You can refer to our guide on spotting authentic Uggs for similar tips on inspecting packaging to ensure authenticity.
Execute the barcode

The packaging must have a tag with the shoe size, nation of manufacture, and a barcode as well. Scan the barcode with your smartphone. Accordingly, the barcode should match the type of sneakers in the package.
- To scan a barcode using your smartphone, go to the mobile app store for your device. Look for apps that can read barcodes. ScanLife and ShopSavvy are two trustworthy programs. When you are actually ready to scan a barcode, launch the app and use your smartphone’s camera to do so.
- If the sneakers do not have a label, they are counterfeit.
Check the price
Vans are nearly always priced at least $40 for each pair. If you find someone selling a brand-new pair of Vans sneakers for less than that, they are most likely counterfeit.
When it comes to determining the authenticity of Vans shoes, the price can be a telling factor. Prices that seem too good to be true might indicate that the product is fake, thus it’s essential to double-check the vendor. In case you want to check if you’re getting a fair price for your hair, you can use the Hair Price Calculator to estimate its value based on factors such as color, length, and thickness.
Inspect the packaging paper
Inside the package, there must be paper to protect the sneakers from getting scratched. So, if there is no such paper, the sneakers are most likely counterfeit.
Check if the box closes properly

Vans sneaker boxes are also well-made. A locking system needs to be present. A tab from the top of the box should also be inserted on the inside of the package, securing it shut.
Cheap knockoffs frequently lack a locking mechanism. Nothing else will hold the lid in place as it drapes over the bottom of the package.
To ensure that your Vans shoes are authentic, check if the box closes properly. If the box is too loose or too tight, it could be a sign of fake Vans shoes. For more shoe fitting guide, check out what to do if your shoes are too big.
Contrast paper tags
Every pair of Vans sneakers should include a paper tag with the brand logo attached to it. Compare the font and size of the paper tags if you have an authentic pair of Vans shoes on hand. Counterfeit Vans frequently have larger paper tags.
Examine the dealer’s reviews
Try looking up the store’s name or company on the internet. Examine the dealer’s feedback to see if they are positive. Check to see if the merchant’s contact information is available online. If they refuse to share their phone number, email address, or physical address, they may be a fraud.
Checking The Shoe Quality
Examine the outsole’s bottom pattern

The interlocking patterns on genuine Vans sneakers are of 2 distinct shapes: diamonds and rhomboids. In addition, a three-letter country code must be printed in one of the rhomboids’ shapes.
Furthermore, the three-letter country code needs to be corresponding to the code on the inner of the box label.
Check the stitching
The stitching on authentic Vans is strict and even. If the sneakers have double sewing, with two threads in one hole, they are most likely fake. Likewise, if any of the sewing patterns are crooked or the holes are spaced irregularly, the Vans sneakers are most likely counterfeit.
To verify if your Converse shoes are real or fake, examine the stitching. Authentic Converse shoes come with neat and even stitching, without any loose threads or frayed ends. If you notice any inconsistencies in the stitching, then there’s a good chance that the shoes are fake. Learn more about spotting fake Converse shoes by checking out our guide.
Look for laces that are firm
The Vans shoe laces need to be solid to the touch. Counterfeit sneakers frequently have very delicate laces.
Examine the toe’s rubber collar
The toe of genuine Vans sneakers is protected by a rubber collar that prevents tear and wear. In addition, the remaining rubber should be smooth, but the toe needs to be solid. If there is not much kind of a pattern on the toe, the Vans sneakers are probably fake.
- In addition, there must be a bit of a gap between the sneaker’s cloth and the rubber collar. That space will be filled with a thin layer of smooth plastic, similar to the one used to cover the rest of the sneaker. Besides, the rubber collar on several counterfeit Vans shoes extends all the way to the shoe’s cloth, leaving no gap.
- Contrast the rubber collar with a pair of genuine shoes. It should have the same texture.
Examine the toes’ angle

The genuine Vans sneakers must be bent up a little bit so that the toes will face up. If the back side of the sneakers is flat, it is most likely counterfeit.
Inspect the toes bend
In addition, the toes need to be able to bend easily. In other words, it allows you to press on the toe and heel of the shoe so that the front and back of the sneakers come into contact. If the sneakers are very stiff, they are a forgery.
Look for a red piece of cloth underneath the heel

There must be a small piece of red cloth on the inner side of the heel. It is usually at the very upper edge of the heel, but will not expand more than half an inch from the top.
To tell the authenticity of Van Shoes, check to see if there’s a red piece of cloth underneath the heel, which is a signature detail that all authentic Vans shoes have. If you’re looking for ways to prevent shoes from slipping off your heel, you can check out Hood MWR’s article for the tips.
Inspect the Trademark
Look for three distinct trademarks
On the side of the Vans sneakers, there must be a paper trademark. Another trademark will be printed on the back of the sneaker’s plastic. And on the insole, there will be one more trademark.
Examine the trademark for any errors
All of the logos must be correctly spelled. Contrast the font on the logos with the font on any other Vans sneakers you know are authentic.
The color of the trademark might differ, but the font must always be consistent. A long line must extend from the right corner of the “V.” The “ans” should also be placed beneath the line.
Search for a dark, exquisite logo on the insole
The logo on the footbed of many counterfeit Vans sneakers is usually faded. The genuine one will be really well-colored, vibrant, and simple to read.