Over the years, the demand for high-quality or collector-edition sneakers has increased. Sneakers have become a fashion staple for shoe lovers around the globe. However, it has also brought about the rise of fraudulent sellers looking to take advantage of the passion of sneaker enthusiasts. Whether you’ve recently jumped into the sneaker wagon or are a veteran collector, here are four valuable tips to help you efficiently distinguish counterfeit sneakers from real ones.

Research the Seller

While it is highly recommended that you directly purchase with official brand retailers, many consumers opt for online resellers to save them the hassle of visiting the sneaker outlet. If you choose to deal with third-party online merchants, ensure they have an excellent reputation and are verified to lessen your chances of getting scammed.

Exhaust all resources to confirm your preferred seller’s authenticity. Examine their company website and social media pages, and look for client testimonials from credible platforms. Inspect the product images on their sites and consider seeking professional help from trusted authenticator for shoes service companies.

Counter-Check the Price

Since limited-edition sneakers can be costly, sellers who offer these collectibles for more than half the price are likely to be fraudsters. While sneaker brands routinely have promotions, they do not usually slash the price for more than it’s worth. Be skeptical of resellers offering huge discounts and double-check their prices with those of legitimate retailers.

Alternatively, you should also be wary of sellers offering sneakers for twice or thrice the original price. These retailers usually capitalize on consumers’ demand during sneaker hype or new releases. If you currently don’t have enough funds, it would be best to wait instead of being ripped off by shady and profit-driven resellers.

Scrutinize the Packaging

Packaging is another indicator of a sneaker’s authenticity. When buying sneakers from a reseller, make sure to examine how they are presented. Most authentic sneakers are packed in durable, quality boxes with readable sneaker details printed on them.

Some essential information includes product details, size information, barcode, manufacturer, and SKU code. Big-name brands are known for perfect printing and labeling, so if you spot poor grammar, misspelled words, or any packaging flaw, they are probably counterfeits. If the seller informs you that no box will be included, take it as a red flag and look elsewhere.

Pay Attention to the Little Details

Aside from the packaging, you should also take note of the essential details that may seem insignificant to some. Genuine sneakers are made with perfect craftsmanship, so if the texture seems off or the materials look subpar, they are most likely counterfeit.

Check the stitching, as fake sneakers generally have mediocre seam quality, which is evident with loose threads, inconsistent stitching, and signs of glue. You should also inspect the sole details, weight, and even the odor of the sneakers. If they smell like chemicals or have an overpowering scent, be suspicious, as authentic sneakers smell the opposite.

Endnote

For sneakers lovers, buying counterfeit pieces can be disheartening. To prevent yourself from getting scammed, remember the above-mentioned tips and always be meticulous when shopping.