Real vs Fake Adidas Shoes
Counterfeit is a serious problem that has a large effect on the world trade market. Counterfeit products are products that make use of the trademark of a brand or uses a trademark that is so similar, that it is hardly noticeable as a fake product. Counterfeiters use those trademarks without the authorization to do so. Consumers are in this way deceived by counterfeiters, fooling them into buying a fake product. The market for counterfeit clothing, textiles, footwear, handbags, cosmetics, and watches, alone, amounted to $450 billion and this number is growing yearly. Adidas also suffers from counterfeiters taking advantage of our brand. Adidas values their costumers and wants to deliver products from high quality and wants to inform you how to recognize fake adidas clothing.
Firstly, the laces. New adidas shoes have gracefully rolled laces that are sealed in a plastic bag, fake ones have their laces loosely packed. But since not all shoes come with the extra lace; it?s best to check on the internet about the model you are going to buy and if it comes with extra shoe lace or not. Also pay attention to the number of eyelets, Junior and Women?s shoes have 6 eyelets while Men?s shoes have 7 eyelets. If your shoe size is around EUR 35?40 and there are 7 eyelets on your shoe, it?s definitely a fake.
Left: Real Adidas shoe, Right: Fake Adidas shoe
Secondly, and this is one a less visible one, the serial number. All genuine Adidas products have serial numbers on the tags affixed to them. The tags have the size and product information on the inside of the shoe (behind the tongue). Real Adidas shoes will have tags with different serial numbers for the left and right shoe, but a fake product will have the same serial number.
Thirdly, the stitching, this is one that might need a closer observation as well. Real Adidas items will have a uniform and tight stitching. Fake ones will have sloppy and loose stitch work. Uneven stitching often makes it easy to spot a fake Adidas product.
Fourthly, one that might be obvious but still needs to be mentioned, is the price. Fake adidas shoes are often way cheaper than real ones. Adidas recommends checking the updated prices of the product you want to buy on their website.
Lastly, the most common way of differentiating between fake and real Adidas shoes is the the heel tag . The heel tag is material that is shaped in a triangle on the upper leather and is situated at the place where the upper leather meets the second layer of leather and situated at the heel of the shoe. If you recently bought an Adidas shoe that contains the heel tag, then it is a fake product for sure. Adidas stopped including the heel tag in their shoes around 2004/2005.
The image below shows a fake Adidas shoe (black) and an original (white). You can see the shape of the back area is different in both shoes. The original is a bit taller on the back than the fake shoes. The difference is easy to see when you put one shoe next to the other.
If you want to learn more about how to recognize fake adidas trousers check out this video.
Adidas hopes you have all the information needed to distinguish fake shoes from the real ones. Concerned that you purchased a fake product? Please inform us! More information can be found here.
