FOLLOW US
Newsletter
Sneaker Fortress
  • Sneaker News
  • Popular Releases
  • Top 10
Step Into the Future of Sneaker Culture.
Nike Shop
Sneaker Fortress
No Result
View All Result
  • Nike Shop
  • Top 10
  • Air Jordans
  • Nike
  • adidas
  • ASICS
  • Converse
  • Crocs
  • New Balance
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
Home Sneakers

Fake Sneakers: How To Tell If Sneakers Are Real

Jarrod Saunders by Jarrod Saunders
October 22, 2024
Fake Sneakers
This post includes references to products from some of our advertisers. We may earn compensation when you click on links to these products. The opinions and information provided on this site are the original editorial content of Sneaker Fortress.

Do you know how to tell if sneakers are fake? Avoid being a victim of fake sneakers. Here are some good tips to avoid counterfeits.

  • 1. Fake Sneaker Packaging
  • 2. Counterfeit Sneaker Texture
  • 3. Fake Sneakers Seam Quality
  • 4. Fake Sneaker Odour
  • 5. Fake Sneaker Price
  • Have you purchased fake sneakers or fake shoes before?
  • Other Methods
  • Recap

Sneakers are an expensive hobby. There’s no doubt about that. Getting a fresh new pair can be a euphoric feeling, especially when it’s something that’s hard to find on the market. As exciting as the joy can be, it really sucks to find out that what you’ve got is actually not the real deal. If you’ve ever been in this boat, or you’re trying to find a way to avoid being a victim of fake sneakers, here are some good tips to follow in order to avoid copping a pair of counterfeits.

1. Fake Sneaker Packaging

counterfeit Nike shoes packaging

If you receive a new pair of shoes, the suspicion should begin with the package. The box can be an underrated way to determine the authenticity of your new kicks. If you notice any signs of damage at first glance, it will be wise to investigate it further.

Be glad, though. The shoes arriving in a box are still a good sign, but if your sneakers ever arrive wrapped in a plastic bag or a few pieces of paper, your suspicion radar should be on high alert. Sure, some stores deliver shoes without the box, but in these cases, they make it known before the order, and it’s up to you to decide if you trust that store.

In most cases, fake sneakers come in fake packaging, too. And most times, it’s easier to spot the fake packaging than it is to spot the fake sneakers.

2. Counterfeit Sneaker Texture

Fake Sneakers

Counterfeit sneakers are never able to properly imitate the surface of specific materials. With close examination, you’ll notice that the roughness of the leather has some noticeable roughness to it, meaning that it can be prone to cracking.

3. Fake Sneakers Seam Quality

counterfeit shoes Seam Quality

It’s usually easy to spot fake sneakers by looking at the seam quality.

The threading on a pair of original sneakers is usually very consistent and precise. On the seams, you should observe the distance between each of the individual holes as well as the thread structure and quality. Imperfect seams being present even before you’ve worn the shoe can cause some doubts.

Anything that is alarmingly obvious should ring your suspicions, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule, as even real pairs can have some minor defects in the manufacturing process. Buying from a store with a good return policy and warranty is always advisable because if you ever notice something that is bothersome, you can return it with a warranty claim.

4. Fake Sneaker Odour

how to tell if sneakers are fake

This is probably the easiest way to detect fake sneakers. It sounds odd at first, but the eyes can be easily misled. With the nose, you can’t fake a smell so easily.

Brands use very specific materials, and the smell of a legit pair is distinct from a fake one. If you’ve been collecting sneakers for a long time, you probably have a sense of what fresh legit pairs should smell like. Cheaper substitutes use materials of much worse quality; therefore, they can be logically recognised by their more pungent smell.

If you don’t trust your own judgement, it’s good to visit a sneaker specialist friend or brick-and-mortar sneaker shop to be extra sure.

5. Fake Sneaker Price

fake-sneakers-how-to-recognise-counterfeits

Last but not least, if all else fails to ring your alarm bells, you should enter the sneaker game with a mantra, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is”. Keep that in mind alongside the other tips here, and you should be well on your way to having a fully legit sneaker collection.

Have you purchased fake sneakers or fake shoes before?

Many sneaker buyers are being scammed out of their money by fraudsters on social media (some who have thousands of Instagram followers) offering unbelievable discounts. Shockingly, the fake sneakers (including very rare kicks) are selling at half the price of most official local retailers.

It’s best to buy from a reliable source—check website review sites or request to see the product in person. There are many fake Jordans and Nike sneakers around.

“The majority of the fraudulent sellers are selling direct to public, via Whatsapp or direct messages on social media. Once you fall victim to this it’s very difficult to get your money back,” Nick Herbert, owner of international sneaker store Shelflife, told Business Insider South Africa. “The most secure way to shop is through a legitimate business with a registered, secure website, and possibly a physical premises.”

Other Methods

Ramitheicon is well known for catching out fakes and has become a bit of a celebrity calling out counterfeit sneakers. There seems to be an art to hitting the sneakers and hearing certain sounds the actual sneaker makes. Watch the video below to see Ramitheicon in action:

RELATED: The 20 Best Nike Air Max Colourways Of All Time

Recap

How can you tell if sneakers are fake?

  1. The packaging (fonts are different, colour of the box is different)
  2. Cheap materials (the colour is off, too)
  3. Poor seam quality or the shape of the shoe
  4. That new sneaker smell
  5. A price too good to be true
Tags: Sneaker NewsTrending
ShareTweetSend

About the Author: Jarrod Saunders

Jarrod Saunders is a Cape Town-based creative and founder of Fortress of Solitude, with over 20 years in film, gaming, and pop culture. He’s directed award-winning movies, built entertainment sites, and somehow still finds time to watch 500 films a year. Also: sneakerhead and part-time superhero.

Our favourites. Available now at Nike.com

Related Posts

Valentine's Sneakers 2025
Sneakers

The Best Valentine’s Day 2025 Sneakers From Adidas, Converse & PUMA

January 24, 2025
Bravest Studios' Bear Claw Shoe Is A Fun New Trend
Sneakers

Bravest Studios’ Bear Claw Shoe Is A Fun New Trend

June 28, 2024
Donald Trump's $299 "Fight Fight Fight" Sneakers Are Selling Fast
Sneakers

Donald Trump’s $299 “Fight Fight Fight” Sneakers Are Selling Fast

July 19, 2024
Please login to join discussion
Cyberpunk Crazy IIInfinity Sneakers - Retro Futuristic Never Looked So Good
adidas

Adidas Crazy IIInfinity Sneakers Get A Cyberpunk Look

April 30, 2024
Nike Air Zoom Vick 2 "Falcons" Desperately Needs A Comeback
Nike

Nike Air Zoom Vick 2 “Falcons” Desperately Needs A Comeback

March 26, 2024
Go Full Sci-Fi Runner with the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3
PUMA

Go Full Sci-Fi Runner with the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3

April 22, 2025
Air Jordan 12 Pearl Pink
Air Jordan 12

Air Jordan 12 “Pearl Pink” Has Landed – Sneakerheads Are Raving Over Its Bold Look

February 13, 2025
Sneaker Fortress

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Publishing Principles
  • Ethics Policy
  • Ownership
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy & Site Disclaimer

Connect

Nike Shop
  • adidas
  • Converse
  • Air Jordans
    • Air Jordan 1
    • Air Jordan 2
    • Air Jordan 3
    • Air Jordan 4
    • Air Jordan 5
    • Air Jordan 6
    • Air Jordan 7
    • Air Jordan 8
    • Air Jordan 9
    • Air Jordan 10
    • Air Jordan 11
    • Air Jordan 12
    • Air Jordan 13
    • Air Jordan 14
    • Air Jordan 15
    • Air Jordan 16
    • Air Jordan 17
    • Air Jordan 18
    • Air Jordan 19
    • Air Jordan 21
    • Air Jordan 23
    • Air Jordan 39
  • New Balance
  • Nike
    • Nike Air Force 1
    • Nike Air Max
    • Nike Dunk
    • Nike Foamposite
    • Nike Kobe
  • PUMA
  • Reebok
  • Vans
  • Yeezy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Web Stories

© 2025 Sneaker Fortress, a division of Fortress Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.