Which sneakers are most often counterfeited and how to realize that yours is a fake: 3 tips

CEO of Fitness Boutique, distributor of adidas Fitness, Reebok Fitness, Century

“Replica” has firmly entered our lives. The popularity of any brand can be determined by the number of its Chinese fakes. But not all models and not all brands are counterfeited. Why?

It’s all about financial gain. Only that which will be sold out in large quantities is counterfeited. Therefore, the more popular the model of the same sneakers, the higher the risk of getting not the original, and fake. Alas, sometimes it can be carefully disguised. We understand where it is easier to stumble upon a fake and how to identify it.

Chinese manufacturers are trying to copy technologies that have developed world brands. It is funny to observe at sports exhibitions, if one of the official companies presented a new technological development, the next year a similar technology is found in more than five Chinese factories…

Which brands are counterfeited more often

1. Nike

Every year, the World Customs Organization publishes a report on counterfeit goods for the past year. Of the sports brands, the rating has been headed by the Nike brand for many years . The company has goods of medium price category, but even this does not save from fakes. The leader in counterfeiting here are sneakers.

2. adidas

The second place is occupied by the brand adidas. The German company also becomes a frequent victim of fakemakers. The famous “three stripes” many people want to see both on clothing and sports shoes. Leaders in fakes are completely different models of sneakers – from novelties to good old classics.

A few years ago, the hit of sales was a limited edition model, designed together with the popular rapper Kanye West – Yeezy. But also the wave of fake did not bypass the perennial trendy lines: Tan Smith, Gazelle and Hamburg.

3. New Balance

This is Steve Jobs’ favorite sneaker brand. No wonder it is actively counterfeited. The leading model is New Balance 574, which is more than 40 years old. They can be found both on marketplaces and on the shelves of various stores.

4. Converse All Star

The iconic Converse All Star from 1917 doesn’t lose its relevance even now. Not only teenagers, but also adults dream of such a pair of shoes. Connoisseurs of this brand: Kurt Cobain, David Beckham, Avril Lavigne and Rihanna. Everything is logical – fans want to be like their idols. The opportunity to save money comes in handy.

How not to stumble upon a fake

You can study the sneakers that have already been bought, and take the tips to avoid making embarrassing mistakes in the future. So, how and where to buy sports shoes to minimize the risk of being the owner of a fake?

3 main tips

Tip 1. Be picky about the appearance and quality of materials of the product. If it is a shoe or clothing, then study it for external defects. They should not be. Seams should be even. Glue should not stick out.

Tip 2. Choose the right place of purchase. In the era of marketplaces, some unscrupulous sellers post a high-quality photo taken on the brand’s website. But in fact they send a completely different thing.

It is better to store in offline stores where you can feel the product and examine all the details.

Tip 3. Pay attention to the price. Too low a price for branded goods – a reason to think and look closely at it. In 100% of cases, it is a replica.

If you bought your sneakers on the Internet, in fact the thing was not quite like the picture (but seemingly similar), the seams do not match somewhere and places visible glue … Well, you guessed it. If it came very cheap, you can be congratulated on your economical purchase. But… This is also an ambiguous question, because the miser, as we know, pays twice.