How to Spot Authentic Sneakers

Labels, stitching, packaging and price: the checks that separate the real thing from a replica.

Replica sneakers have never been more convincing, and they rarely announce themselves. The good news is that most fakes give themselves away to anyone who knows where to look. None of these checks is a guarantee on its own, but together they'll tell you a lot about the pair in front of you.

Start with the price and the seller. Sought-after releases hold their value, so a heavily discounted pair from an unknown seller deserves a second look. Buy from a retailer you can hold to account — one with a real address, clear return policies and people you can talk to if something isn't right.

Next, the box and the label. The label on the box should match the shoe exactly: the same style code, colourway and size as the tag stitched inside the tongue or printed on the inner lining. Mismatched codes, blurry printing or spelling mistakes are classic warning signs.

Then look closely at the build. Authentic pairs have even, tight stitching, clean glue lines and logos that are crisp and correctly placed. Feel the materials — leather and suede should feel like what they are, and the sole should be firm and evenly finished. A strong chemical smell straight out of the box is another common giveaway.

Finally, check the inside. Insole branding, size tags and printed details should be sharp and consistent with the rest of the shoe. Compare against official product photos from the brand if you're unsure; small differences in shape, spacing or font often reveal a copy.

Here, every product we sell is the genuine article — no replicas, no grey areas. If you ever have a question about a pair, our team is happy to walk you through it, in store or online.