It’s important to be able to identify a fake sneaker. You don’t want to invest your money in a pair of shoes only to discover that they’re not even worth the price. The good news is that there are a few steps you can take to make sure that the sneakers you’re looking at are genuine.

Smell

There is actually a small window of time when you can sniff out the true value of a pair of spiffed up shoes. A trip to the local sneaker emporium can elicit the best results, but a visit to your local department store or online retailer could be a less than gratifying experience. For those looking to make a statement at the next social gathering, the appropriate footwear can be the sexiest accessory. That said, it is important to note that a well conditioned shoe is also a sexier proposition. If you do decide to invest in a new pair, ensure that they are of the highest quality.

SKU code

You can easily identify fake sneakers by looking for the SKU code on the box and inside the sneaker. It is also important to check the quality of the materials and workmanship.

The SKU code is a 10-character identifier. Each color design of shoes has its own code. Some fake sneakers have mismatched SKU codes. This is a major red flag.

In addition to the SKU code, a fake sneaker may have random numbers on the tag. If there is a QC stamp, this can be a good indicator.

Another indicator of a fake sneaker is the odor. A cheap substitute will have a stronger smell.

Smudgy insoles

Smudgy insoles are no doubt the most annoying thing about wearing a pair of shoes. It is also one of the reasons why you should never wear a pair of snoozing sandals to work. This is especially true if your day job requires you to sit at a desk for hours on end. So how do you weed out the fake from the legit? The first step is to use the proper footwear care rituals. In addition, you will need to inspect your shoe box regularly and keep an eye out for sneaky trolls and shady peddlers. Once you have your list of suspects in hand, you can start the battle of the sexes.

Smudgy box

The best way to tell a fake Jordan from a real one is to find out the exact size of the shoe you are shopping for. Typically, fakes are sized smaller than authentic models. So you may be able to get away with buying a larger size than you actually need.

In addition, there are some obvious telltales that you can look for in the packaging of your new Jordans. For example, some fakes are made with inferior quality materials. They also lack some of the features of an authentic pair, including the swoosh and the tongue tag. Also, there are some sneaky manufacturers who use lesser-quality machines to manufacture their shoes, which is why you don’t get the same level of perfection.

Checking for a match online

One of my favourite pastimes is browsing for a new pair of kicks. Thankfully, my local shoe dealer has a good eye for ol’ time shoes. And a good price to boot. To my wife’s chagrin, I’m a sneaker hound with a budget too tight for a singlet. So, how do I go about it? Well, I do my best to keep an open mind and a well stocked wallet. Hopefully, that leads to the best possible outcome for all concerned. The following list of dos & don’ts may prove to be a tad tame. Fortunately, this should be a fun family affair.

Avoiding counterfeit sneakers from sellers

If you want to buy sneakers online, it’s important to do your homework. This will help you to avoid counterfeit sneakers. You also need to be aware of the scammers out there. These people can easily take your money.

The best way to identify counterfeit sneakers is by looking at the shoe’s tag. This is often found on the sides or behind the tongue. Check the code on the tag to see if it matches the shoe’s SKU number.

Also look for the logos and watermarks on the packaging. Fraudulent sellers may ship your shoes in the wrong box or without any packaging.