First things first, let’s just acknowledge the irony. Kanye, the guy who’s all about authenticity and “being real,” his shoes are some of the most heavily counterfeited on the planet. Go figure, right? Anyway…
So, where to even start? I mean, there are like, a million different Yeezy models, from the 350 V2s to the 750s, to those weird Foam Runners that look like Swiss cheese. And the fakers, man, they’re getting *good*. Like, scary good.
One thing I always do is check the box. Not just the box itself, but the label on the box. Make sure the style code on the label matches the style code printed on the tag *inside* the shoe. If those numbers don’t line up, red flag city, baby! Also, pay attention to the font, the spacing, the overall quality of the label. Real Adidas labels are usually pretty crisp and clean, whereas fakes can sometimes look a little blurry or off.
And speaking of inside the shoe, let’s talk about the stitching. Real Yeezys have pretty impeccable stitching, especially around the Boost midsole. Fake ones? Not so much. You might see loose threads, uneven spacing, or even just a generally sloppy look. It’s like, they rushed it or something, you know?
Then there’s the Boost. Oh, the Boost. This is where things get tricky. But basically, genuine Boost is supposed to have this distinct “pellet” look, like a bunch of tiny little foam balls fused together. Some of the newer fakes are actually getting pretty good at replicating the Boost, but usually, the “pellets” on the fakes will be less defined, kinda blurry, or even barely visible like I saw in one article.
Okay, and this might sound dumb, but smell the shoes. I’m serious! Real Yeezys usually have this distinct, factory-fresh smell (hard to describe, but you know it when you smell it), while fakes can sometimes have this weird, chemical-y smell, like they were made in some dodgy basement somewhere. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s weird, but it’s a legit tip!
Don’t forget the QR code, if there is one. Scanning it should lead to the official Adidas product page, not some weird site. But even then, be careful because the fakers are getting sneakier and sneakier.
Honestly, the best way to avoid getting faked is to buy from reputable sources. Like, directly from Adidas, or from authorized retailers like Foot Locker or Champs Sports. Resale sites like StockX or GOAT can be okay, but do your research and check the seller’s reviews before you pull the trigger.
