So, like, how do you tell the real deal from the fakes? It’s not always easy, lemme tell ya. But there are a few things to look out for.
First off, the box. Real Converse come in a legit box. If it’s missing, alarm bells should be ringing already. Like, seriously, who sells shoes without the box? Unless it’s a yard sale and they’re practically giving ’em away, be suspicious.
Then there’s the overall look and feel. Fakes often use cheaper materials. The stitching might be wonky, the rubber sole might feel kinda flimsy, and the canvas… well, it just won’t have that sturdy, classic Converse feel. You know what I mean? It’s hard to explain, but you kinda just *know* when something’s off.
The logo is a big one too. Check it closely! Is it blurry? Is the star messed up? Is the font wrong? Fakers often screw this up. Sometimes they even put the logo in the wrong place! Now, the Converse logo is usually on the inside, but there were exceptions like the Jewel All Star (logo on the outside) and the All Star 2000 (logo on both sides). But if it’s not one of those… watch out! I mean, really. It is a good thing to check.
And don’t forget the price! If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Converse aren’t *super* expensive, but they ain’t dirt cheap either. A suspiciously low price is a major red flag. I saw a pair of “All Stars” online for, like, 15 bucks once. You just *know* those are gonna fall apart after a week.
Oh, and another thing – check the sizing and the placement of the “All Star” logo on the heel patch. Is it straight? Is it the right font? Do the sizes make sense? Sometimes fakers just completely botch this.
Honestly, sometimes it’s tough to tell just from pictures online. That’s where it gets tricky. If possible, try to buy from reputable stores or websites. That way, you’re way less likely to get stuck with some crappy imitation.
I mean, I know it’s not the end of the world if you accidentally buy fakes, but still, it’s annoying, right? You want the real deal. So, just take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if something feels off, trust your gut. It’s usually right.