With the surge in demand for rare and hyped sneakers, counterfeit pairs have unfortunately become a booming business.

At Mad Kicks, we take authenticity seriously. Every pair we sell is 100% verified by our in-house experts.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot a fake pair of sneakers and protect your investment.

1. Check the Box and Label

Authentic sneakers always come in high-quality packaging. Look for discrepancies in the font, color, or placement of logos on the box. Verify the SKU number on the label matches the SKU printed inside the shoe.

2. Inspect the Stitching and Materials

Replicas often use cheaper materials and rushed construction. Look for inconsistent stitching, glue stains, uneven leather grain, or incorrect textures. Real sneakers, especially from brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, are crafted with precision.

3. Smell Test

This may sound odd, but sneakerheads know: authentic sneakers have a specific smell from quality materials. Counterfeits often have a strong chemical or plastic odor due to inferior manufacturing processes.

4. Examine the Logo and Details

Subtle differences in the logo placement, shape of the Swoosh, or Jumpman proportions are red flags. Brands like Air Jordan and Yeezy have distinct design details that fakes often fail to replicate accurately.

5. Verify the Insole and Tag

Remove the insole to inspect the stitching underneath. Also, check the inside tag for any typos, spacing errors, or font inconsistencies.

6. Use a Legit Check App or Community

Apps like Legit Check, CheckCheck, and forums like Reddit’s r/Repsneakers can provide community insights.
However, professional authentication is always best.

7. Buy from Trusted Sources

The easiest way to avoid fakes is to buy from reputable sellers. At Mad Kicks, we offer a guarantee on authenticity and conduct multi-point checks on every pair in our collection.

Spotting a fake takes a trained eye, but by following these steps, you’ll be more equipped to protect yourself.
Or better yet—shop with confidence at Mad Kicks, where authenticity is guaranteed.