How to Check Authentic adidas Shoes and Spot Fakes
Quick View
- How to Check Authentic adidas Shoes via the Label and Product Code
- Checking the Label's Information and Print Quality
- Checking the ART Code (Product Code)
- Matching the Label Information with the Product
- Matching the Box with the Product Information
- How to Identify Authentic adidas Shoes by Finish Quality
- Checking the Shape and Details on the Shoe Body
- Checking the Stitching, Glue, and Logo
- Checking the Sole and Insole
- Other Signs to Watch For When Buying adidas Shoes
- Price
- Where to Buy and Which Retailer
Fake adidas shoes are increasingly made to look like the real thing, so a quick glance at the shape or logo often isn't enough to tell them apart. Instead of focusing on a single detail, you should check step by step, from identifying information to the actual design and where it was purchased. Let's go with Supersports through a simple, easy-to-apply way to check authentic adidas shoes and avoid confusion when telling real from fake.
How to Check Authentic adidas Shoes via the Label and Product Code
The first step is to compare the identifying information on the label, product code, and shoe box if it's still complete. This can help you spot cases of the wrong model, wrong colorway, or inconsistent information.
Checking the Label's Information and Print Quality
Depending on the product line, market, and manufacturing date, adidas shoe labels can vary in layout. Some common details include:
- Sizing in UK, US, FR, JP, or CHN systems.
- Place and time of manufacture.
- ART code / product code.
- Other identifying codes on the product.
- QR code
Beyond the content itself, take a look at the print quality of the label. Spelling errors, hard-to-read information, or a layout that's noticeably different from the label of the correct model are all worth noting.
Don't rely only on the font, character spacing, or the position of a single letter to conclude a shoe is fake. adidas labels don't follow one single template across all products.
Checking the ART Code (Product Code)
The ART code / product code is the information that identifies a specific adidas shoe version.
How to check:
- Find the ART code on the shoe label.
- Look up the code on the adidas website or a search engine.
- Check whether the result matches the correct shoe line.
- Cross-check the colorway and design of the product as well.
If the ART code brings up a model or colorway that's completely different from the shoe you're checking, that's a fairly clear red flag.
When looking it up, use the exact ART code rather than just searching for the shoe line's name. A single line like Samba, Superstar, or Ultraboost can have many different versions and colorways, so the product code will help narrow down the results more accurately.
Matching the Label Information with the Product
After identifying the ART code, check whether the information on the label matches the actual shoe.
You should compare:
- ART code.
- Size.
- Product line.
- Colorway.
- The shoe's actual design.
If the information from the ART code lookup returns a model or colorway that doesn't match the shoe you're checking, that's worth noting. For designs with a QR code on the label, you can scan it for extra information, but the QR code shouldn't be treated as the sole proof of authenticity. Once the label information matches the product, continue comparing the design and finish quality of the shoe.
Matching the Box with the Product Information
If the shoe still comes with its box, the box label is another source of information you can cross-check against the label you checked in the previous step.
Check details such as:
- ART code / product code.
- Size.
- Product name or identifying information.
- Colorway, if shown.
- Whether the box label matches the label inside the shoe.
The product code and size on the box should match the information on the label. If the box label shows a different code or mismatched information, you should double-check the shoe's origin.
That said, don't rely solely on the condition of the box to conclude whether a product is real or fake. Boxes can get dented, damaged, or replaced during storage, shipping, or resale. The value of the box lies in providing extra information to cross-check, not in being an independent proof of authenticity on its own.
How to Identify Authentic adidas Shoes by Finish Quality
At this stage, the easiest approach is to pull up the image of the exact ART code and place it next to the shoe you're checking. Instead of looking for one universal trait for every adidas shoe, compare it directly against the correct model, since each line has a different construction and finish.
Checking the Shape and Details on the Shoe Body
Look at the overall shape before moving on to smaller details. Some areas worth comparing include:
- The toe and heel shape.
- The proportions between sections of the shoe body.
- The position and size of the 3-Stripes.
- The logo and lettering on the product.
- The lacing system and eyelets.
- How the material panels are arranged.
- Details specific to each model.
For example, Samba, Superstar, and Ultraboost have completely different constructions. So a trait that's correct for one line isn't necessarily useful for checking another.
If the shape or the layout of details is noticeably different from the official images of the same product code, that's a point worth examining more closely.
Checking the Stitching, Glue, and Logo
After looking at the overall shoe, check closely at the spots most likely to reveal manufacturing flaws.
Things to look out for:
- Whether the stitching is even and follows the design.
- Whether the material panels are joined in the right places.
- Whether the logo has the correct shape and proportions.
- Whether the printed text is wrong, distorted, or misaligned.
- Whether the glue has been applied relatively neatly.
Don't apply the rule "if there's excess glue, it's fake." A small amount of glue can still show up on mass-produced products.
What's more concerning is when several finishing flaws show up at the same time, such as a mis-proportioned logo, crooked stitching, and panels that don't match the official design.
Checking the Sole and Insole
The sole is also where many distinctive traits of each adidas line show up, especially for models using a signature sole structure or technology. Compare:
- The shape of the midsole.
- The pattern and structure of the outsole.
- The logo's position.
- The technology name printed on the product.
- The shape and branding on the insole.
If the ART code identifies a specific model but the sole construction is noticeably different from the official images, that's a sign worth noting.
For the insole, also consider how worn the shoe is. The logo or printed text can fade over time from friction, so you shouldn't judge this detail based on how new it looks alone.
>>> See more:
- A detailed guide to checking authentic Puma shoes for anyone who isn't sure yet.
- Check out how to identify authentic New Balance shoes so you don't lose money unnecessarily when buying shoes.
Other Signs to Watch For When Buying adidas Shoes
Price
A new or popular shoe model priced unusually low compared to the general market is a case worth checking closely.
Before buying, you should:
- Compare the price with adidas and reputable retailers.
- Check whether the product is part of a promotion.
- Check the condition carefully if it's a used shoe.
- Check the return policy and proof of purchase.
A low price doesn't automatically mean fake. Authentic shoes can still see deep discounts during sales. What matters is whether the price makes sense given the seller and the actual condition of the product.
Authentic Adidas Shoes | At Supersports
Where to Buy and Which Retailer
If you want to reduce risk from the start, where you buy is a factor you shouldn't overlook.
Prioritize:
- Authentic products: Every pair comes with a full set of labels, codes, and accessories such as the box and dust bag.
- High finish quality: Fine stitching, a solid shape, a durable sole, and good load-bearing performance.
- Reasonable pricing: Offering authentic shoe options that fit the taste and budget of young Vietnamese shoppers.
- Retailers with a clear, traceable source of supply.
Discover authentic adidas shoe designs at Supersports with a wide range of options, from running shoes, training to lifestyle. Choosing products from a trusted seller gives you more peace of mind about their origin and lets you fully enjoy the design and technology of each adidas shoe line.
Supersports is VIETNAM'S NO. 1 RETAILER AND DISTRIBUTOR OF AUTHENTIC FOOTWEAR, APPAREL, AND SPORTS ACCESSORIES. The brand is part of Central Retail Group - a leading retailer from Thailand.
Supersports operates a retail network carrying more than 30 well-known sports brands, including: Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Puma... Among these, Supersports is the official and exclusive distributor of: Under Armour, HOKA, and Columbia. We are committed to bringing the best quality, authentic products to sports enthusiasts across Vietnam.
