How to Check Authentic Puma Shoes: Simple, Easy Steps
Quick View
- How to Check Authentic Puma Shoes Through Product Information
- Check Information on the Shoe Label
- Check the Product Code
- Compare the Shoe Model and Colorway
- Compare Information Between the Shoe and the Box
- How to Identify Authentic Puma Shoes Through Design and Finish
- Compare the Design With Images of the Correct Shoe Model
- Check the Material and Finish
- Check the Puma Logo and Formstrip
- Check the Design and Finish of the Outsole
- Check Authentic Puma Shoes Through Price and Purchase Source
- Price
- Purchase Source and Retailers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can checking the Puma shoe code confirm authenticity?
- How do you check authentic Puma shoes using the product code?
- Does a different Puma shoe label mean the shoes are fake?
- Are Puma shoes priced lower than the listed price necessarily fake?
- Where to Buy Authentic Puma Shoes?
Authentic and fake Puma shoes are getting harder to tell apart just by looking at them. The label, product code, and logo can all provide useful information for checking, but no single detail is enough on its own to confirm whether a product is authentic. Let Supersports walk you through how to check authentic Puma shoes and how to cross-check each detail to make verification easier.
How to Check Authentic Puma Shoes Through Product Information
You can start checking Puma shoes using the information available on the label and product code. Read on for a detailed look at how below.
Check Information on the Shoe Label
The shoe label carries basic information for identifying the product. The layout may vary by model, but here's what to check:
- Size: Compare the sizing systems listed on the label.
- Product code: Identify the code sequence used to recognize the model and version.
- Country of manufacture: Check the manufacturing country printed on the label.
- Label information: Check the details shown on the label and cross-check them against the shoe itself, rather than relying only on the label's look or printing style.
Don't rely solely on the font, placement, or look of the label to conclude whether shoes are real or fake, since label design can differ by model and market.
Check the Product Code
On official product pages, Puma uses a Style Number to identify each model and version. For example, on Puma's official website, the Speedcat OG in PUMA Black–PUMA White carries Style Number 398846_01.
You can find the code on the shoe label, then look it up on Puma's website or a search engine to see the matching product. When checking the code, verify the result actually matches the shoes in hand, not just whether the code turns up somewhere.
Note: The Style Number isn't a unique authentication code for each individual pair. Fakes can still copy this product information, so a matching code is only a starting point for further checks, not enough on its own to confirm a product is authentic.
Compare the Shoe Model and Colorway
After looking up the product code, compare the result against the correct model and colorway of your shoes:
- Model name: Check whether the code returns the correct Puma shoe line in hand.
- Colorway: Compare the colors and color combination against the product images published by Puma.
- Version: Confirm the matching version, since the same shoe line can be released in multiple colorways.
If the product code returns a model or colorway that doesn't match the actual shoes, that's a sign to keep checking other information.
Compare Information Between the Shoe and the Box
Check the box label and compare it with the information on the shoes. A few points worth cross-checking:
- Product code: Whether it matches the shoes inside.
- Size: Whether the size on the box matches the shoes.
- Model and version: Whether the information on the box matches the actual product.
Boxes and printed labels can also be copied or swapped, so matching information doesn't automatically confirm the shoes are authentic. Pair this step with checking the product's design and finish in the sections below.
How to Identify Authentic Puma Shoes Through Design and Finish
After checking the product information, move on to examining the shoes' design and finish. Compare details against the correct Puma model rather than applying one general standard across every product.
Compare the Design With Images of the Correct Shoe Model
Use images of the correct model and colorway from Puma's website as your reference point. Some details to watch:
- Shoe silhouette: Look at the overall shape, toe, heel, and proportions between parts.
- Upper design: Compare the placement and layout of details on the upper with images of the correct model.
- Signature details: Check the eyelets, trim, and design features specific to each model.
If the actual design shows clear differences from the images of the correct model and version Puma has published, check other elements further before drawing a conclusion.
Check the Material and Finish
Puma shoe materials vary by product line. So check the correct model's information on Puma's website before comparing it with the actual shoes.
- Material: Check whether the materials used on the upper, lining, Formstrip, and sole match the information for the correct model.
- Surface: Compare the color, texture, and surface features of the material with official product images.
- Stitching: Look at the stitching on the upper, especially at edges and joins; crooked or uneven stitching, or loose excess thread, are details that need further checking.
According to Puma's product information, the Speedcat OG in PUMA Black–PUMA White, Style Number 398846_01, has a leather upper, a suede Formstrip, and a rubber outsole. This is information you can use to directly cross-check when verifying this exact version.
Check the Puma Logo and Formstrip
The Puma logo and Formstrip can appear in different spots depending on each model's design. When checking, pay attention to:
- Logo placement: The Puma logo commonly sits on the upper, tongue, heel, or toe depending on the model. A single pair can also carry several logo styles in different spots.
- PUMA Cat: The leaping cat graphic may appear on its own or alongside the PUMA wordmark. Check the shape, lines, and spacing between the icon and the text against images of the correct model.
- Formstrip: The strip running along both sides of the upper is one of Puma's signature identifying features. Check the curve, width, and start/end points of the Formstrip against the correct model.
- Finishing detail: For printed, embroidered, or embossed logos, check the position, proportions, and finish quality. A crooked logo, noticeably off proportions between the PUMA wordmark and PUMA Cat, blurry printing, or uneven, misaligned embroidery compared with the correct model's images are signs that need further checking.
Check the Design and Finish of the Outsole
- Sole shape: Check the thickness, curve, and overall shape of the sole. For instance, the Speedcat is known for its thin rubber sole and low-profile look.
- Outsole pattern: Look at the grooves, raised blocks, and tread pattern on the bottom of the sole, then compare the layout with the correct shoe model.
- Logo and markings: Check the position, shape, and clarity of any logo or markings molded into the sole, if the model has them.
- Join: Look at the sole's edge and where it meets the upper, watching for misalignment, gaps, or uneven finishing.
>> See Also: How to Check Authentic adidas Shoes
Check Authentic Puma Shoes Through Price and Purchase Source
Beyond the product's own details, price and purchase source are also worth weighing when checking Puma shoes.
Price
Puma shoe prices can shift depending on timing and ongoing promotions, so price alone shouldn't be the basis for judging whether a product is real or fake.
- Compare prices: Check the price of the correct shoe model and the discount currently applied.
- Check ongoing promotions: Prices at Supersports can vary by campaign, such as Double Day at the start of the month or mid-season sales with discounts of up to 50% plus extra savings on multiple purchases.
- Unusually low price: If the price gap is large and the seller doesn't clearly disclose the promotion or the product's origin, check further before buying.
Purchase Source and Retailers
Beyond Puma's own stores and sales channels, you can also buy from reputable retail chains. When choosing where to buy, prioritize sellers with:
- Clear product information: Full product name, product code, size, and other details needed for cross-checking.
- Transparent purchase policies: Clearly published shipping, return/exchange, and customer rights policies.
- Product commitment: Retailers with clear business information and a commitment to product origin and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can checking the Puma shoe code confirm authenticity?
No. The product code helps you match the shoe model, version, and colorway, but it isn't a unique authentication code for each individual pair. So even a matching code still needs to be checked alongside the label, design, material, and other product details — the same logic behind the Style Number section above.
How do you check authentic Puma shoes using the product code?
Find the product code on the shoe label, then look it up on Puma's website or a search engine. The result should be cross-checked against the correct model name, version, and colorway of the shoes you're checking.
Does a different Puma shoe label mean the shoes are fake?
Not necessarily. Label design can vary by model and market, so you shouldn't judge real versus fake based only on the font, placement, or look of the label.
Are Puma shoes priced lower than the listed price necessarily fake?
No. Puma shoe prices can shift depending on timing and promotions. A low price should only be treated as one more thing to check, not used on its own to conclude a product is real or fake.
Where to Buy Authentic Puma Shoes?
You can shop for authentic Puma shoes at Supersports with options for every need, from running shoes and soccer cleats to everyday sneakers. Besides shoes, Supersports also carries Puma apparel and accessories, making it easy to find the right products for training, competition, or everyday style.
Authentic Puma Shoes – Comfort in Every Step
Explore authentic Puma products at Supersports along with a range of promotions, making it easier to find products that fit your needs and budget.
Supersports is VIETNAM'S NO. 1 AUTHENTIC SPORTS FOOTWEAR, APPAREL, AND ACCESSORIES RETAILER AND DISTRIBUTOR. The brand is part of Central Retail Group, a leading retailer from Thailand.
Supersports operates a retail network of more than 30 well-known sports brands, including Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Puma, and more. Supersports is also the official, exclusive distributor of Under Armour, HOKA, and Columbia. We're committed to bringing authentic, top-quality products to sports enthusiasts across Vietnam.
