Manolo Blahnik leather pumps: How can you spot a counterfeit?

One of the world's leading luxury footwear brands, Manolo Blahnik has had an international reputation since the 1970s. The brand designs its own women's collections with a blend of "extreme femininity and provocative sensuality" to best suit women's needs. Manolo Blahnik expanded considerably with its collection of leather pumps. They were a huge success, but this did not escape the attention of counterfeiters. They are constantly reproducing "fake" versions of these pumps and the brand's new emblematic pieces. Unfortunately, if you're not a connoisseur, you could easily be taken in by the tempting offers on the brand's copied products. In this article, we'll show you some effective tips to help you identify a genuine pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps, a luxury product, and differentiate it from a counterfeit.

The shape of the front

First of all, you can inspect the front of the pump. This has a very pronounced, pointed shape. The front of the shoe tends to be triangular. On an imitation, this can vary. It can be far too pointed or a little too rounded. Please note that the Manolo Blahnik soles are of incomparable quality, consistent with their price, which means you should feel very little pain in your feet, especially on the front.

This is what the front of the pump should look like:

Check that the product has a tiny beige platform just below the pointed front. This platform ensures the comfort and durability of your pair and your feet.

Here is an overview of this detail:

Brand registration

It is important to check that the brand name is written on the inside of the shoe, in the middle of the sole. Manolo Blahnik is written vertically and in capital letters. The sole and the product must be made entirely of leather. The brand logo can be seen on the inside of the sole as well as on the outside, on the back of the shoe. The following wording can also be seen on the back: "Made in Italy", as all Manolo Blahnik models are made in Italy. If you see a different place of manufacture on your product, or if any of the above details are missing, you're probably looking at a counterfeit. And don't forget the shoe size, which is also visible on the back of the product.

The sole

The insole and outsole must be the same colour, and on this pair of pumps, the outsole is beige. On a counterfeit product, it may appear darker or lighter. The quality of this element must be checked properly, as a striped sole, a sole of a different colour or a very thin sole should alert you to the possibility that this pair is counterfeit.

The quality of Manolo Blahnik shoes

Manolo Blahnik shoes are made in Italy and must therefore be of the highest quality. Every aspect of the design, from the types of leather to the stitching to the precise detailing that embellishes the pump, must be as perfect as possible. Stitches must be tight and uniform across all shoes. Replica factories do not prioritise aesthetics in the manufacture of their products. This is why imitations may have double seams or large, uneven stitches. The leather, on the other hand, must be of the best possible quality and have a perfect shape. The insole must be perfectly aligned with the side of the shoe and well attached to it.

Curious to find out more about counterfeit luxury goods? Read our articles on Louis Vuitton Air Force One and Hermès Day sneakers.

Secure the purchase of your pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps

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In the event of a counterfeit scam, you can quickly and easily return the product to the seller and get your money back. What's more, you'll have all the information you need about the seller in the event of legal action.