Yeezy 450: how to identify a counterfeit pair of shoes?
One of the most influential artists on the planet, Kanye West has built an empire thanks to his sneaker brand Yeezy. Since his first collaboration with Bape in 2007, the American rapper has made a name for himself in the world of streetwear. The Yeezy models released over the years have been a huge success. However, the shoes became so popular that counterfeiters seized on the hype to create replicas of the most iconic models. The 450 has not escaped this trend. Fraudsters sell counterfeit pairs on unofficial websites or resale platforms. So if you're looking to buy a second-hand Yeezy 450 or one from an unofficial shop, here's a genuine authenticity guide to help you do just that.
The midsole :
First of all, pay particular attention to the claw-shaped midsole. It speaks volumes about the authenticity of the product. This foam sole is what makes this pair of shoes so appealing.
The midsole should blend in with the outsole, which is the same colour and material. On counterfeit Yeezy shoes, the two soles do not match so well, so the difference is more visible.
Also look at the claws on the midsole. Authentic 450s have a more prominent sole, with larger, sharper claws. This is not the case on replicas of these shoes, where the claws are smaller and smoother.
On the left, an authentic Yeezy insole, on the right, a fake midsole.
The back of the trainer :
Now let's check the back of the 450 shoes. To give the foot more support, the knitted fabric in the heel area is stiffer.
At this point, the claws of the midsole should wrap around the heel smoothly and tightly. Every detail of this shoe has been designed for optimum comfort in use. This is not the case with pairs from replica factories.
If you don't feel comfortable when you put your feet in the shoe, it's probably a counterfeit.
On the left, a genuine pair of Yeezy, on the right, a counterfeit pair of Yeezy.
Want to find out more about counterfeit trainers? We recommend our articles on Chain Reactions trainers by Versace or Day trainers by Hermès.
The outsole :
You should also pay particular attention to the outsole of your shoes. This is made of white rubber for good bounce and cushioning. The wave pattern on the sole makes the pair difficult to counterfeit and therefore interesting to observe.
On a real Yeezy, the waves in the sole are thick and each space is similar. This is not the case on replicas of this shoe. In fact, on counterfeits, the spaces are often not respected, they are irregular.
The waves of fake soles don't cover the whole sole either. If you're looking at a replica, you'll notice gaps around the edges.
The two photos on the left represent a real pair, the two photos on the right represent a fake.
The toe box:
The last point to check concerns the front of the shoe: the toe area. In this area, the fabric should also be tauter for better support. It is also thicker on this part of the trainer.
On shoes from counterfeit factories, the fabric is much lighter, and the impression is that a hole can be made at any time.
You should also pay attention to the shape of the toe area. This differs between a real pair from the American brand and a fake. The real box has a much more rounded shape, making the pair more elegant.
Secure the purchase of your second-hand Yeezy 450 with Obvy :
If you want to conduct transactions, sales and/or purchases, between private individuals in complete security, choose Obvy. Obvy is a secure payment platform designed to eradicate online scams between individuals. When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies the conformity of the item purchased.
In the event of a counterfeiting 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.