How can you spot fake Chanel espadrilles?
With classic styles and several variations, Chanel espadrilles are destined to be a must-have choice for this summer 2021. Perfect for cool, sunny days, walks on the beach and cobbled streets, Chanel espadrilles evoke luxurious glamour.
Luckily for you, the Chanel espadrille is not a luxury shoe that you can only take out once or twice a year. In fact, you'll have a hard time taking them off once you slip them on. Made from the finest materials, Chanel espadrilles are about as comfortable as you'd want them to be.
Unfortunately, where there's a popular shoe, there's a counterfeit. Chanel espadrilles are increasingly subject to imitations, and it's important to know how to spot them. Here are our tips and tricks for authenticating Chanel espadrilles.
1/ The end of the espadrille
As you can see from the images below, the toe area of the authentic espadrilles is large with a very straight top edge, whereas it has a curved shape in the photo of the fake Chanel espadrilles. It's this fuller, rounder look on the original espadrilles that gives them a truly high-end feel.
What's more, the midsole of the authentic model is wide, which lifts the feet slightly and makes the whole look nicer, whereas the midsole of the fake espadrille is narrower. As for the seams, they are made with a 'cord' on the fake espadrilles and do not follow the same pattern as the original. In addition, the seams in the middle of the midsole must be as thick and tight as in the image of the authentic espadrilles.
Left: fake Chanel espadrilles, right: real Chanel espadrilles
2/ The Chanel logo
On the original espadrilles, the double C representing the Chanel logo must be perfectly symmetrical. As you can see from the images below, the replica factory makes a mockery of this very important detail. In fact, on the Chanel counterfeit, the C on the right is larger than the one on the left.
What's more, the genuine logo is symmetrical, narrow and clean, whereas the fake is wider, bulkier and looser. It has a more raised appearance than the original.
On the left, a fake Chanel logo, on the right the real Chanel logo
3/ The insole
Chanel espadrilles are only made with double soles, which makes them last longer. As for the upper insole of the authentic espadrille, it doesn't replicate the shape of the foot, whereas the faux espadrille follows the contour of the foot. This may not seem like a big problem, but remember, we're looking for differences, not for what's good or bad. Also, the original insole is more granular, which will prevent feet from slipping inside the shoes.
The seams on the fake soles are loose, which is never a good sign because they need to be as tight as in the photo on the right.
Finally, the lettering: the thin but chunky letters on the authentic insole are so golden that they reflect the light very well, which is not the case on the fake espadrilles. On the other hand, the letters and Chanel logo on the replica are bolder, thicker and in a different shade of gold.
On the left, fake Chanel espadrilles, on the right a real pair of Chanel espadrilles.
4/ The outsole
Never forget to check the soles. When it comes to authentic espadrilles, every detail, from the size to the engraved pattern, is perfectly executed. The same cannot be said of replica soles: the letters are so fine and small that they are almost impossible to spot. What's more, the pattern is asymmetrical and doesn't reproduce the original look at all.
The replica factory doesn't pay much attention to detail. For example, the dot on the authentic espadrille is supposed to be on the left-hand side of the design, but it's non-existent on the fake sole. The lettering in this case is also thinner and paler than on the original sole.
On the left, counterfeit Chanel espadrilles, on the right authentic Chanel espadrilles.
Secure the purchase of your second-hand Chanel espadrilles with Obvy
Once you've checked the authenticity of your second-hand Chanel espadrilles (because yes, buying second-hand is practical, eco-responsible and cheaper!) using our advice above, it's essential to ensure the security of your transaction using a secure payment method such as Obvy.
With Obvy, you can benefit from a number of advantages such as payment in instalments and traceability of the transaction, to ensure optimum security until you receive your Chanel espadrilles and can certify their authenticity.