How can you spot fake New Balance trainers?
New Balance has been given a new lease of life by the many celebrities who have recently worn them with casual outfits. Indeed, Cara Delevingne, Gigi Hadid and Kanye West have all been seen wearing them frequently, and this has instantly attracted attention. As you know, New Balance shoes have a very specific style that is easily identifiable thanks to the first letter of the brand sewn onto the trainers. So counterfeiters immediately set about making copies and conning people into buying their fake trainers thinking they were genuine. Fortunately, there are several ways to spot fake New Balance trainers. All you need is attention to detail. You also need to be wary of the seller. In this article, you'll discover all the important details for checking the authenticity of your New Balance shoes.
The logo
The logo is what represents the company and its identity. It is therefore in a certain standard shape and colour. Anything questionable about the logo is a clear sign that New Balance shoes are fake. There are many replicas that are more accurate and may look like real New Balance shoes at first glance. However, you will notice in the photo below, that on the back of the fake New Balance shoe, the logo on the outside of the shoe is not perfectly clear and the ® next to the "e" is incomplete, making it impossible to certify that this is a genuine pair of New Balance shoes.
It is therefore essential to look carefully at the thread used to create the logo (when it is sewn on), and the shape and size of the logo which is in a particular size. The seams should be perfectly sewn together and no fabric should be loose or fall out of the shoe. Note also that it is possible for the logo to have a typo or a different font to the legitimate logo. If this is the case, you can be sure that it is a counterfeit.
On the left a fake New Balance, on the right a real New Balance
The sole
The sole is the area where the foot is located. The sole therefore has two sides, the one where the feet sit and the one that touches the ground.
The insole
The insole is where the feet are attached to the shoe. This is where the New Balance logo is printed in the brand's official font and design. It may have worn off on some used shoes, but check that the logo details are consistent with those of the brand.
If the logo on the insole is missing or incorrect, the shoes are fake.
On the left a fake New Balance, on the right a real New Balance
The outsole
The outsole is the one that touches the ground directly. The official brand of New Balance shoes has its NB logo embossed on it.
Also check that the trademark is surrounded by the ® certification symbol next to it, confirming that these are the real New Balance shoes. Also make sure that the edges of the embossed logo are well cut and that the finish is clean and straight.
On the left a fake New Balance, on the right a real New Balance
The tongue
Now let's take a look at the tongue of the shoe. Every New Balance language has the New Balance shoe number. If it's a fake pair of New Balance shoes, there will be a number that doesn't match the design of the shoe. For example, some fake shoes add New Balance 577 when the model is supposed to be 574. The real shoe should also have the brand name stitched between the logo and the number.
On the inside of the tab, you'll find another label. The number on the barcode must match the number on the box. The label should also include a QR code so that you can check the authenticity of your shoe. The size of fake New Balance shoes is not on the tongue either, but on the inside of the shoe. Also, fake New Balance shoes don't normally have metal holes, which real ones do. However, some models such as the New Balance 373 do not have this detail, so search for your model on the official website to make sure the originals have metal holes.
On the left a fake New Balance, on the right a real New Balance
Secure the purchase of your second-hand New Balance with Obvy
If you're looking for a vintage New Balance or the model you've been dreaming of at a reasonable price, you're sure to find what you're looking for on classified ad sites such as Leboncoin, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace. However, to find a second-hand New Balance sneaker, it's essential to check the above points to guarantee its authenticity, as scams are often to be found on classified ad sites.
What's more, using a secure payment method means you can complete the transaction with complete peace of mind, without worrying about whether the seller is trying to rip you off. With Obvy, if the seller tries to rip you off, or if you realise when you receive the parcel that it's a counterfeit, you can simply return it. You'll simply be reimbursed at no extra cost. Happy shopping with Obvy!