How to Tell If New Balance Shoes Are Real
How to Tell If New Balance Shoes Are Real
Blog Article
New Balance is one of the most popular sneaker brands in the world, known for its comfort, quality, and performance. However, with its popularity comes a flood of copyright products that can be difficult to spot. If you're looking to buy a pair of New Balance shoes and want to make sure they're authentic, here’s how to tell if your New Balance sneakers are real.
1. Check the Box and Packaging
Authentic New Balance shoes come in a sturdy, high-quality box with the official New Balance logo and branding. Look for the following:
A clear, legible label with details such as the model number, size, color, and barcode.
No spelling errors or blurry printing.
Consistent color and quality in the packaging materials.
2. Verify the Model and Serial Number
Each New Balance shoe model has a unique model number printed on the tongue label and the shoebox. To confirm authenticity:
Cross-check the model number on the shoe and the box. They should match exactly.
Look up the model number on the official New Balance website to verify it exists.
Authentic shoes often have a QR code on the label, which you can scan to check product details.
3. Examine the Quality of the Materials
New Balance is known for using premium materials, so fakes often fall short in this aspect. Signs of a copyright pair include:
Inferior stitching – Real New Balance shoes have precise, even stitching. Loose or sloppy threads are a red flag.
Cheap materials – copyright shoes may use poor-quality leather, mesh, or synthetic materials that feel flimsy.
Strong chemical smell – Fake shoes often have a strong glue or plastic odor, whereas authentic shoes have a more neutral smell.
4. Inspect the Logo and Branding
The New Balance “N” logo and other branding details should be clean and consistent. Check for:
Misaligned logos – The "N" should be symmetrical and evenly placed.
Incorrect fonts – Compare the font style and size with official New Balance images.
Faded or peeling logos – Authentic shoes have high-quality logos that don’t fade easily.
5. Analyze the Sole and Insole
The outsole and insole design can reveal a lot about authenticity.
Outsole pattern – Authentic New Balance shoes have a well-defined tread pattern with clear details. Counterfeits may have rough or shallow patterns.
Insole branding – Look for the New Balance logo on the insole. Fake versions often have printed text that wears off quickly.
Comfort and cushioning – New Balance sneakers provide excellent arch support and cushioning. If the shoe feels stiff or uncomfortable, it might be fake.
6. Check the Price and Seller
If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself by:
Buying only from authorized retailers or the official New Balance website.
Avoiding sellers with vague or inconsistent product descriptions.
Checking customer reviews to see if others have reported fakes.
7. Look at the Shoelaces and Eyelets
Small details like laces and eyelets can expose copyright shoes.
Real New Balance shoes have high-quality, durable laces with a solid feel.
copyright laces may be thin, cheap, or fray easily.
Eyelets on fakes may be misaligned or made of low-quality metal or plastic.
8. Use the New Balance Verification Service
If you're still unsure, contact New Balance customer service or visit a New Balance store to compare your shoes with an authentic pair. Some retailers offer verification services to confirm authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Spotting fake New Balance shoes requires attention to detail, but by checking the packaging, materials, branding, and overall quality, you can avoid counterfeits. Always buy from trusted sources and do your research before purchasing.
Report this page