How to Know If Adidas Stan Smith Is Original

You’ve just bought a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths, but something feels off. Could they be fake? Counterfeit sneakers have flooded the market, and even the most seasoned buyers can sometimes get tricked. But fear not! By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to distinguish an authentic Adidas Stan Smith from a counterfeit pair.

Start with the Box

One of the easiest ways to identify whether your Adidas Stan Smith is real or fake is by examining the box. Authentic Adidas shoes come in a sturdy blue box, featuring three white stripes and an Adidas logo. If the box feels flimsy or the colors look washed out, that's an early red flag. Also, look at the label: it should have the correct model number and size, matching the information inside the shoe.

The Stan Smith Signature

One of the hallmarks of a genuine Adidas Stan Smith is the signature of tennis legend Stan Smith on the tongue of the shoe. The signature on an authentic pair should be crisp, clear, and printed directly onto the leather. Counterfeit shoes often have blurred, misaligned, or poorly stamped signatures. The attention to detail in fake shoes just isn’t the same as in the real thing.

The Leather Quality

Adidas Stan Smiths are known for their premium leather, which is soft and flexible. If the leather feels hard or overly shiny, you're likely dealing with a fake. Run your fingers over the material – genuine Stan Smiths have a slightly textured, smooth leather finish that feels substantial. Fake versions, on the other hand, often use cheaper materials that feel stiff and plasticky.

Stitching and Overall Construction

Examine the stitching carefully. Authentic Adidas shoes have clean, even stitching with no loose threads or fraying. Counterfeit shoes often have sloppy, uneven stitching because they are made quickly and cheaply. Look at areas where stitching might not be immediately noticeable, such as inside the shoe or along the sole. Genuine shoes will exhibit high attention to detail.

Check the Sole

One of the most overlooked aspects of identifying real Adidas Stan Smiths is the sole. The sole of an authentic pair should feel durable with a high-quality rubber finish. Fake shoes, in contrast, may have a flimsy or lightweight sole that wears down easily. Additionally, the Adidas logo imprinted on the bottom of the sole should be clean and well-defined.

Smell Test

Though it might sound strange, the smell can give away counterfeit shoes. Real Adidas shoes use premium materials, including genuine leather and high-quality adhesives, which have a mild, factory-fresh smell. Fake shoes often use cheaper glues that emit a strong chemical odor right out of the box.

Barcode and Serial Numbers

Every authentic pair of Adidas Stan Smiths comes with a unique serial number on the tongue tag inside the shoe. Both shoes in the pair should have different serial numbers – if both shoes have the same number, they're fake. Additionally, the barcode on the box should match the numbers inside the shoes.

Look at the Adidas Logo

An important detail is the Adidas trefoil logo or the three stripes branding. Counterfeit Adidas often fail to replicate the logo accurately, either making it too small, distorted, or even using the wrong color scheme. The logo should be clean and properly positioned.

Retail Price

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Adidas Stan Smiths usually retail between $80 to $120, depending on the model. If you find a pair significantly below this price range, especially from an unverified seller, it’s highly likely you’re looking at a counterfeit product. Always buy from reputable retailers or directly from Adidas.

Where You Bought Them Matters

Your chances of getting fake Adidas Stan Smiths increase when you buy them from unauthorized sellers or websites. Stick to known retailers, such as Adidas stores, well-known department stores, or trusted online platforms. While it’s tempting to purchase from discount websites or social media sellers, these are often hotspots for counterfeit goods.

Compare with Authentic Pairs

If you're unsure about the authenticity of your shoes, compare them side-by-side with a known genuine pair. Look for small discrepancies in design, material quality, and logo placement. Even the slightest differences in color, texture, or weight can be a telltale sign of a fake.

Authentication Apps and Forums

There are apps and online forums where sneakerheads gather to help each other verify the authenticity of shoes. Apps like Legit Check and CheckCheck allow you to upload photos of your shoes, and their experts will analyze them to determine if they're real or fake. Online forums like Reddit’s sneaker subreddits are also good places to ask for opinions from experienced buyers.

Certificate of Authenticity

Adidas sometimes includes a certificate of authenticity with their high-end or limited edition Stan Smith models. If your shoes came with one, verify the holographic sticker and ensure it matches the information on the box. However, not all Adidas Stan Smiths come with a certificate, so its absence doesn’t necessarily mean your pair is fake.

Return Policy and Customer Service

Another subtle but important factor is the store’s return policy. Counterfeit sellers often have no-return or final sale policies. Reputable sellers will always allow you to return a product if you're not satisfied or suspect it’s fake. Always check the customer service and reviews of the seller before making a purchase.

In-Person Checks

While online shopping offers convenience, nothing beats an in-person check when it comes to verifying authenticity. Visiting an authorized retailer allows you to examine the product up close and feel the materials before making a purchase.

In conclusion, knowing if your Adidas Stan Smiths are real or fake comes down to a combination of factors: the quality of materials, the precision of the design, the price, and where you bought them from. By following these guidelines, you can confidently tell if you’ve got the real deal.