First off, like, don’t even THINK about skipping the inside tag. Seriously. That little guy can be a dead giveaway. Authentic Adidas? You’re gonna see clear, crisp lettering. The stitching will be on point – we’re talking professional-grade. A fake? Oh man, a fake tag is usually a total mess. Think blurry letters, sloppy stitching that looks like a toddler went at it with a needle and thread. Trust me, your eyes will thank you for paying attention.
And the logo, oh the logo. That iconic three-stripe thing? It’s a prime target for fakers. Keep a sharp eye out for misspellings. Seriously, you’d be amazed at what kind of craziness you can find. Maybe it says “Adidos” or something equally ridiculous. (Okay, I’m exaggerating…maybe). But also, peep the quality of the logo itself. Is it crisp and clean, or kinda…blobby? Big difference, people. BIG.
Now, let’s talk materials. Real Adidas (especially the suede stuff) is gonna feel good, right? I mean, you pay good money, you expect decent quality. A fake, though? Ugh. The suede might feel cheap, thin, or just…wrong. Like, rhinestones glued to a cheap duffel bag wrong (okay, maybe not THAT bad). Run your fingers over it. Does it feel luxurious? Or like something you’d find in a dollar store? You kinda know it when you feel it, ya know?
And speaking of feel, check out the overall construction of the shoe. Are the seams straight? Does everything line up properly? Or is it all wonky and uneven? A legit pair of Adidas is gonna have that quality craftsmanship. Fakes? Not so much. Expect glue globs, crooked stitching, and just an overall sense of “something’s not right.”
Now, this is just my two cents, but I also think the sole is a good indicator, especially on classics like the Gazelle. The shape, the texture…there’s something about a real Adidas sole that just *feels* right. And don’t forget about the tongue and the inner lining – those little details can make a huge difference in comfort and authenticity.
