Alright, let’s get into it. How DO you tell if those Filas are the real deal? Honestly, it’s not always a walk in the park, but there are definitely a few key things to look out for.
First off, and this is like, *super* important, check the *logo*. Duh, right? But seriously, squint at it. Is it crisp and clean? The colors should be on point, no weird fading or bleeding or anything. If the lines are blurry or the colors are off, it’s a major red flag, dude. Real Filas take pride in their branding. A sloppy logo is a pretty strong sign that you are looking at a fake.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Okay, cool, I’ll check the logo.” But don’t just stop there. It’s like, the *obvious* thing to check, so even the best fakes might get that right.
Next up: the *quality*. I mean, feel the material. Does it feel cheap and plasticky? Real Fila sneakers are usually made with decent materials, you know? They shouldn’t feel like they’re gonna disintegrate in your hands. Check the stitching too. Is it neat and even? Or is it all wonky and uneven, like a toddler did it? Bad stitching is usually a dead giveaway.
And speaking of materials, let’s not forget about the insole. I mean, who even thinks about the insole, right? But apparently, on some shoes (like, Fendi espadrilles, which are totally unrelated, but still a good tip), if you can pull the insole out, it’s probably fake. I’m not 100% sure if that’s always the case with Filas, but it’s something to keep in mind. It might depend on the specific model.
One thing that bugs me is how some fakes try to be *too* perfect. Like, the stitching is TOO perfect, almost machine-like. Genuine shoes often have slight imperfections, which, honestly, is part of their charm. So, if everything looks *too* flawless, it’s almost suspicious, right? (I am so bad at grammar today.)
Another tip, and this might sound kinda weird, but smell them. Yeah, I said it. Do they smell like chemicals? Like a plastic factory exploded in the box? Real shoes usually have a more neutral smell. That chemical smell is a HUGE red flag.
Oh! And don’t forget to compare it to official pictures online. Go to the Fila website, or a reputable retailer, and find the EXACT model you’re looking at. Compare every detail: the color, the stitching, the shape, EVERYTHING. If something’s even slightly off, it’s probably fake.
Finally, use your gut! If something just *feels* off, trust your instincts. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. And if you’re buying from some random website you’ve never heard of, be super careful.