How to Verify the Authenticity of New Balance Shoes

New Balance shoes are known for their comfort, quality, and style. They are a popular choice for runners, walkers, and casual wearers alike. However, with the increasing popularity of the brand, counterfeiters are becoming more sophisticated. If you are considering buying a pair of New Balance shoes, it is important to know how to verify their authenticity. This guide will help you spot fake New Balance shoes, so you can be sure you are getting the real deal.

Here are some tips on how to tell if New Balance shoes are real:

How to Tell If New Balance Shoes Are Real: A Comprehensive Guide

Buying a pair of New Balance shoes online or in stores can be a great way to upgrade your footwear collection. But it’s important to make sure you’re buying the real deal. Counterfeiters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to differentiate genuine New Balance shoes from fake ones.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you spot fake New Balance shoes and ensure you’re getting the real deal:

1. Check the Logo

One of the most obvious ways to spot a fake New Balance shoe is to examine the logo. The New Balance logo is a capital “N” with a small “b” inside it. It should be stitched into the shoe and appear on the tongue, side panel, and heel.

Look for the following:

• The logo should be symmetrical and well-proportioned.
• The stitching should be neat and consistent.
• The font and color of the logo should match the original design.

If you notice any inconsistencies in the logo, it’s a red flag that the shoe might be a fake.

2. Inspect the Materials

New Balance uses high-quality materials in their shoes. The materials should feel soft, supple, and durable. If the materials feel cheap, flimsy, or rough, it could be a sign that the shoe is fake.

Here’s what to look for:

• The leather should be genuine and have a natural feel.
• The mesh should be breathable and sturdy.
• The soles should be made of durable rubber.

Counterfeiters often use low-quality materials to cut costs, so pay attention to the texture, feel, and overall quality of the materials.

3. Examine the Stitching

New Balance shoes are known for their meticulous stitching. The stitching should be neat, even, and consistent throughout the shoe. If you notice any loose threads, uneven stitches, or misaligned seams, it could be a sign that the shoe is a fake.

Look for these details:

• The stitching should be straight and parallel.
• The stitches should be the same length and width.
• The thread color should match the shoe.

If you see any sloppy stitching or misaligned seams, it’s a strong indicator that the shoe might be counterfeit.

4. Check the Insole

The insole of a genuine New Balance shoe is typically made of high-quality foam. It should be comfortable, supportive, and have the New Balance logo printed on it. If the insole is thin, flimsy, or lacks the logo, it could be a fake.

Pay close attention to:

• The insole should be firm and provide good arch support.
• The New Balance logo should be clearly printed on the insole.
• The insole material should feel soft and comfortable.

A high-quality insole is a key indicator of an authentic New Balance shoe. If the insole feels cheap, it’s a potential sign that the shoe is counterfeit.

5. Evaluate the Packaging

The packaging of a New Balance shoe is just as important as the shoe itself. The box should be sturdy, well-made, and have the New Balance logo printed on it. The box should also include a shoe bag, a pair of laces, and an instruction manual.

Look for these details:

• The box should have a smooth, high-quality finish.
• The New Balance logo should be printed clearly and consistently.
• The box should be free of any defects, such as tears, rips, or dents.

If you see any inconsistencies in the packaging, it’s a sign that the shoe might be a fake.

6. Verify the Serial Number

Every pair of New Balance shoes has a unique serial number. The serial number is usually located on a tag attached to the shoe or on the inside of the shoe tongue. You can verify the serial number on the New Balance website to confirm the authenticity of the shoe.

To check the authenticity of a shoe using the serial number:

1. Locate the serial number on the shoe.
2. Visit the New Balance website.
3. Enter the serial number into the search bar.
4. If the serial number is valid, the website will show the product details.

If the serial number is not found or does not match the product details, it could indicate that the shoe is counterfeit.

7. Be Aware of Price Discrepancies

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeiters often sell their fake New Balance shoes at discounted prices to attract buyers. If the price of a pair of New Balance shoes is significantly lower than the retail price, it’s a red flag that the shoes could be fake.

Consider these points:

• Research the average price of the shoe online.
• Be cautious of sellers who offer unrealistic discounts.
• If the price is significantly lower, it’s a sign that the shoe might be fake.

Don’t let the allure of a low price overshadow your concern for authenticity. Pay attention to the price and compare it to the average retail price of the shoe.

How to Avoid Buying Fake New Balance Shoes

Now that you know how to spot fake New Balance shoes, here are some tips to help you avoid buying counterfeit shoes:

1. Shop from Reputable Retailers

One of the best ways to avoid buying fake New Balance shoes is to shop from reputable retailers. This includes authorized New Balance retailers, department stores, and online marketplaces with a proven track record.

Consider these options:

• New Balance’s official website
• Authorized New Balance retailers
• Well-established online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Nordstrom

Avoid purchasing from unknown or suspicious sellers, as they may be more likely to sell counterfeit products.

2. Read Customer Reviews

Before you buy a pair of New Balance shoes online, take the time to read customer reviews. Authentic reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality, authenticity, and overall experience of the shoes.

Focus on reviews that discuss these aspects:

• The quality of the shoes
• The fit and comfort
• The authenticity of the shoes

If you see multiple negative reviews mentioning fake shoes or poor quality, it’s a sign that the seller might be selling counterfeit products.

3. Ask Questions Before Buying

Don’t hesitate to ask questions before you purchase New Balance shoes. Inquire about the seller’s return policy, shipping details, and the authenticity of the shoes. If the seller is hesitant to answer your questions or seems evasive, it’s a red flag that they might be selling fake products.

Here are some questions to ask:

• Can you provide me with a certificate of authenticity?
• Where did you source the shoes from?
• Do you offer a return policy for counterfeit shoes?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

Consequences of Buying Fake New Balance Shoes

Buying fake New Balance shoes can have serious consequences. Aside from the ethical implications of supporting counterfeiting, here are some of the risks you face:

1. Poor Quality and Durability

Fake New Balance shoes are often made with low-quality materials and construction, which can result in poor quality and durability. They may break down quickly, leading to wasted money and disappointment.

2. Health and Safety Risks

Fake New Balance shoes may not meet the same safety standards as genuine shoes. They may lack proper support and cushioning, increasing your risk of injuries. Additionally, the materials used in counterfeit shoes may contain harmful chemicals or substances that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

3. Legal Issues

Buying and selling counterfeit products is illegal. You could face fines, legal action, or even jail time.

It’s important to note that buying fake shoes not only supports counterfeiters but also deprives genuine brands like New Balance of revenue and intellectual property rights.

How to Identify Fake New Balance Shoes: A Summary

Here’s a summary of the key points to remember when trying to identify fake New Balance shoes:

Authenticity Checkpoints:

• Examine the logo, materials, stitching, insole, and packaging.
• Verify the serial number on the New Balance website.
• Be aware of price discrepancies and avoid suspiciously low prices.

Avoiding Counterfeit Shoes:

• Shop from reputable retailers and online marketplaces.
• Read customer reviews to identify potential counterfeit sellers.
• Ask questions before buying to ensure the authenticity of the shoes.

Consequences of Counterfeit Shoes:

• Poor quality and durability.
• Health and safety risks.
• Legal issues.

FAQ

What are some of the most common signs of fake New Balance shoes?

Here are some of the most common signs that a pair of New Balance shoes might be fake:

• Inconsistent or poorly stitched logo.
• Low-quality materials that feel cheap or flimsy.
• Uneven or sloppy stitching.
• Thin, flimsy, or missing insole.
• Damaged or inconsistent packaging.
• Suspiciously low prices.

What should I do if I suspect I have bought fake New Balance shoes?

If you suspect that you have bought fake New Balance shoes, you should contact the seller and inquire about a refund or exchange. You can also report the seller to the relevant authorities if you believe they are engaging in fraudulent activities.

How can I report a suspected counterfeit seller?

You can report a suspected counterfeit seller to the following authorities:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center)
• New Balance’s website

Can I return or exchange fake New Balance shoes if I bought them online?

It depends on the seller’s return policy. Some sellers may offer a refund or exchange if you provide evidence that the shoes are fake. However, many sellers may refuse to accept returns or exchanges for counterfeit products.

Is it illegal to buy fake New Balance shoes?

While buying fake New Balance shoes may not be directly illegal, it is illegal to knowingly sell or distribute counterfeit products. You could face fines and legal action if you are caught buying or selling counterfeit goods.

How can I protect myself from buying fake New Balance shoes in the future?

To protect yourself from buying fake New Balance shoes in the future, you should:

• Shop from reputable retailers.
• Read customer reviews before making a purchase.
• Ask questions before buying to ensure the authenticity of the shoes.
• Be cautious of sellers who offer suspiciously low prices.

Is it okay to buy pre-owned New Balance shoes?

Yes, it is okay to buy pre-owned New Balance shoes, but you should still be cautious about authenticity. When buying pre-owned shoes, you can follow the same tips as buying new shoes to verify their authenticity. It’s also a good idea to buy from reputable pre-owned shoe sellers or marketplaces with buyer protection programs.