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Authentication Guide

How to spot fake Adidas sneakers

Adidas fakes have gotten better, but these checkpoints consistently reveal replicas.

013 stripe width & spacing

The three Adidas stripes should be consistent width with equal spacing between them. On fakes the stripes are often too wide, too narrow, or unevenly spaced.

02Trefoil logo symmetry

The Adidas Trefoil (3-leaf logo) must be perfectly symmetrical. All three leaves should be identical size and shape. Fakes are almost always slightly asymmetric.

03Primeknit weave (Ultra Boost)

The Primeknit upper on Ultra Boost has a tight, precise weave pattern. Fakes use a looser knit that looks blurry or undefined up close.

04BOOST foam texture

Authentic Boost sole looks like hundreds of tiny irregular bumps. Fakes often use a smoother foam or regular round bumps in a grid pattern.

05Samba gum sole

The gum sole on a Samba OG should be translucent with a warm amber tone. Fakes use opaque yellow or brown rubber that doesn't transmit light.

06Continental sole tread

On Stan Smith and other models, the Continental tire tread pattern should be razor-sharp. Fakes have a blurred, slightly melted-looking tread.

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