First off, and this is something I always do, sniff test. I’m dead serious. Real Adidas (usually) have a distinct smell. Like, a new shoe, kinda plasticky-but-good smell. If it smells like straight-up chemicals, yo, red flag. Big time. This isn’t foolproof, I know, but hey, it’s a start, right?
Then, you gotta look *close*. Like, forensic-level close. The stitching? Is it clean? Even? Or is it all wonky and janky like a toddler did it? Real Adidas, they’re usually pretty on point with their stitching. Fakes? Not so much. They’ll be skimping, cutting corners, you name it. You might find loose threads hanging, which is a dead giveaway, in my opinion.
And the material, oh man, the material. Feel it. Does it feel cheap? Like, cardboardy and plasticky? Adidas uses decent materials, even on their more affordable models like the Tubular. If it feels like it’ll fall apart after one wear, well… you know the drill.
The logo’s another one. Is it crisp and clear? The right size? Or is it smudged, blurry, or just… off? This is where the fakers often slip up. Compare it to a legit picture online. Seriously. Don’t be lazy. Google image search is your friend!
Okay, and this is where it gets a bit… annoying. The tags. Ugh. So many tags. Check the size tag, the manufacturing tag… everything. Look for typos. Fakers LOVE typos. It’s like their calling card. And if the font looks weird, or the spacing is all messed up? Yeah, that’s not a good sign.
Here’s my probably controversial opinion: trust your gut. If something feels off about the seller, or the price is too good to be true… it probably is. I’ve gotten burned before trying to “score a deal” and ended up with some seriously suspect shoes. Learn from my mistakes, people! Stick to reputable sellers, authorized retailers, you know, the usual suspects.
And honestly, the Tubulars can be a tricky one because there are so many different variations. Some might have slightly different details, and that can throw you off. So, do your research, people! Look at pictures of the EXACT model you’re trying to buy.
Oh! And another thing! Check the sole. The sole is where a lot of fakers try to save money. Is it squishy and feels cheap, or does it have a little give? Does the tread look like it will last, or will it be completely worn down in a month?
