First off, let’s be real, the Frozen Yellows (or “Semi Frozen Yellow” as they sometimes call ’em… like, come ON, Adidas, pick a name!) are notorious for being faked. The bright colorway just screams “copy me!”, I guess. So, you gotta be extra vigilant.
Right, so, where do you even *start*? Well, the Primeknit. That’s your first stop. The real deal Yeezy is supposed to have this super comfy, flexible Primeknit, right? On a fake, it might feel stiff, cheap, kinda like… well, you know, like you got ripped off. Look for the pattern too. That zebra-ish pattern should be pretty distinct, and the stripes should have a certain… flow, I guess is the word? If it looks like some kid scribbled on a sock, red flag!
Then there’s the Boost. Oh, the Boost. The cushioning that made Yeezys famous. Squeeze it! Does it feel like actual Boost? Should be squishy and responsive. Fakes often have this, like, foam that’s just… dead. No bounce, no nothing. It’s depressing, honestly. Plus, the texture of the Boost on the bottom is a tell. Real Boost looks kinda like tiny, tightly packed pebbles. Fake Boost? Could be anything.
Now, the box. DON’T underestimate the box. It’s a treasure trove of clues. Check that “Yeezy Boost” logo. Apparently, real ones have a charcoal gray look, not super dark. And the size sticker? Make sure it’s clear and correctly placed. I’ve seen fake boxes that look like they were printed with a potato. Seriously. (And yeah, I know, some boxes are bigger than others, it’s weird, I agree.)
And okay, personal opinion time: that smell. Legit Yeezys have a particular… new shoe smell. It’s hard to describe. But if it smells like plastic and chemicals, run. Just run.
One more thing, and this is just me being paranoid, but check the stitching. Sloppy stitching? Not good. Look at the heel tab too. Should be sewn on clean and straight.
Honestly, the best way to tell is to compare them to a pair you KNOW is real. If you’ve got a friend with legit Frozen Yellows, beg them to let you compare. Or, if you’re feeling brave, hit up a reputable reseller (like StockX or GOAT) and compare the product photos.