Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve been burned before (ugh, don’t even get me started on that one pair… the glue was, like, practically dripping off!). So, I’ve done some digging and picked up a few tricks along the way to help you suss out the real deal from the wannabes.
First off, price is a big giveaway, duh. If you’re seeing Superstars for, like, half the price they normally go for, alarm bells should be ringing LOUD. I mean, come on, nobody’s gonna sell you the real deal for dirt cheap. It’s just not gonna happen. Think about it – quality materials and labor ain’t free! I mean, I guess you *could* get lucky at a crazy sale, but be skeptical.
Then there’s the whole “Made In” thing. Apparently, the text on the size tag inside the shoe can be a clue. I read somewhere that on real Superstars, the “MADE IN VIETNAM” text (or wherever they’re made) is usually thinner compared to the fakes. Also, the date text is supposedly thinner too. I’m not sure how true this is, but it’s something to look for, I guess? I’d say it’s not the biggest thing to check, but it can give a hint.
Check out those stripes, too. I heard the perforations, those little holes between the stripes, should be cleanly cut on the real deal. No rough edges, none of that messy business. If they look kinda jagged or uneven, you might have a fake on your hands. Personally, I’ve never actually noticed this myself, but hey, it’s something to consider. I mean, I always just look at the overall vibe of the shoe, does it look and feel good?
And don’t just rely on one thing! Check multiple things. I mean, its just smart.
