A Complex Guide To Avoiding Fake Sneakers (2024)

In terms of fashion, has anything really blown up more in the past six months like kicks? Just six years ago the "Military Blue" Jordan IVs released for $115 and hit clereance racks nearly everywhere; in 2012 they'll release in June at about $150 and with the recent sneaker craze we wouldn't be surprised if people are lining up a day or two early for them.

If you happen to be a recent convert to the shoe game this is the perect tutorial to make sure you are getting what you expect from buyers — with a dozen new colorways dropping in every model it can be easy to forget what's phony and what's fake. No worries, Complex has got you — click on the gallery to check out our Complex Guide To Avoiding Fake Sneakers and let if you have any war stories of your own, hit us up in the comment section.

1. Check The Logo & Branding

Real number uno: Don't get so caught up in the fact that you think you just scored a great deal that you overlook the obvious. This one is more typical with Jordans than other sneakers, but no brand is impervious to the Canal Street effect. Make sure you scan the logo and branding whether copping online or on the block — if your Jumpman has Popeye arms or is the wrong color, then you need to bounce. If you already have been burnt by this one, you better pay close attention. Remember, the Jumpman is supposed to be Michael Jordan, not Big Pun.

2. Make Sure The Colorway Is Legit

This one doesn't take much effort, but you would be surprised how many people catch a "L" when it comes to copping bogus colorways. If you aren't 100 percent positive if what you are searching for actually dropped, look for photos on sites like Complex, Nice Kicks, and Sneaker News — we typically have shots of every release that would even inspire a fake makeup. Those "Fishstick" Yeezys never happened, as bad as you want to believe Trey Parker and Matt Stone rule the world. Neither did those Spongebob Jordans, playa.

3. What's In The Box?

OK, it's not as extreme as the flick "Se7en," but the box and packaging is a crucial aspect to whether you are gonna get burnt worse than a 19-year old on spring break. Know what the box is supposed to look like — this also is starting to get more shine in sneaker posts, so check with your favorite sneaker blogs. With counterfeits, the common errors are the size of the box, the color or design, and the product coding. Also check the lettering on the label. Once you unbox, check to make sure your kicks are wrapped in the type of paper the brand usually provides — never tissue paper or wrapped in plastic. This is the one time you wanna pass on the plastic.

4. Bring A Cheat Sheet

With a million sneaker sites out there, it can be tough to know which ones are proper and which ones are are rippin' and runnin'. If you head over to Nike Talk they have a thorough list of legit sites to cop from. Now just because the site you want to use isn't on there doesn't necessarily mean it sells fakes, but if you know anything about our dudes at NT, they keep things moving daily so it should be on there. If you don't know, you better ask somebody.

5. My Name Is My Name

If you are grabbing something from an individual whether it's from eBay or Sole Collector or even Craigslist, have them throw their name in the photo so you know the photographs show the actual sneaker you're being sold, and that they are actually in the seller's possession. If someone is just throwing up stock photos that's a red flag — we aren't saying they have to get all friendly putting out their government, but a user name and date isn't asking too much. And it should be a handwritten tag, not just a Photoshop job. But you knew that.

6. The Price Is Right

We know trolling sneaker pages looking for the best price is the mission but the old adage "you get what you pay for" will never change. If you see a pair of "Space Jam" JordanXIs for $120, then odds are a) someone cheated on their girl, b) Allen Iverson's financial woes are really that deep, or c) you are getting took. If you aren't sure what a price should be on a pair of kicks, use sites like Flight Club or even eBay (search completed auctions) to get an idea what the market is looking like. Basically, if it's too good to be true — it probably isn't true.

7. Your QB's Madden Rating Shouldn't Be The Only Thing Over 95%

You hear the people talking? One of the most important things when purchasing anything on eBay, especially sneakers, is seeing how reputable the seller is. If their rating is under 95 percent, just keep moving. Take a look and see what the complaints have been in the past year — sometimes it might be something as simple as the shipping took longer than expected but if homie is slanging something weak, your peers will let you know.

8. Trust Your Instincts

If at any time you just feel like something isn't right, then you're likely best off passing. We all work too hard to make a $300 mistake over a pair of shoes that will come back around eventually. Use all of the points we provided and it shouldput you in the best position to make sure your feet stay proper. If you still aren't sure just ask — the people you follow who are knowledgeable about footwear are typically willing to help out. Follow and hit upComplex Sneakers, Brandon Edler (myself), or Andy Oliver of Kicks Deals on Twitter and we will try and steer you in the right path. Good luck.