How to Spot a Fake Running Shoe Online

That feeling when your new running shoes arrive…pure joy! But what if that joy turns to disappointment when you realize those sweet kicks might be… well, not so sweet after all? The internet is awash with deals, but unfortunately, some of those deals are too good to be true. Fake running shoes are a real problem, and nobody wants to waste their hard-earned cash on a pair of imposters that fall apart after a few runs.

Protecting Yourself From Counterfeit Athletic Footwear

Let's be honest, spotting a fake isn’t always easy, especially when the counterfeiters are getting more sophisticated. But don't worry, with a little knowledge and a keen eye, you can dramatically increase your chances of getting the real deal. Here's what to look for:

The Price is Unbelievably Low

This is often the first, and biggest, red flag. We all love a bargain, but if a price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Do some research on the typical retail price of the shoe you want. Check the manufacturer's website and reputable retailers. If you see a pair advertised for significantly less – say, 50% or more below the average price – be very wary. Remember, manufacturers have minimum advertised price (MAP) policies, so deep discounts are often a sign of something fishy.

Consider this scenario: You're eyeing a pair of brand-name running shoes that typically sell for around $150. You find them on a less-than-reputable website for $75. Your initial reaction might be excitement, but a healthy dose of skepticism is warranted. Ask yourself: why are they so much cheaper than everywhere else? Are they clearing out old stock? Or are they simply not the real thing?

Examine the Website

Before you even look at the shoes, take a good look at the website itself. Is it a well-known retailer? If not, what is the website address? Does it look professional and trustworthy? Here are some key things to check:

1. About Us page: Does it exist? Does it provide real information about the company, its history, and its location? A generic or missing "About Us" page is a bad sign.
1. Contact Information: Is there a physical address and a phone number? Can you actually contact someone? Try calling the number to see if it's legitimate. A website with only an email address is a red flag.
1. Security: Is the website secure? Look for "https" in the website address and a padlock icon in your browser's address bar. This indicates that the website is using encryption to protect your personal information.
1. Grammar and Spelling: Poor grammar, spelling errors, and awkward phrasing can be indicators of a less-than-professional operation, potentially dealing in counterfeits.
1. Reviews: Look for customer reviews of the website itself, not just of the shoes. Are people reporting positive experiences, or are there complaints about slow shipping, poor customer service, or receiving fake products?

Inspect the Shoe Closely

Okay, so you've made it past the price and the website. Now it's time to examine the shoes themselves. If you've already received them, great! If you're looking at pictures online, zoom in and scrutinize every detail.

1. Stitching: Check the stitching carefully. Are the stitches even and consistent? Are there any loose threads or sloppy seams? Genuine running shoes have precise and high-quality stitching.
1. Logos: Compare the logo on the shoe to the official logo on the manufacturer's website. Are the colors correct? Is the logo the right size and shape? Are there any misspellings or inconsistencies? Counterfeiters often get these details wrong.
1. Materials: What materials are the shoes made of? Do they feel cheap or flimsy? Authentic running shoes use high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable. Counterfeit shoes often use inferior materials that will wear out quickly.
1. Insoles: Take out the insoles and examine them. Are they made of quality materials? Do they fit properly? Fake shoes often have cheap, poorly fitting insoles.
1. The Smell: This might sound strange, but genuine running shoes usually have a distinct, slightly rubbery smell. Fake shoes often have a strong, chemical odor due to the use of cheap glues and materials.
1. The Box: Don't overlook the box! Check the box for misspellings, incorrect fonts, or poor-quality printing. Also, make sure the box matches the shoes inside – the model number, size, and color should all be correct.

Where Are They Shipping From?

Pay attention to the shipping location. If the shoes are shipping from a country known for producing counterfeit goods, such as China, be extra cautious. This doesn't automatically mean they're fake, but it definitely warrants further investigation. Legitimate retailers typically ship from their own warehouses or distribution centers, which are usually located in the country where they operate.

What Are The Tell-Tale Signs Of A Fake Running Shoe?

Beyond the things we've already covered, here's a quick checklist of common signs that a running shoe might be a fake:

1. Unusual Colors or Styles: Check the manufacturer's website to see if the color or style is actually produced by the brand. Counterfeiters sometimes create color combinations that don't exist in the authentic product line.
1. Excessive Glue: Look for excessive glue around the seams and edges of the shoe. This is a common sign of poor manufacturing quality.
1. Uneven Sole: Place the shoes on a flat surface and check to see if the sole is even. A wobbly or uneven sole is a sign of a poorly made shoe.
1. Missing Labels or Tags: Check for all the usual labels and tags, including the size tag, the model number tag, and any other brand-specific tags.
1. Lack of Comfort: Ultimately, the best test is to try the shoes on. If they feel uncomfortable, stiff, or poorly made, they're probably fake. Real running shoes are designed for comfort and performance.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Shoes Are Fake?

If you suspect that you've purchased fake running shoes, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Contact the Seller: Reach out to the seller and express your concerns. Give them the opportunity to address the issue. If they're uncooperative or dismissive, that's another red flag.
1. Contact Your Payment Provider: If you paid with a credit card or Pay Pal, file a dispute or claim. Explain that you believe you received a counterfeit product.
1. Report the Seller: Report the seller to the platform where you purchased the shoes (e.g., e Bay, Amazon). This will help protect other buyers from being scammed.
1. Leave a Review: Leave a negative review for the seller, warning other potential buyers about your experience.
1. Contact the Brand: Consider contacting the brand whose shoes were counterfeited. They may be interested in investigating the matter.

Can I Return Fake Shoes?

The ability to return fake shoes depends on where you bought them and their return policy. Reputable retailers will typically accept returns of counterfeit goods, especially if you can provide evidence that they're not authentic. However, if you bought the shoes from a less reputable source, such as a private seller or a website with a questionable return policy, you may have more difficulty getting a refund. This is where the earlier advice about checking the website's return policybeforeyou buy really comes into play.

Document everything. Keep records of your communication with the seller, photos of the shoes, and any other evidence that supports your claim that they're fake. This will be helpful if you need to file a dispute with your payment provider or report the seller to a third party.

Ultimately, buying online comes with some inherent risks. But by being informed, being observant, and trusting your gut, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting duped by counterfeiters. Happy running (in genuine shoes, of course)!