How to spot real Nike and adidas sneakers - Complete guide

Fake sneakers keep getting better, but with a few targeted checks you can rule out many fakes instantly. Focus on price and origin, the inner label with product code, logo placement and finishing, material feel, and the box with stickers. Below you’ll find quick checks and the most important in‑depth controls for Nike and adidas.

Quick check: 6 instant signals

• Price too low – Big discounts outside sale periods are suspicious.
• Incomplete inner label – Missing SKU/article code or odd font.
• Logo looks off – Crooked Swoosh/3‑Stripes, wrong thickness or position.
• Sloppy stitching – Loose threads, glue stains, asymmetry.
• Cheap materials – Plastic‑like leather, hard sole, strong chemical smell.
• Wrong box – Thin cardboard, wrong color, missing label sticker.

Price and origin: what’s realistic?

Authentic Nike and adidas models are sold via official retailers with limited, predictable discounts. A new, in‑demand model offered far below retail is a red flag. Be extra critical on marketplaces and social media where sellers are anonymous and return rights or warranties are missing. Also check whether the store has a physical address, company details and reachable customer service. Prefer payment methods with buyer protection. Still tempted by the price? Compare the model and size to current market prices across multiple trusted shops. Large deviations without a clear reason – like a damaged box or sample – often indicate counterfeits.

Labels and product codes: Nike SKU and adidas article number

The inner label is one of the strongest authenticity checks. Always verify the code, font and layout, and match them with the box and the official product page.

• Nike – Look for the model number in the format AA1234-567, plus production and size info. The code must match 1‑to‑1 with the code on the box and with results on the official site or authorized retailers. Compare details with official photos in our official Nike collection.
• adidas – Look for an article code such as FX1234. adidas labels also show production dates and factory codes. Watch for consistent spacing and a clean print. Compare details with authentic pairs in our official adidas collection.

Brand	Code format	Tip
Nike	AA1234-567	Search the code + color in Google and compare photos and colorway
adidas	FX1234	Match the label code with the box sticker and official product name

Also check small details: sharp label edges, consistent line spacing, no spelling mistakes in country or material info, and no blurry print. If you see a code that doesn’t exist online or only appears on shady sites, the chance of a fake is high.

Logo, stitching and finishing

Logos are often slightly wrong on fakes: the Swoosh may be too thick or thin, differently curved, or placed too far forward. For adidas, irregular 3‑Stripes give it away. Inspect panel transitions and stitch patterns: real pairs have consistent stitches, clean corners and minimal visible glue. Compare details with official photos per colorway – small deviations in logo spacing or patch shape are telling. Models that are often replicated, like the Nike Dunk Low, deserve extra attention. A timeless classic like the adidas Gazelle collection is widely copied too; check the T‑toe shape, tongue label and 3‑Stripes spacing.

Materials, soles and cushioning

Real leather feels supple with a natural grain and no plastic shine. Mesh and Primeknit should be springy and even. Outsoles on authentic sneakers are typically high‑quality rubber with crisply molded patterns. Insoles have clear, sharp logo prints and fit precisely. On Nike Air models, the Air unit should be symmetrical, clear and firmly seated – dull or rattling units are suspicious. For classics like Nike Air Force 1, compare leather texture, perforations and label info with retail photos. For adidas Samba, gold‑foil prints, suede/leather finishing and the outsole profile are key checkpoints.

Box, stickers and accessories

Inspect the box: correct brand/box color, sturdy cardboard and a clean sticker with the same size and code as on the inner label. Tissue paper, extra laces and booklets should match the model. Loosely packed or crushed boxes, missing labels or random paper are clear signs something is off.

Buy safely: minimize risk

Buy from authorized retailers or sellers with proven authenticity checks. At HypedPair you get 100% authentic, new and unworn sneakers with authenticity guarantee, 14‑day returns and fast shipping. Prefer to see first? Visit the Veldhoven store for personal advice.

FAQ

How do you know if adidas is real?

Match the article code on the inner label with the box and the official product page. Check 3‑Stripes, stitching, materials and the box sticker. Big price gaps or sloppy finishing are red flags.

How can you check if Nike sneakers are real?

Find the Nike code in AA1234-567 format and compare it with the box and official photos. Look at Swoosh position, consistent stitching, the Air unit and the quality of materials and print.

How can you check if shoes are authentic?

Combine price/origin checks with label‑code matching, visual detail comparison, material feel and box inspection. In doubt? Buy from a retailer with an authenticity guarantee.