The global demand for Adidas products, particularly their iconic shoes, has unfortunately fueled a thriving counterfeit market. These "copias de Adidas," or Adidas copies, are often deceptively similar to the genuine article, making it difficult for unsuspecting consumers to differentiate between the real deal and a fake. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to identifying fake Adidas shoes, covering everything from the packaging to the sole, and offering tips for ensuring you purchase genuine Adidas products. We will explore various techniques to identify counterfeit Adidas shoes, addressing concerns related to Adidas online shop authenticity, Adidas genuine products, and even specific issues like "tennis Adidas falsos" (fake Adidas tennis shoes). Understanding these methods is crucial for protecting yourself from being scammed and ensuring you receive the quality and performance you expect from Adidas.
The First Line of Defense: Examining the Box
As mentioned, the box itself is a critical first step in identifying fake Adidas shoes. Genuine Adidas shoes come in a well-constructed, high-quality box. Pay close attention to the following details:
* Box Quality: Authentic Adidas boxes are made from sturdy cardboard and are unlikely to be easily crushed or damaged. The printing on the box should be crisp and clear, without any blurring or pixelation. Fakes often use cheaper, thinner cardboard that feels flimsy.
* Adidas Logo and Branding: The Adidas logo (the Trefoil, the Three Stripes, or the Performance logo) should be accurately reproduced. Look for any imperfections in the logo's shape, color, or placement. Misaligned stripes, incorrect colors, or blurry printing are red flags.
* Label Information: A genuine Adidas box will have a label containing vital information about the shoes inside. This label typically includes:
* Size: The size of the shoes in multiple international sizing systems (e.g., US, UK, EU, JP). Make sure the size is accurate and consistent with what you ordered.
* Color: The official color name of the shoes, as designated by Adidas.
* Style Number (Article Number): A unique alphanumeric code that identifies the specific model and colorway of the shoes. This number is crucial and should be checked against the information on the Adidas website or other reputable retailers.
* Country of Origin: Where the shoes were manufactured (e.g., Vietnam, China, Indonesia).
* Barcode: A barcode that can be scanned to verify the product.
* Matching Labels: The most important aspect of the box label is that *it must match the label inside the shoes themselves*. This is a fundamental check that counterfeiters often overlook. If the sizes, style numbers, or any other information on the box label don't precisely match the label inside the shoe, you are almost certainly dealing with a fake.
Delving Deeper: Inspecting the Shoes Themselves
Once you've examined the box, the next step is to thoroughly inspect the shoes themselves. This requires a keen eye and attention to detail.
* Overall Quality and Craftsmanship: Authentic Adidas shoes are known for their high-quality materials and meticulous construction. Examine the stitching, glue application, and overall finish of the shoes.
* Stitching: The stitching should be even, consistent, and free of loose threads or uneven spacing. Counterfeit shoes often have sloppy stitching, with visible errors and inconsistencies.
* Glue Application: Glue should be applied neatly and sparingly. Excessive glue, visible glue stains, or uneven glue lines are strong indicators of a fake.
* Material Quality: Genuine Adidas shoes use high-quality materials, such as premium leather, durable synthetics, and breathable mesh. Counterfeiters often use cheaper, inferior materials that feel less comfortable and are more prone to wear and tear.
* The Adidas Logo (Again): Just like on the box, the Adidas logo on the shoes themselves should be perfect. Pay close attention to the details of the logo, including the shape, size, and placement. Look for any inconsistencies or imperfections. For example, on shoes with the Three Stripes, ensure they are evenly spaced, properly aligned, and securely attached.copias de adidas
* The Insole: The insole is often a neglected area by counterfeiters. Remove the insole and examine it closely.
* Adidas Logo on the Insole: The Adidas logo should be clearly printed or embossed on the insole. Check for any blurring or imperfections.
* Material Quality: The insole should be made from a comfortable and supportive material. Counterfeit insoles are often thin, flimsy, and made from cheap foam.
* Stitching/Adhesive: Check how the insole is attached to the shoe. It should be securely glued or stitched in place. Loose or poorly attached insoles are a sign of a fake.
* The Tongue Label: The tongue of the shoe usually contains a label with important information, including the style number, size, and country of origin. This label should match the information on the box label and the insole (if applicable).
* Laces: Even the laces can provide clues. Authentic Adidas laces are typically high-quality and have a consistent texture and color. Check the aglets (the plastic tips at the ends of the laces) for any imperfections or loose attachments.
* The Sole: The sole is a crucial area to examine, as it often reveals telltale signs of a fake. We'll dedicate a separate section to the sole identification.