How to distinguish a fake New Balance from the original?

The American brand New Balance has been making shoes around the world for decades. And of course, its products are guaranteed to be of good quality, reliable and durable to wear. Real NB is a special appearance, a huge logo, a soft volumetric design, and the right insole. And this is enough for underground producers to make counterfeits and sell them in markets.

If you doubt the originality of the couple, pay attention to the smallest details, and everything will immediately fall into place:

• package;
• tongue label;
• marking;
• appearance;
• sewing;
• insole;
• sole;
• weight;
• price.

9 factors responsible for quality

The most popular models of New Balance sneakers are 998, 996, 574. These are the ones most often counterfeited by scammers.

First of all it is necessary turn to your own feelings. Are you comfortable? Doesn’t it tighten anywhere, doesn’t it press, doesn’t it hurt? Is it comfortable to walk? Do you feel like your legs are springing when you walk? Perhaps you have real newbalances.

You still need to pay attention when purchasing on the condition and type of packaging, as well as the location of markings and labels. You need to evaluate the sole, insole, upper of the product. And most importantly, what condition is the logo in?

Go?

By the way! On very high-quality fakes, it is the absence of a logo under ultraviolet light that reveals the counterfeit origin of the product.

Marking

All symbols are well readable, not worn out, and are clearly visible. Pulled threads, torn edges, and sloppy tongue sewing are not allowed.

The label contains:

• date of manufacture;
• size - English, European, American;
• width(letter);
• a unique sneaker number (the left and right ones have different numbers);
• barcode (be sure to check with the box code);
• manufacturer country.

You should know that The lion's share of newbalance footwear factories are located in China and Vietnam (about 80%), but the quality of the shoes is not inferior to England and America. But of course, it is subject to careful verification. As they say, China is different from China.

Appearance

Perfect quality is the hallmark of the New Balance manufacturer. All seams are smooth, without defects or distortions. On both sides of the sneaker there are large N letters made of leather.. Each consists of two layers, the bottom one is wider. However, all the distances between the borders are neat, there are no lines that have slipped, everything is smooth.

We evaluate the upper of the sneakers

In addition to perfect tailoring, the following details play an important role:

1. The upper is made of high-quality leather or suede with mesh patches from the original production. If you run your palm over the pile, a lighter mark remains.
2. The colors are even and uniform. The back is well painted - without sagging or abrasions. If you notice a chip or unevenness, it’s a fake.
3. The nose is square rather than round or pointed.
4. The materials are soft to the touch.
5. Double and triple stitching on all elements. Some particularly unscrupulous scammers sew with one line.
6. The laces are high quality, cotton, do not slip and are tied securely.
7. The eyelets fit tightly in their sockets.

What's with the insole?

Counterfeit New Balance sneakers are usually supplied with a regular thin shoe with a size marking in the heel area. And the original shoes also have a logo next to them. Herself the insole is flexible, dense, thickened, with “breathable” holes. Anatomical protrusions are necessarily present.

In the heel area is silver color circle, providing thermoregulation. In the European version of the 574, there is a beige leather detail under the insole. It is durable, does not wrinkle or tear.

Interesting! Take a look inside the sneaker. If you notice sloppy processing, protruding threads, frayed edges, do not even hesitate - this is a counterfeit.

There should be no seams in the middle under the insole. Only a solid backing, and the stitches are located along the edges.

Let's look at the sole

The most important detail on which the quality of shoe operation depends. New Balance manufacturers incorporate their innovative technologies into it, which help you not get tired when walking and running.

The sole is made of high-quality rubber, has a small thickness and deep tread grooves for reliable grip on surfaces., including those that are too smooth (or slippery). The brand logo of the product must be present in the heel area or in the middle on the sole. It is clear, well defined, and free of wear.

Sole consists of two layers, on the upper side there are markings on the manufacturing technology of the spring insert under the heel.For example, for models 574 and 577 it is “ENCAP”, and for 998 it is “ABZORB”. There may also be “ROLLBAR”, “REVlite”, “C-CAP”.

There is a clearly visible logo on the back.

Shoe weight

It does not exceed 950 g including the box, and without packaging the pair weighs about 750–850 g. Counterfeit items are always heavier.

Price

The cost of original newbalances is high. As a rule, it starts from 15,000 rubles and depends on the manufacturer and other factors.

Important! At sales showcases, the price cannot be lower than 10,000.

Recommendations

1. Even if the model you are considering is Made in China, you should not put it off right away. Shoe production in Asian countries is well established. The only difference is the quality of the products supplied. A lot depends on what country the sneakers are made for.
2. If you were offered New Balances without packaging, this should already alert you. The original pair always comes with the box.
3. Sneakers for 5,000 rubles are definitely fake. No store will sell real high-quality shoes at such a low price. The brand does not allow this.
4. A persistent rubber odor emanating from the sole may indicate a fake. The original pair is produced taking into account all environmental requirements and does not “stink”.
5. There are models with regular unpainted packaging. Such shoes are considered elite, are very expensive and are sold only in sports boutiques.
6. No Chinese characters on the box!

Advice! If you have the opportunity to choose, still choose an English or American manufacturer. Judging by the reviews, New Balance from a non-Asian manufacturer is considered to be much better to wear.