New Balance shoes are a bucket list purchase for many. Which is why ensuring their authenticity is crucial to avoid investing in fake products. Here's a detailed guide to help you easily distinguish between real and fake pairs, focusing on key design features and craftsmanship.

How to spot fake New Balance shoesCheck out all the ways you can determine whether the sneakers you are eyeing are fake or authentic: Size tagThe size tag should be filled uniformly with paint, and the symbols should appear thinner compared to replicas. Fakes usually display irregularities, such as a scratched "B" in the "NB" logo and overly thick letters. The logoThe iconic logo on genuine pair of shoes has a distinctive 3D appearance, standing out from the shoe. The stitching is boxier, thicker, and more uniform in length, creating a sharp, clean edge. On the other hand, fakes may have a flatter, thinner logo that doesn't pop out, and the stitching will appear thinner, longer, and less precise. Additionally, counterfeit sneakers often show scratch marks where the sole meets the midsole. The 550 logoOn authentic sneakers, the "550" logo is closer to the top stitches and has more space from the left side threads. On fake pairs, the logo will most likely be positioned too far from the top stitches and too close to the right side stitches. Stitching qualityGenuine New Balances feature thicker, shorter, and denser stitches, providing a more durable and neatly finished appearance. Others will have thinner, longer, and less densely packed stitches, which can appear sloppy and inconsistent. The backDepending on the model you purchase, some New Balance sneakers, like the 550s, may feature inscriptions on the back. However, not all models include this detail. Overall, pay attention to the quality and precision of any additional features on your sneakers.