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Everything you need to know about fake Nikes, Adidas, and others
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If you’re looking to collect designer shoes, or even just cop a limited-edition release, be aware of the concept of “rep shoes.” In short, rep shoes are replicas of the real thing sold by a third party at a steep discount. Some buyers seek them out intentionally, while others find themselves buying into a scam when they wanted the authentic product. That’s why we’re here to fill you in on the world of reps with a simple definition and explainer, from learning about rep “tiers” to how to spot reps, and beyond.
Reps at a Glance
Reps, or replicas, are knockoff or imitation shoes manufactured to be as identical as possible to the name-brand designer shoe. They’re not authorized by the original company and are often sold for much cheaper than the real thing.
Steps
Section 3 of 5:
Quality Tiers of Rep Shoes
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Unauthorized Authentic This is the highest grade of replica. It means that the shoes were made in the same factory and by the same hands that made the “real deal,” and often even at the same time. For one reason or another, though, the shoe brand (or factory) decided not to sell them, so someone salvaged them for resale. [4] X Research source
- This often happens when a brand orders a certain number of shoes, and the factory overproduces to ensure they can meet the order despite inevitable defects.
- Often, these shoes are indistinguishable from retail shoes—because they are the same! That said, they’re often illegally resold and considered an intellectual property infringement.
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Super Perfect Super perfect reps are about as good as you can get when it comes to reps made by a third party. They’re cheaper, well-constructed, and often have a good eye for detail, with things like materials and embellishments all matching the real thing, though they often still have some minor differences that are hard to spot if you’re not a shoe junkie.
- Similarly, “perfect” reps are like super perfect, but possess a few too many differences or defects to be considered a 1:1 recreation of the shoe.
- Like UAs, though, making and selling knockoffs is often illegal. [5] X Research source
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AAA These are replicas of decent quality, and at first glance are hard to tell from the real thing. But they’re often made of different or lower-quality materials, and anyone familiar with the shoe’s real design will be able to tell the difference pretty easily up close. Of course, this tier is also often illegal. [6] X Research source
- Similarly, A-tier replicas are like AAA, but of noticeably lower quality and more obvious design differences, which usually means an even lower cost. But remember: you get what you pay for.
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Section 5 of 5:
Spotting Reps
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Question prices that are too good to be true. They’re reps for a reason, and usually that reason is a steep discount. If you know the real thing retails for a certain amount, and the shoe you’re looking at is notably cheaper, you’re most likely looking at a rep. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. [8] X Research source
- To be sure you’re not getting a rep, always buy your shoes from the original brand’s storefront, or from an authorized reseller.
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Compare the materials of the reps to the authentic shoes. High-quality reps are often made with similar (or even identical) materials, but lower-quality reps are usually made with cheaper-feeling or looking fabrics, rubbers, and other textiles. If possible, touch and examine the shoe itself. If it feels cheap, it probably is. [9] X Research source
- This is especially true of shoes originally made with more expensive materials, like leather or suede.
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Examine and compare the construction. Compare the photos of the real thing with the possible rep. Often, reps get little construction details wrong, like the number of holes for the stitching, the actual consistency of the stitches, or the shapes of certain cutouts. Also check how well things like glued-on components (such as near the heel or treads) are adhered, and if they’re properly aligned. [10] X Research source
- For example, you can often tell if Jordans are fake by looking for uneven spacing of shoelace holes.
- You might also use an online shoe authenticator, like Legit Check , to have an expert verify your shoes, though these are often paid services.
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Look for any differences in embellishments, like logos. Often, reps don’t get the little details and decorations quite right. Look at logos in particular—reproducing a logo without consent can get resellers in legal trouble, so sometimes the logo is a bit different. Also compare the colors, insignias, print designs, and even laces for anything that may seem amiss. [11] X Research source
- For example, you can sometimes tell if Yeezys are fake by spotting inconsistencies in the print patterns.
- Similarly, you can sometimes tell if Vans are fake by checking the soles for a 3-letter code that also appears on the box.
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Tips
- These days, there are even TikTok influencers that peddle reps to their followers. In general, be wary of any content that seems sponsored. [12] X Research sourceThanks
- For more information on finding, spotting, and learning more about reps, visit one of the many online communities devoted to rep shoes, like Reddit’s r/Repsneakers .Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.soleretriever.com/news/articles/fake-sneaker-promotion-by-influencers-on-tiktok-reptok
- ↑ https://www.soleretriever.com/news/articles/fake-sneaker-promotion-by-influencers-on-tiktok-reptok
- ↑ https://www.futurecommerce.com/posts/insiders-013-on-replica-sneakers-and-the-value-of-art
- ↑ https://masses.com.my/sneakers/the-truth-behind-the-unauthorized-authentic-term/
- ↑ https://www.selectiveshoe.com/what-are-reps-in-shoes/
- ↑ https://www.selectiveshoe.com/what-are-reps-in-shoes/
- ↑ https://www.cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers
- ↑ https://www.verified.org/articles/guides/real-vs-fake-jordans
- ↑ https://masses.com.my/sneakers/the-truth-behind-the-unauthorized-authentic-term/
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