9 differences between original New Balance sneakers and fakes

It's no secret that popular models of branded sneakers are immediately copied by fake manufacturers. In most cases, such a fake is easy to distinguish, but sometimes inattention to detail can let you down. And the underground workers themselves improve quality every year, notice all the features and more or less accurately copy the proprietary technologies of the original models. What to do to avoid buying fake sneakers? Read about how to distinguish New Balance from a fake in our article today.

Brand history

New Balance sneakers come from America. Their creator is a former seller of orthopedic insoles. He knew exactly which shoes would be most comfortable for his feet. Being confident in the quality of the products, the company's marketers never resorted to famous people to advertise their shoes. A good product does not need advertising .
It will be swept off the shelves anyway. The brand’s great popularity among fans of sports and sporty style is an example of this. Of course, producers of fakes also do not stand aside. The more fans a brand has, the higher the number of copies, which are now filling small stores, both in markets and on social networks.

If the seller is honest and admits that he sells replicas, asking about two thousand rubles for them, then that’s half the battle. It’s a shame when a replica is passed off as an original or asked for the same price as an original. In this case, the money will go down the drain. After all, a copy will last at most one season and will fall apart. Apart from their appearance, as a rule, they have nothing more in common with the originals.

Package

The license to produce these sneakers is available not only from the USA, but also from the UK and Japan. Therefore, box options may differ for different sneaker models. A small portion of American sneakers are made in the United States. Eighty percent of total production comes from Asian countries. This also affects the appearance of the boxes.

Thus, Asian sneakers come in blue boxes with a red brand logo and a sneaker design on the side. English boxes have a classic cardboard color and a simple inscription with the name of the model. What all packages have in common is a sticker on the side with a barcode, shoe size, color and model number.

Packaging of fake and original sneakers

Comparing the packaging of the fake and the original, you can also see discrepancies.

The lid of the fake box is larger in size than the original one. Due to this, the New Balance inscription in the lid window is located not in the center , but at the bottom;

The lid of the original and fake box

Due to the difference in size, there is a discrepancy in the pattern of the sneaker on the lid and the side of the box. The lines are shifted.

drawing of a sneaker on the packaging

The information on the stickers also differs in composition. You can read everything normally . On a fake, in order to understand the inscription, you need to speak Chinese .

Information on stickers in original and fake

Bottom line

When choosing New Balance brand sneakers, the consumer should pay attention to several features in order to determine the originality of the purchased pair. Nuances:

• appearance is one of the main indicators; on real sneakers, the stitching is even, the threads match in color with the presented elements;
• packaging - depends on the country of manufacture of the purchased pair (the picture is clear, even, the elements are located along a single line);
• barcode – often different numbers are indicated on the tongues of counterfeit NBs;
• suede and other materials are natural, with the correct pile.

Before purchasing sneakers, you need to check whether the selected point of sale works with the sneaker manufacturer (if possible, request identification documents). If the purchase turns out to be different from the original, you must contact the supplier to request a replacement or refund.

Expert opinion

Karnaukh Ekaterina Vladimirovna

Graduated from the National University of Shipbuilding, majoring in Enterprise Economics

Original New Balance are bright and wearable shoes. Genuine sneakers, according to the manufacturer, last at least four years, so it is important to determine whether a product is fake. There are many features and nuances; the differences between the sneakers are striking in many ways. It is important to read the instructions and explanations of the video format in advance.

Appearance

New Balance sneakers are made of natural suede . Some models ( 999, 574 ) have mesh toe inserts. All models have reflective elements. Things to consider when inspecting the appearance of New Balance sneakers:

1. Quality of material. Run your fingers over the suede areas. The pile should change its direction.
2. Evaluate the execution of the seams. The same place should not be stitched several times. There should be no protruding threads

The quality of materials and seams is fake 574

Look at the number of stitches on the shoes. Manufacturers of the brand do not spare threads and use two or three lines on their products.

Original and fake model 574

Underground craftsmen are in such a hurry to release their products for sale that they only make one line at a time. Although, in 999 model of the original New Balance there are also few stitches.

Stitches in the fake model 999

Look at the shape of the heel. In real New Balance it always comes in an arc shape .

The heel of the fake and the original model 574

On fakes, the heel is folded in half.

By the way, read this article too: How to distinguish Lacoste sneakers from fakes

The nose shape in models 574 is square . Manufacturers of fakes have the same , so there are 574 models with a round nose.

The toe box of the original 574 sneakers

On the left is a fake, on the right is the original model 574

A little about shoes

Before I talk about how to distinguish real New Balance from a fake, I want to discuss the sneakers themselves.

The history of 574 began in the 80s of the last century. Then the company entered into an agreement with a well-known runner at that time. His name is Dick Beardsley. The US company had no right to miss the Boston Marathon. It took place in 1982. The race was decisive for the brand, as well as for the 574 itself.

In the end, Dick took second place. This did not prevent the growth of popularity, and the brand became even more recognizable. No one could refuse such sneakers. It was enough to imagine them on your feet.

For the production of sneakers, suede and Mesh are used. This improves the breathability of the shoe. The outsole uses ENCAP technology. Moreover, it was introduced only in 1988.

Logos

Any self-respecting branded shoes are always replete with logos. New Balance sneakers are no exception. Logos are available on :

• tongue (letters NB and model number);

Model 574 Logo Locations

• backdrop;

Model 574 Logo Locations

• side part (capital letter N);
• lateral part of the sole;

Model 574 Logo Locations

• the sole itself;
• insoles.

You should carefully look at the quality of the logos. They should be clear, letters and numbers should not be elongated . If the brand name is written in full, there should be space . For example, they forgot to do it in the copy of model 996 .

The quality of the 996 logos

How to check the authenticity of purchased New Balance sneakers?

Determining the authenticity of New Balance shoes is done in much the same way as checking Nike or Puma sneakers: neatness of the seams, absence of adhesive smudges, checking the article numbers on the box and the shoe tongue. However, the manufacturer has prepared several “traps” for manufacturers of counterfeit products.

1. UV glowing logo

Shine a UV flashlight on the tag located on the inside of the tongue. Real New Balance will have the brand logo appear. The exception is shoes from the UK.

2. Packaging

The box should have a label with the following information:

• model name,
• barcode,
• color code,
• size (indicated in three grids: for US/UK/EUR).

Don't forget to check that the barcode on the package is identical to the code on the inside of the tongue.

• Smart sneakers from Xiaomi Mijia Smart Shoes

Box color scheme

There are the following types of branded New Balance packaging:

• blue and red boxes are the most common type of packaging for sports and inexpensive recreational models;
• made of unpainted cardboard – for reissues of lifestyle models, as well as shoes made in the UK;
• red and white boxes are for sneakers from the USA.

Workmanship

Crooked seams, loose threads and glue stains on the surface - this is a fake New Balance sneaker. The coloring of the material should be uniform, without drips or whitish spots. Color combinations are the same as on the manufacturer’s website. For example, a photo: on the right is a fake, on the left are branded sneakers. You can compare what original New Balance sneakers and fake ones look like.

Label on tongue

A label is always sewn onto the back of the tongue indicating the country of manufacture code, size and model number.

Remember: original NB sneakers are made in five countries (UK, USA, China, Vietnam, Indonesia). If you have shoes from another country in your hands, then these are definitely fake New Balance sneakers.

The photo is an outright fake. There is not even a brand logo on the label.

• Top 15 most popular men's sneakers on Aliexpress

Embroidery data

The model number is located on the front of the tongue. There should not be such numbers on the back.

For English shoes, the inscription “Made in UK” is embroidered on the tongue. The British flag can also be printed on the heel and tongue of the sneakers. However, if you see English New Balance without a flag, do not think that it is a fake. On a number of models, for example, the 577th, the flag is not embroidered. However, they are manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Imprint on the sole

The New Balance logo is imprinted on the heel of the sole.

Outsole material

The outsole is made from high-tech Abzord and Encap materials, the names of which are indicated on the side of the sole.

The most optimal, but also the most time-consuming way to distinguish fake NB sneakers is to go to the manufacturer’s website and find the desired model. If it is not there or looks different, then this is a fake.

Download a mobile application that allows you to scan shoe barcodes and compare them with data on the manufacturer’s website. This way you can identify even a high-quality fake, when there are no visual differences between New Balance sneakers and you don’t have an ultraviolet flashlight at hand. The application is good at determining the authenticity of branded products; with its help, you can recognize fake sneakers from Puma, Adidas and other famous brands.

• The best Chinese sneakers from Aliexpress

Sole

The sole of the original sneakers is made of foam material . Due to this, it is easily pressed, but quickly takes its previous shape. The sole protector is made of rubber.

In copies, the sole is much harder. It's hard to squeeze. The tread is also very hard. The sole of the copy often differs from the original in design.

The sole of the original and the fake

There is a plastic insert on the back side of the sole. In copies it can be significantly longer than in the original (as in model 996), and not have a ribbed pattern (a copy of model 574 has a similar error).

The difference between plastic inserts

Insert from the original

Insert on fake sneakers

Usually the sole of sneakers is painted in different colors . Pay attention to the quality of painting. The paint should not extend beyond the sole or have scratches.

Differences in paint quality

Looking for a fake

Now to the question of how to distinguish New Balance from a fake. This is relevant for male and female audiences. After all, the female version of the model is also on sale. Each model has its own characteristics, as well as reasons to buy it.

Recognizing the original New Balance is not that difficult.

There are several ways to recognize the original or distinguish a fake.

You can do this using:

• boxes;
• tags;
• insole;
• soles;
• manufacturer;
• cost.

Now I propose to go through these points. After them, you will know how to distinguish the original New Balance from a fake.

Studying the box

Let's start with the boxes. These are where the shoes are located.

The box, as well as its contents, makes it clear whether what you are looking at is a fake or an original. There are such nuances here:

• Traditionally, original sneakers are sold in blue, red and white boxes;
• New models may be packaged in dark gray packaging. They should have a silver manufacturer's logo on top;
• All genuine crosses are packed in boxes with an oval hole on one side. And on the other there are a pair of round holes;
• There is a sticker on the front side. It shows the model code, size, barcode, as well as the manufacturer’s website;
• If you look at the bottom of the box, there will be information about the use of recyclable materials for its production. The inscription is duplicated in French and English;
• Inside are the sneakers themselves, as well as wrapping paper for the shoes.

From my experience I can say that the 574 is an excellent shoe. It doesn't matter whether it's winter or autumn outside. I have had them withstand all weather conditions. New Balance is not just a beautiful name for a famous brand. It's also excellent quality. Not when your New Balance is fake.

What does the tag tell us?

Another point that will help determine whether it is fake or original. This is a tag or label.

There are 2 tags on the tongue of the original shoe.

• First tag
  . Sewn over the edge of the tongue. It has your logo, name and model number on the front side. On the reverse side are recommendations for proper care of crosses;
• Second tag
  . She's the bottom one. This contains the model code. Moreover, it must match the code that is printed on the sticker of the box. There is also a size, a QR code, and also indicates the country where the product was manufactured.

That's not all. Let's move on.

Insole features

The insole included in the sneakers can also tell you that you are at risk of wasting your money on a cheap fake.

In the case of the original, the name of the company and the number of the purchased model are printed on the insole. There are perforations.

Look at the back of the insole. Here comes the porous material on the basis of which the element is made.

There is also a recess on the inside. Due to this, the insole is neatly and correctly positioned on the instep support.

Looking at the sole

The sole can also provide useful information.

Here look at the following nuances:

• On the outside of the top of the sole in the real 574 there is an inscription of the letters ENCAP. Confirms the use of special sole production technology;
• Counterfeits do not have such an inscription, or it is made poorly. There are inscriptions with errors, as well as other symbols. The presence of a fake inscription does not indicate the presence of technology;
• The sole of the original shoes has a special tread pattern, as well as a logo;
• Counterfeit sneakers have a standard square pattern. When worn, they quickly fall apart and also begin to crumble.

You shouldn’t buy sneakers to check their originality by using them. It is better to identify a fake in the store.

Where are they made?

One more question. This is the country of origin.

Original sneakers under the New Balance brand are produced in 4 countries:

• Indonesia;
• Vietnam;
• Great Britain;
• USA.

Noticed one feature? Yes everything is correct.

Genuine New Balance has never been produced and is not produced in China.

This is the main feature that you should pay attention to when studying labels and other inscriptions.

If you see that the crosses you are buying are made in China, immediately refuse this product. Here is another fake. And it doesn't matter how high quality it is. Only if you are not specifically looking for a cheaper analogue of the original shoes.

Question of price

You also need to look at the price tag. He can make it clear whether the sneakers are made by real factories, or whether they are underground fakes.

It is worth recognizing that a number of non-originals are doing well. The quality is below the level of real sneakers. But still, at a low price, they can be rented for the season.

This is not to say that buying fakes is shameful. Some people deliberately buy non-original sneakers because of their similarity to the real thing, as well as because of their affordability.

But it’s another matter when a person relies on the original, but they slip him a Chinese fake. This is outright deception and fraud.

Remember that the original 574 from New Balance cannot cost less than 6,000 rubles. And this is subject to sales and promotions. Fakes cost on average 2-4 thousand rubles. You feel the difference.

Sellers attract people with discounts. They supposedly cost 8,000 rubles, but today there is a unique discount, and you can buy the original for 3,700.

Yes, official representatives also organize sales and also conduct promotions. But prices do not fall below 6,000 rubles. Plus, special offers apply to last year’s models, as well as to the remaining 2-3 sizes of sneakers.

Insole and inner part of the shoe

Basically, the insoles in the fakes and the originals are the same in thickness and type of execution. However, in the 574 model, the original insole is thicker than its fake version.

Difference in insoles quality

The main drawback of all fake insoles is the lack of perforation on them and weak information about the model and size.

No size information

In addition, fake insoles do not always display the brand logo . Or done incorrectly.

Logo on the insole in the original sneakers

Lack of logo on fake models

By removing the insole, you can evaluate the quality of the sneaker's firmware. The inside is lined with fabric . In fakes, the fabric may have holes or fall apart into threads. Original sneakers are always carefully stitched.

Difference in seam quality

Difference in seam quality

The seams are parallel to the sole. In copies, the firmware goes perpendicular to the sole , but most often it is simply not there. In English versions of sneakers, you can see a cardboard insert .

Original model inside

Insole

On the insole of the original there is an NB emblem, but a fake will give itself away by applying the shoe size logo in place.

The main disadvantage of all fake insoles is the missing perforated inserts and unclearly printed model characteristics.

Perforation and rosary logo on the heel are a sign of real shoes.

You can distinguish counterfeit sneakers from real sneakers by the thickness of the insole - the original is noticeably denser than the counterfeit version.

By removing the insole, you can evaluate the firmware of the shoe. The inside of New Balance is lined with fabric and perfectly stitched, while a fake will give itself away due to the low-quality material used inside.

Above is the disgusting quality of the interior finishing of the fake shoes.

The seams are always parallel to the sole, and the stitching in copied sneakers is either perpendicular or missing. The English manufacturer makes an additional cardboard insert under the insole.

Tongue tag

A fabric tag is sewn onto the inside of the tongue . It contains information about the model, size, and fullness of the leg. There is also a barcode and a unique sneaker number. The barcode and model number are the same as those on the box sticker.

What should the tag be like?

Individual numbers are different on the right and left sneakers. This characteristic is suitable for original shoes.

Tag on the original model

On the tags of fake samples, the information is more scanty and does not correspond to reality.

By the way, read this article too: How to distinguish a fake from the original Adidas Deerupt Runner

What to do if you were sold fake New Balance

Sometimes it seems that buying a counterfeit pair of sneakers shouldn't be frustrating - such shoes usually cost less and are unlikely to cause significant damage. However, such a purchase has several disadvantages:

• the client will not receive the expected results - the consumer qualities of the fake pair are noticeably lower than those of the original one;
• some materials may be harmful to the health of the buyer (certain properties of chemical elements appear after some time);
• if it was not initially stated that the presented product was counterfeit (although the distribution of such products is considered a criminal offense), the consumer pays a large amount and does not receive the expected result.

The sale of counterfeit products entails punishment at different levels - from civil (payment of compensation, return of goods) to criminal (imprisonment, ban on certain types of activities). If after payment it turns out that the purchased shoes are fake, you need to perform several actions:

• contact the sneaker seller or manager verbally (this is the first step; some distributors do not want to advertise and create a negative impression about the store, preferring to resolve such issues “quietly”);
• prepare and send a written request, where it is necessary to indicate the details of the seller and buyer, describe the situation, indicate the requirement (refund of funds, exchange of sneakers, payment of compensation), set a deadline for resolving the issue. Attention! There are several things to consider when filing a claim. The application is drawn up in two identical versions - one must be given to the manager, the second must be left (put a mark indicating acceptance of the application or a receipt for sending by registered mail with notification);
• If no offers or funds are received from the seller, legal action will be required.

Expert opinion

Karnaukh Ekaterina Vladimirovna

Graduated from the National University of Shipbuilding, majoring in Enterprise Economics

To submit documents to a judge for consideration, you must prepare a statement of claim and collect a package of documents. It rarely gets to this stage - sellers try not to spoil their reputation and resolve issues at the stage of verbal communication or receiving a complaint.

Anti-counterfeit protection

The company is interested in users buying their product, and not replicas. To help the buyer navigate the store, they came up with their own version of checking shoes for originality. To do this, you need to arm yourself with an ultraviolet flashlight. You need to shine it on the label on the inside of the tongue. The letters of the NB logo will appear clearly , in some models even in two rows. On copies, the letters are visible blurry, at a certain angle.

Checking originality with a UV flashlight

Original and fake

Fake model

On the 576, on the logo on the outside of the tongue, under UV light, you can see stitching with the words New Balance.

Price

The price of original New Balance shoes in branded stores can reach up to 20,000 rubles , or even higher. The cost of fakes is much more modest - three to four times less. But they won't last long.

By purchasing original sneakers, you will provide yourself with fashionable shoes for at least four to five seasons. And you will be able to appreciate all the shock-absorbing elements included in the sole of the shoe.

To extend the life of your shoes in excellent condition, it is recommended to treat them with a water-repellent agent immediately after purchase.

But if you see the inscription Made in China , then you shouldn’t be afraid of it. New Balance has its production facilities in China. But it should be noted that all factories for sewing sneakers have the same quality standards, both China and the USA.

the absence of a box indicates counterfeit origin . The box contains a lot of information about the origin of the shoes.