How to Tell if Your Sneakers Are Real or Fake (Australia & NZ Guide)
Buying hype sneakers in Australia or New Zealand can feel risky. With fakes getting better every year, knowing how to tell if your sneakers are real or fake is now basic survival for any sneakerhead.
This guide breaks down simple checks you can do at home before you drop serious cash – and explains why buying through a trusted reseller like Big Boi Sneakers takes the stress out of the process.
1. Start With the Box and Label
Before you even touch the shoes, check the box.
- Look closely at the size tag sticker: spelling, fonts, spacing and logos should be clean and consistent.
- Compare the style code and colour description with the official product page from Nike, adidas, New Balance, etc. If the code doesn’t exist or the colour name is wrong, that’s a red flag.
- Check the quality of the cardboard, print and paper. Legit brands don’t use flimsy, blurry packaging.
If the seller says the shoes are “brand new” but there’s no original box or the box looks dodgy, be extra cautious.
2. Inspect Shape, Stitching and Materials
Real sneakers have consistent shape and construction. Fakes often look “off” even if you can’t pick why at first.
Focus on:
- Overall shape: Compare photos to pairs from official sites or verified resale platforms. A chunky toebox, weird heel curve or oddly tall tongue can signal a fake.
- Stitching: Authentic pairs have neat, even stitches. Loose threads, crooked lines or random double-stitching usually mean counterfeit.
- Materials: Cheap leather, plastic-feeling “suede” or overly shiny mesh are warning signs. If it looks or feels like toy material, walk away.
When in doubt, search for “[model name] legit check” and compare each panel carefully.
3. Check Logos, Fonts and Small Details
Counterfeit factories struggle with tiny details.
Pay close attention to:
- Brand logos: Check the shape of the Swoosh, Jumpman, trefoil, NB logo, etc. Slightly wrong proportions give fakes away.
- Tongue tags and insoles: Font weight, spacing and alignment should match official pairs.
- Special features: On Jordans and Dunks, look at wings logos, perforation patterns and heel tabs. On Yeezy-style shoes, inspect pull tabs, stripe placement and boost patterns.
Small details are where most fakes fail – take your time here.
4. Use Your Senses: Smell and Feel
It sounds crazy, but smell is a big legit check.
- Real pairs usually have a light glue/rubber smell that fades quickly.
- Many fakes use harsh, cheap glue that gives off a strong chemical odour and can cause instant headaches.
Also use touch:
- Squeeze the midsole – authentic foam usually feels more responsive and less brick-like.
- Run your hand over the upper. Quality leather and suede have texture and depth, not a flat plastic feel.
If everything smells toxic and feels cheap, trust your gut.
5. Always Check the Seller, Not Just the Shoe
Even a perfect-looking pair is risky if the seller is sketchy.
Before you buy:
- Check reviews and feedback from other buyers in Australia/NZ.
- Look for a real website, real contact details and active social media, not just a random IG page with botted followers.
- Be wary of prices that are way below market with no explanation – if it’s too good to be true, it usually is.
This is why so many buyers now prefer local trusted resellers over random marketplace listings.
6. Why Buy From Big Boi Sneakers?
At Big Boi Sneakers, authenticity isn’t a buzzword – it’s the whole business.
When you shop with us, you get:
- 100% authentic pairs only, sourced from trusted suppliers and collectors
- A proper legit check process on every sneaker that comes through our hands
- Australian/New Zealand based support, so you’re not waiting weeks for overseas replies
- Peace of mind that your grails are the real deal – not a cheap knock-off
If you’re ever unsure about a pair you’re thinking of buying, use this sneaker legit check guide as your checklist – and when you want to skip the stress entirely, cop from Big Boi Sneakers, where every pair is already checked, verified and ready to wear.
