Adidas is more than just a brand: it's a streetwear legend, a style stalwart for decades. From retro jackets to hoodies and collector's jerseys, the label with the three stripes turns heads. But here's the thing... where there's style, there's copying.
It's not always easy to tell the difference between the real vintage nuggets and the dirty fakes. You come across an Adidas jacket for 20€? A label written half in Comic Sans? Hmm... not a good sign.
Good news: here, we're going to give you all the tips you need to know if your Adidas is real or fake. Whether it's a jacket, a jersey or a real Adidas made in Vietnam (or Indonesia), you'll learn how to sort them out like a pro.
1. Why are there so many counterfeit Adidas?
Simple: Adidas has a cult following. Whether you're a fan of Samba, Campus, Spezial or vintage Adidas Originals jackets, everyone wants them. Inevitably, this attracts counterfeiters.
Retro style is all the rage, the second-hand market is exploding, and some smart guys are taking advantage of the situation to throw out fakes on Vinted, Instagram, or dubious sites deep in the web. And with tempting prices, it's hard not to get caught out.
Moral: these days, you need a good eye. And that's exactly what we're going to teach you here.
2. Signs that should tip you off
Your instinct never lies. If an article seems too good to be true, it's probably... not true at all.
Here are a few red flags to spot right away:
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A suspicious label: badly printed, not straight, no clear product code? Weird.
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Badly sewn seams that curl? Even more suspicious.
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Flocking that's crumbling, even though it's supposed to be new? Danger.
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And the most classic: the price is too low. If you see a "new" Adidas jacket for 15€, run away.
And don't forget to look at the country of manufacture: counterfeiters love false indications. We often see statements like "Adidas made in Vietnam true or false" or "Adidas made in Indonesia true or false". These countries sometimes produce real Adidas, but fakes also use them to cover their tracks. So check everything: logo, material, inner label.
In short: if you're in doubt, you're in the clear.
3. How can you spot a fake Adidas logo?
The logo is the brand's identity card. And when it's badly done, it's often the sign of a fake. At Adidas, there are three main types of logo:
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Trefoil = Adidas Originals
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The Performance logo = the three curved stripes
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The ADIDAS name alone, in a more sober version
But which Adidas logo is original? Well... all of them, provided they're well executed.
To find out how to recognize a true Adidas, take a look at :
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The symmetry of the logo
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The quality of the embroidery or flocking
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Alignment with seams or pockets
If the logo is blurred, badly centered or done in college printer mode, beware. And if you really want to know how to recognize a real Adidas jersey, always start here: the logo is your best indicator.
4. How to recognize a fake Adidas jacket?
A real vintage Adidas jacket is a jewel. Something you wear with pride. But some copies are so well imitated that you need a good eye.
So, to recognize a counterfeit Adidas jacket, here are the points to check:
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Zipper: it must be solid, well-stitched and often signed YKK or a recognized brand.
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Inside label: the logo must be clear, with the correct product code and size information.
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Material: no scratchy fabric or fabric that sounds like a plastic bag.
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Sleeve stripes: they should be even, well-stitched and parallel.
If in doubt, compare with a real one found in a boutique or on the official website. This is the best way to recognize a genuine Adidas jersey or jacket. Don't be fooled by sloppy details.
5. Recognizing a genuine Adidas jersey
A real Adidas jersey exudes quality. And yet, fakes are often very convincing... from a distance. Up close, it's a different story:
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embroidered logos are often misaligned or poorly finished
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The fabric is cheap, lacks breathability or makes you sweat to death.
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The cut can be wobbly, too wide or poorly tailored.
Do you really want to know how to recognize a real Adidas jersey? Or how to tell if an Adidas jersey is the real thing? Look at the details: finish, stitching, label, material.
You can always spot a fake... if you know where to look.
6. Sneakers: how do you recognize the real Campus 00s, adidas Samba and Spezial?
You want the real thing, not a pair of knock-offs? Then take two minutes to check out the details.
To find out how to recognize a genuine Adidas Samba, take a look at :
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Sole shape (straight, clean, well-bonded)
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The logo on the inside: it should be clean, without burrs
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Lacing: often badly positioned on copies
The same goes for knowing if you're holding a real Adidas Campus: the suede must be quality, not shiny imitation. And Adidas Spezial? It's even sharper: the finish is ultra-clean on the originals.
The most important thing to avoid being fooled: always ask yourself if what you're holding exudes quality.
7. How to check if an Adidas product is original?
Want to know how to recognize genuine Adidas? Start with the basics:
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Look for a QR code on the label. Scan it: it should take you back to the official product. Please note: the adidas QR code is not compulsory on every item!
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Each shoe or garment has a unique serial number. If both feet have the same one... it's dead.
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Packaging, too, can give you away: shaky typography, cheap cardboard, wrong size or origin information.
This is the simple way to find out if my Adidas are real. It's not magic, just a little attention.
8. GOODSapes: anti-counterfeiting
Fakes at Goodsapes? Never. We only sell 100% authentic vintage Adidas, cherished with love. Each piece is hand-selected, checked down to the last detail and ready to wear as soon as you receive it.
Looking for an Adidas Originals jacket, a retro jersey, a fire tracksuit or a collector's sweater? You've come to the right place.
Here, we're serious about authenticity. Our clothes have a real history. Not a doctored bar code.
So if you want the real thing, the stylish stuff, and quality second-hand, GOODSapes is the place.
Want to make a difference? Go buy your nugget Adidas Vintage at GOODSapes!
9. FAQ: The questions everyone has about Adidas knock-offs
Still struggling to decide whether what you've bought is real or fake? Here are the answers to the questions we're all asking ourselves, in a quick and easy version:
How do you spot a fake Adidas logo?
Look closely at the symmetry of the logo. The Trefoil should be centered, with the leaves aligned. If it's blurred, badly embroidered or printed, it's suspicious. The three stripes must be clean, regular and well proportioned. If the logo is out of alignment, it's probably a fake.
How do you authenticate an Adidas pair?
Under the tongue, you'll find a product code. Compare it with the one on the official Adidas website. Real pairs often have two different codes (one per foot). Fake ones? Same code on both shoes. Add to this the quality of the stitching and the shape of the sole, and you've got a good lead.
How to check if an Adidas product is original?
Look at the finish. A genuine Adidas product is clean, solid and well cut. Check the item code, scan the QR code if there is one, and avoid dubious platforms with offers that are too good to be true (watch out for Vinted!!).
Which Adidas logo is original?
There are several, all official:
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Trefoil = Adidas Originals
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The 3 curved stripes = Adidas Performance
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The word ADIDAS alone = used on certain lifestyle garments.
If you see them done wrong or misplaced, you've probably got a fake.
What's the difference between Adidas and Adidas Originals?
Adidas is the global brand that covers everything: sports, running, skateboarding, etc.
Adidas Originals is the vintage/retro line. This is where you'll find the streetwear nuggets we love at Goodsapes: old-school jackets, stylish jerseys, legendary tracksuits.
How can you spot a counterfeit Adidas jacket?
Look at the zipper: it must be sturdy and well sewn. Check the seams, the logo, the stripes on the sleeves. If it's misaligned or the fabric looks cheap, beware. Counterfeits don't pay attention to detail.
How do you authenticate an Adidas item?
Check the labels. You should find a product code, country of manufacture and size information. Cross-reference them with the official website. And if you have a vintage piece, compare it with older models via forums or enthusiast groups.
How to spot counterfeit Adidas?
Most of the time, it's obvious:
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Poor-quality fabric
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Ill-centered logo
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Rough finishing
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Odd or missing labels
If you have the slightest doubt, there's a problem. It's best to pass.
10. In short: 3 golden rules to avoid fake Adidas
To avoid being sold a counterfeit, remember these three simple reflexes. First, always check logos, labels and product codes. That's where fakes give themselves away most quickly.
Secondly, beware of low prices. An Adidas jacket for 15 €? It smells like a fake. Finally, to be sure you're getting the real thing, go to a reliable online thrift store like GOODSapes, where every piece is checked and guaranteed authentic.
11. You want the real thing, the beautiful thing, the vintage thing?
If you're looking for stylish, retro and 100% authentic Adidas apparel, check out Goodsapes. We've got the best of the vintage Adidas Originals collection: iconic jackets, collector's sweatshirts, cool jerseys... all without the slightest hint of counterfeiting. Every item is checked, washed and ready to wear. Fast delivery, new arrivals every week, and guaranteed style. In short, no more excuses.
