Spotting Fakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Counterfeit Vans Shoes

Vans, with their iconic side stripe and laid-back Californian vibe, have become a staple in wardrobes worldwide. Unfortunately, their popularity makes them a prime target for counterfeiters. Buying fake Vans can be disappointing, not only because of the inferior quality but also because you’re supporting an unethical industry. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the detailed steps and instructions you need to confidently distinguish between genuine Vans and their counterfeit counterparts.

Why It Matters to Spot Fake Vans

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand why it’s crucial to identify fake Vans:

• Quality Issues: Fake Vans are often made with cheaper materials and inferior construction. This means they’re likely to be less comfortable, less durable, and may fall apart quickly. The rubber might crack, the canvas might tear, and the soles might separate.
• Ethical Concerns: Counterfeiting is an illegal activity that often involves exploiting labor and disregarding ethical manufacturing practices. By purchasing genuine Vans, you’re supporting a legitimate company that strives for quality and fair treatment.
• Poor Fit and Comfort: Genuine Vans are known for their comfortable fit. Fake versions might have awkward shapes, uncomfortable insoles, and poor sizing accuracy, leading to discomfort and potential foot problems.
• Resale Value: Authentic Vans retain their value much better than fakes. If you ever plan on reselling your shoes, genuine pairs will fetch a higher price.
• Safety: Inferior construction of fakes can result in poor grip and increased risk of slipping and falls, especially in wet conditions.

The Detailed Inspection: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s move on to the practical aspects of identifying fake Vans. This detailed inspection will cover everything from the packaging to the stitching. Pay close attention to each detail, and remember that counterfeiters are constantly improving their techniques, so staying vigilant is key.

1. The Packaging

Box Examination:

• Material: Genuine Vans boxes are made from sturdy, high-quality cardboard. The box should not feel flimsy or easily crushable. Counterfeit boxes may be made from thin, cheap cardboard.
• Printing Quality: The logos, text, and graphics on a genuine Vans box should be sharp, clear, and not blurry or pixelated. The ink shouldn’t smudge easily. Fake boxes often have faded or poorly printed details.
• Label Details: Look for a label on the side of the box containing important information: style name, size, color code, and a barcode with a UPC code. Verify this information matches the shoes inside. Check if the details are printed correctly, not handwritten or using low-quality font. The label should feel slightly raised and be securely attached to the box.
• Box Label Accuracy: Cross-reference the style code on the box with the style number that may also be present on the inner label of the shoes. Mismatched codes are a red flag.
• Overall Condition: New Vans boxes should be in good condition, without any significant dents, tears, or markings. Damaged boxes can indicate a fake, or poor storage conditions for genuine products, but be aware of it.

Tissue Paper:

• Genuine Vans often come with neatly folded tissue paper inside the box. This tissue paper is usually plain white or branded with a Vans logo. Examine the quality of the tissue paper itself, and if it is flimsy, a very thin type of paper it is a red flag.
• Fake Vans may lack tissue paper altogether or use cheap, thin, or excessively crumpled paper.

2. The Shoes: Overall Appearance

Shape and Silhouette:

• General Form: Genuine Vans have a distinct silhouette that should be consistent between pairs of the same style. Look at the curve of the toe, the height of the sole, and the shape of the heel. Fake Vans may have a distorted or oddly shaped appearance that deviates from the original design.
• Toe Box: The toe box of genuine Vans should be relatively structured and not overly squished. Fake versions might appear flattened or misshapen.
• Heel Shape: The heel of real Vans has a gentle curve that fits comfortably around the foot. Counterfeits might have a straighter or boxier heel.

Stitching Inspection:

• Stitch Quality: Examine the stitching throughout the shoe. Genuine Vans have clean, tight, and even stitching without any loose threads or inconsistencies. Stitches should be consistent in size and spacing.
• Stitch Count: Vans employs a specific stitch count in key areas. Look for the consistent parallel lines of stitching. Inconsistencies indicate the shoe may be a fake. Check stitching around the sole, the eyelets, and the iconic side stripe.
• Stitching Alignment: The stitching on the side stripe should be precisely aligned and evenly spaced. This is a common area where counterfeiters often cut corners.
• Stitch Color: Make sure the stitching color matches that of the genuine model that you are comparing it with. In many models, the stitching should blend in with the upper of the shoe, unless designed otherwise.

Side Stripe (Jazz Stripe):

• Shape and Placement: The side stripe (often called the “jazz stripe”) is a signature feature of Vans. The stripe should be evenly shaped, smoothly curved, and precisely placed. It should not be too wide or too narrow, and it should not abruptly cut off at the ends.
• Material: The stripe should be made of the same high-quality leather or synthetic material as the rest of the shoe, though sometimes it can be slightly different depending on the model. Fake stripes often use lower-grade materials that can look different and wear out faster.
• Attachment: The stripe should be securely and cleanly stitched to the upper material, without any sloppy or uneven edges.

Color Accuracy:

• Shade Match: Check if the colors of the shoes match the official colors offered by Vans for that particular model. Fake shoes often have colors that are off or look faded compared to genuine pairs. Compare the color of the shoe in the hand with the color of the shoe online on a trusted retailer.
• Print Quality: If your Vans have patterns or prints, make sure they are clear, sharp, and not pixelated or blurry. Any distortion of the print or color inconsistencies indicate counterfeit origins.

3. The Shoes: Material Quality

Canvas and Suede:

• Canvas Feel: The canvas used on genuine Vans is generally thick, durable, and tightly woven. It should feel sturdy and not flimsy or too thin. Fake shoes often have canvas that is thinner, feels rough, or is easily wrinkled.
• Suede Quality: If your Vans have suede, it should be soft, smooth, and have a consistent texture. Fake suede can feel rough, thin, and may have an artificial appearance. Check the nap (the soft, raised texture) of the suede and compare it with online pictures of genuine products to confirm the texture and pile.
• Material Variations: If your shoe has a leather upper, the leather should be supple, have the correct texture and thickness, and not have a cheap or plastic feel.

Rubber Sole:

• Flexibility: The rubber sole of genuine Vans should be flexible, allowing for natural foot movement. Check if it bends and flexes easily, not stiff. Fake soles may be made from a stiff, low-quality rubber that doesn’t bend easily.
• Texture and Grip: The sole of genuine Vans has a waffle-like pattern that provides good grip. The waffle pattern should be well-defined and consistent, and the rubber should not be slippery or too smooth. A poorly defined pattern is a clear sign of a fake.
• Color and Finish: The rubber should have a smooth, matte finish, not overly glossy or shiny. Examine the rubber and its color, and check if it matches the genuine shoe. The color should be consistent and not vary from section to section on the shoe sole.
• Vulcanization Line: Genuine Vans have a consistent and neatly finished vulcanization line where the sole meets the upper. The line should be clean and even, without any gaps or excessive glue. Counterfeit shoes may have uneven, messy, or poorly glued vulcanization lines.

Insoles:

• Material: The insole should be made of a supportive and comfortable material. It should not feel too thin or flimsy. Check that the material appears similar to genuine insole materials.
• Branding: Genuine Vans insoles typically feature the Vans logo clearly printed or embossed. The logo should be sharp, clear, and not blurry or faded. Fake insoles often have poorly printed or missing logos. Check the font and clarity.
• Padding and Support: Genuine Vans generally have adequate padding and arch support in the insole. Feel the insole and compare it with a genuine pair, noting the padding and support for the arch of the foot.

4. The Shoes: Interior and Hidden Details

Inner Label:

• Information Accuracy: Look for an inner label usually located on the tongue or inside the shoe. This label should include the shoe’s style code, size, color code, and country of manufacture, and other serial numbers. Cross-reference this information with the information on the box.
• Printing Quality: The printing on the inner label should be sharp, clear, and not blurry or faded. The text should be legible and the font should be correct. Fake shoes may have labels with blurry, misspelled, or incorrect information and different fonts.
• Attachment: The label should be securely stitched or glued to the shoe, without any loose edges. A sloppy or poorly attached label can indicate a fake.

Eyelets:

• Material and Finish: The eyelets should be made of sturdy metal and be securely fastened. They should have a smooth, consistent finish. Fake shoes may have eyelets that are made from cheap metal that may feel thin and light, with sharp edges and a poorly applied finish.
• Placement: The eyelets should be evenly spaced and precisely aligned. Inconsistent or crooked eyelets can be a sign of a fake.

Heel Tab (Heel Patch):

• Branding: The heel tab on many Vans models features a Vans logo. This logo should be clear, well-defined, and accurately placed. The color of the logo should also be correct. Fake shoes often have heel tabs with blurry, distorted, or off-color logos.
• Stitching: Examine the stitching around the heel tab. It should be neat, even, and without any loose threads.
• Material: The heel tab should be made of a durable material that is securely attached.

5. Price Point and Source

Unrealistic Discounts:

• If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Vans are usually sold at a relatively consistent price point. Be skeptical of websites or vendors offering significant discounts, especially for limited edition models or very popular styles.

Source of Purchase:

• Authorized Retailers: Always buy your Vans from authorized retailers, reputable online stores, or Vans’ official website. This reduces the risk of buying counterfeits. Buying from marketplaces like Ebay, Amazon (where third party vendors can list their products) etc. can be risky.
• Unverified Sellers: Be wary of buying Vans from social media sellers, unverified websites, or informal marketplaces. These are often hubs for counterfeit goods. If buying used or discounted, ensure you are using a trusted retailer or reseller, with good reviews or history.

6. Comparing to Authentic Vans

In-Person Comparison:

• If possible, compare the suspected fake with a pair of authentic Vans from a trusted retailer. Observe the differences in the materials, stitching, construction, and the overall feel.

Online Comparison:

• Compare your shoes with pictures of the same model on Vans’ official website or authorized retailer websites. Pay attention to the details, colorways, and other key features.
• Look for comparison videos online. Many sneaker enthusiasts create videos that compare genuine and fake versions of various shoe models.

Key Takeaways: Red Flags to Watch For

Here’s a summary of the most important things to look out for:

• Poor Quality Packaging: Flimsy box, blurry print, incorrect labels.
• Sloppy Stitching: Uneven stitching, loose threads, inconsistent spacing.
• Incorrect Side Stripe: Poor shape, wrong placement, cheap material.
• Off Colors: Faded or incorrect colors that do not match authentic pairs.
• Cheap Materials: Thin canvas, rough suede, stiff rubber sole.
• Poor Branding: Blurry or misspelled logos on the insole, tongue, or heel tab.
• Unrealistic Prices: Prices that seem too good to be true.
• Unreliable Sources: Unverified websites, social media sellers, informal marketplaces.

What To Do If You Suspect Fake Vans

If you suspect you have purchased fake Vans, here’s what you can do:

• Contact the Seller: Immediately contact the seller and request a refund, stating your reason.
• Report the Seller: If the seller is uncooperative or refuses to acknowledge the fake, report them to the platform where you made the purchase (e.g., eBay, Amazon).
• Report Counterfeiting: You can report counterfeit goods to the appropriate consumer protection agencies in your country or region.
• Learn from the Experience: Use this experience to further refine your ability to identify fake Vans in the future.

Conclusion

Identifying fake Vans may seem like a daunting task, but by paying attention to detail and carefully inspecting the shoes, you can avoid falling victim to counterfeiters. Always be vigilant, buy from reputable sources, and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to spot fake Vans and ensure you’re always getting the genuine article. Investing in genuine Vans means investing in quality, comfort, and a brand with a rich history.