3 Ways to Spot Fake Yeezy Slides

If you’re a sneakerhead, you know that owning a pair of genuine Yeezy Slides is a must-have. But with so many fakes on the market, it can be tough to know how to spot the real deal. That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the key things to look for when you’re legit checking Yeezy Slides.

First, you’ll want to check the shape of the slides. Authentic Yeezy Slides have a sleek, streamlined silhouette. The toe box should be slightly rounded, and the heel should be slightly pointed. If the slides you’re looking at have a boxy or clunky shape, they’re likely fake.

Next, take a look at the material. Authentic Yeezy Slides are made from a soft, rubbery material called EVA. This material is lightweight and comfortable, and it has a slightly textured surface. If the slides you’re looking at are made from a hard, plastic material, or if the surface is smooth, they’re likely fake.

Authenticity Verification Techniques

Box Verification

Before opening the box, inspect it closely for any obvious signs of tampering or defects. Genuine Yeezy boxes are made of sturdy cardboard and should be free from dents or tears. The box should feature a matte finish with a raised Yeezy logo on the top. The box should also include a size label and product code that matches the information on the shoe.

Once opened, check the interior of the box for authenticity markers. The tissue paper used to wrap the shoes should be soft and silky, with no visible fibers or loose threads. The inner lid of the box should include a silver sticker with the Yeezy logo and product information. This sticker should be firmly attached and should not come off easily.

Here is a table summarizing the key box features to inspect:

Feature	Authentic	Fake
Material	Sturdy cardboard, matte finish	Cheap cardboard, glossy finish
Logo	Raised Yeezy logo	Flat or missing logo
Tissue paper	Soft, silky, no visible fibers	Coarse, thin, loose threads
Inner lid sticker	Silver, Yeezy logo, firmly attached	Missing sticker, no logo, easily removed

Inspecting Design Elements

Shape and Silhouette

Authentic Yeezy Slides feature a distinctive silhouette with a contoured upper and a slightly curved sole. The shape should be consistent and symmetrical, without any obvious irregularities or deviations. Pay attention to the curvature of the toe box and the overall proportions of the slide.

Construction and Materials

Genuine Yeezy Slides are crafted from premium EVA foam, known for its durability, cushioning, and flexibility. The foam should be of high quality, with no visible defects, cracks, or irregularities. Examine the seams and stitching for neatness and consistency. The sole should have a waffle-like pattern, which provides traction and grip.

Color and Texture

The color of authentic Yeezy Slides should be vibrant and consistent throughout the shoe. Fading or unevenness in color indicates a potential fake. The texture of the EVA foam should be smooth and even, without any rough or textured areas. Run your fingers over the surface to feel for any inconsistencies.

Logo and Branding

The Yeezy logo and branding elements on genuine Yeezy Slides are subtle and discrete. Look for the small Yeezy logo embossed on the insole. The sizing information should be printed on a label inside the slide and should match the size on the box. Ensure that the branding is correctly aligned and proportionate to the size of the slide.

Authentic	Fake
Sharp, clear logo	Blurry or distorted logo
Subtle branding	Overly prominent branding
Embossed logo	Printed or glued-on logo

Evaluating Materials and Construction

Upper

Boost Midsole: The Boost midsole in authentic Yeezy Slides is made of BASF foam, commonly found in athletic shoes. It has a soft, plush feel that is highly responsive and provides excellent cushioning. Counterfeit midsoles may use cheaper foams that lack the same level of support and comfort.
EVA Foam: The upper and strap of genuine Yeezy Slides are crafted from EVA foam. This material is durable, lightweight, and flexible, making the slides comfortable to wear for extended periods. Fake slides may use inferior materials that are prone to tearing or cracking.
Molded Details: Authentic Yeezy Slides have precisely molded details, such as the three stripes on the strap and the Yeezy logo imprinted on the heel. These details are expertly executed and seamlessly integrated into the slide’s design. Counterfeit slides often have sloppy or inaccurate molding, resulting in uneven or misaligned details.

Stitching and Seams

Precision Stitching: The stitching on genuine Yeezy Slides is precise, even, and consistent throughout the slides. The stitches are closely spaced and do not show any fraying or loose threads. Fake slides may have uneven or inconsistent stitching, creating a sloppy appearance.
Reinforced Seams: The seams where the upper and strap are attached to the midsole are reinforced with durable adhesives and stitching. These seams ensure the slides are strong and resistant to tearing. Counterfeit slides may have weaker seams that are prone to failure.
Finishing Touches: Authentic Yeezy Slides have a professional finish with no visible glue residue, rough edges, or uneven surfaces. Counterfeit slides may have sloppy finishing touches that compromise the aesthetics and durability of the slides.

Characteristic	Authentic Yeezy Slides	Counterfeit Yeezy Slides
Boost Midsole	BASF foam, soft and responsive	Cheap foam, lacks support and comfort
EVA Foam	Durable, lightweight, flexible	Inferior materials, prone to tearing
Molded Details	Precise, seamless	Sloppy, inaccurate
Stitching	Precise, even, consistent	Uneven, inconsistent
Seams	Reinforced, durable	Weak, prone to failure
Finishing Touches	Professional, no visible defects	Sloppy, glue residue, rough edges

Checking for Proper Branding

The Yeezy branding is one of the most important aspects of the shoe’s identity. Authentic Yeezy Slides will have the correct font, spacing, and placement of the branding. Here are some specific things to look for:

Font: The font used for the Yeezy branding is a custom font called “Yeezy Boost”. It is a bold, sans-serif font with rounded edges.
Spacing: The spacing between the letters in the Yeezy branding is very specific. The letters should be close together, but not so close that they overlap.

Placement: The Yeezy branding is always placed on the lateral side of the shoe, near the heel. It should be centered on the shoe and level with the ground.

Comparison of Authentic and Fake Yeezy Branding

	Authentic	Fake
Font	Yeezy Boost font	May use a different font or have inconsistent letter spacing
Spacing	Letters are close together but not overlapping	Letters may be too close or too far apart
Placement	Centered on lateral side, level with the ground	May be off-center or tilted

Reviewing Retail Packaging

Authentic Yeezy Slides come in a durable, matte black box with a smooth, soft-touch finish. The box will have the Yeezy logo prominently displayed on the top in bold white letters. Additionally, the box will feature a white sticker on the side, providing the product’s name, size, and other details.

Box Specifications

The following table lists the key specifications of the authentic Yeezy Slides retail box:

Attribute	Authentic Yeezy Slides
Box Material	Matte black cardboard
Box Finish	Smooth, soft-touch
Logo Placement	Yeezy logo prominently displayed on top in bold white letters
Sticker Details	White sticker on side with product name, size, and other details
Dimensions	Approximately 14″ x 10″ x 5″ (35.5 cm x 25.4 cm x 12.7 cm)

Checking for Authenticity

When examining the retail packaging, pay attention to the following details:

Ensure that the box has a matte black finish and a soft, smooth touch.
Verify that the Yeezy logo is bold, white, and clearly visible on the top of the box.
Inspect the white sticker on the side of the box carefully. The text should be crisp, clear, and free of any errors.
Examine the overall dimensions of the box using a measuring tape or ruler to confirm they align with the specifications provided.
Compare the packaging to online images of authentic Yeezy Slides retail boxes to ensure consistency.

Scrutinizing the Insole

The insole is another crucial element to inspect when authenticating Yeezy Slides. Genuine slides feature a plush, padded insole with distinct characteristics. Here’s a closer look:

1. Sole Foam Density

Authentic Yeezy Slides have a firm yet flexible sole foam that provides ample cushioning. Replicas often use low-density foam, resulting in a softer and less supportive feel.

2. Pronounced Arch Support

The insole of authentic Yeezy Slides exhibits pronounced arch support, designed to provide ergonomic comfort. Look for a well-defined arch that contours to the shape of your foot.

3. Heel Pillow Technology

Yeezy Slides incorporate a special heel pillow technology that provides additional cushioning and comfort. This feature should be visible as a raised section in the heel area of the insole.

4. Breathable Lining

Authentic Yeezy Slides feature a breathable lining that wicks moisture and prevents odor. The lining should be soft to the touch and free of any irregularities.

5. Branding and Perforations

The insole should display the correct Yeezy logo and branding, along with the size and color information. Additionally, authentic slides feature small perforations along the sides of the insole for ventilation.

6. Unique Texture and Pattern

The insole of genuine Yeezy Slides has a unique texture and pattern that varies depending on the model. Replicas often fail to accurately replicate these subtle details. Pay attention to the shape, size, and arrangement of the patterns on the insole to ensure authenticity.

Authentic	Replica
Plush, firm sole foam	Soft, less supportive sole foam
Pronounced arch support	Flattened or absent arch support
Raised heel pillow	Flat or poorly defined heel pillow
Breathable lining	Non-breathable or poorly ventilated lining
Accurate branding and perforations	Incorrect branding, missing or excessive perforations
Unique texture and pattern	Inaccurate or missing texture and pattern

Examining the Outsole

The outsole of authentic Yeezy Slides is meticulously crafted to provide both comfort and traction. Here are several key indicators to identify a genuine outsole:

7. Tread Pattern and Distribution

Inspect the tread pattern on the outsole. Genuine Yeezy Slides feature a carefully designed pattern that evenly distributes weight and enhances grip. The tread blocks should be well-defined, uniform in size, and spaced consistently. Fakes often exhibit mismatched or uneven tread patterns.

Compare the outsole with known authentic references online. Pay close attention to the width, depth, and spacing of the tread blocks, ensuring that they correspond with the original design.

Additionally, check for the presence of “YZY” or “Adidas” branding on the outsole. Fake outsoles may lack this branding or display it inaccurately.

Authentic	Fake
Tread pattern is evenly distributed.	Tread pattern is mismatched or uneven.
Tread blocks are uniform in size.	Tread blocks vary in size.
Tread blocks are spaced consistently.	Tread spacing is irregular.
“YZY” or “Adidas” branding is present.	Branding is absent or inaccurate.

Analyzing the Sizing and Fit

The fit of Yeezy Slides is crucial when determining their authenticity.

Sizing Discrepancies

Authentic Yeezy Slides tend to run slightly large compared to Nike or Adidas sneakers in the same size. This is due to the molded design of the slides and the intention to provide ample room for breathability and comfort.

Footprint Measurement

To ensure a precise fit, follow the sizing instructions:

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
On a flat surface, place a piece of paper against a wall.	Standing with your heel against the wall, trace the outline of your foot onto the paper.	Measure the distance from the longest point of your heel to the tip of your longest toe, both vertically and horizontally.

The resulting measurements will provide the recommended slide size. However, if you prefer a snug fit, consider ordering half a size down; if you prefer a more relaxed fit, order half a size up.

Material Thickness

Genuine Yeezy Slides feature a consistent thickness throughout the sole and upper. Variations in material thickness, such as thinner soles or uneven padding, can indicate counterfeit products.

Toebox

Authentic Yeezy Slides have a rounded toebox to accommodate various foot shapes. The toebox should not be overly pointed or misshapen.

Arch Support

The slides should provide ample arch support to maintain comfort during prolonged wear. Insufficient or excessive arch support can be a red flag.

Heel Cup

The heel cup should fit snugly around the heel to prevent slippage. However, it should not be excessively tight or cause discomfort.

Insole Quality

Authentic Yeezy Slides have comfortable, high-quality insoles. The insoles should be removable and feature the Yeezy Boost logo or other distinguishing marks.

Consulting with Experts

Consulting with experts in the field of sneaker authentication can provide invaluable insights. Here’s how to approach them:

Identify Trusted Sources: Look for experts with proven experience and a reputation for accuracy, such as professional authenticators, sneaker collectors, and industry insiders.
Request Professional Authentication: Contact trusted authenticators to have your Yeezy Slides examined and receive a detailed report on their authenticity.
Engage in Community Forums: Join online forums and groups dedicated to sneaker authentication and connect with knowledgeable individuals who can provide guidance and insights.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in sneaker conventions and trade shows to interact with experts and stay informed about the latest authentication techniques.
Utilize Social Media: Follow industry experts on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to gain access to their knowledge and insights.
Read Authentication Guides: Study comprehensive authentication guides created by experts, as they provide detailed information on the features that distinguish genuine Yeezy Slides from counterfeits.
Compare to Authentic Pairs: If possible, compare your Yeezy Slides to verified authentic pairs to assess their similarities and identify any discrepancies.

Authenticity Verification Report

Professional authenticators typically provide a detailed authenticity verification report that includes the following information:

Element	Verified
Packaging	Genuine
Materials	Authentic
Construction	Correct
Logos and Branding	Accurate
Comfort and Fit	As Expected
Overall Assessment	Authentic

Protecting Yourself from Counterfeits

When purchasing Yeezy Slides, it’s crucial to be vigilant against counterfeits. Here are ten strategies to protect yourself from purchasing fake Yeezy Slides:

Verify Authenticity through an Authorized Retailer

Purchase Yeezy Slides only from authorized retailers, such as Adidas, Yeezy Supply, or Foot Locker, to ensure authenticity.
Inspect the Packaging

Genuine Yeezy Slides come in a distinctive box with “Yeezy” and “Slides” printed prominently. Check for any misspellings or faded logos.
Examine the Materials

Yeezy Slides are made with high-quality EVA foam. Counterfeits often use cheaper materials that feel rough or have a strong odor.
Check the Shape and Size

Authentic Yeezy Slides have a specific shape and size. Compare the slides you’re considering to official images or with known authentic pairs.
Analyze the Footbed

The footbed of authentic Yeezy Slides is contoured for maximum comfort. Counterfeits may have flat or poorly designed footbeds.
Examine the Sole

The sole of Yeezy Slides should be made of durable rubber. Counterfeits may use cheaper or poorly constructed soles.
Check for Imperfections

Authentic Yeezy Slides are carefully manufactured. Counterfeits often have imperfections like uneven stitching or excess glue.
Beware of Low Prices

Genuine Yeezy Slides are priced competitively. If you encounter a suspiciously low price, it’s likely a counterfeit.
Consider the Weight

Genuine Yeezy Slides are lightweight. Counterfeits may be heavier due to the use of lower-quality materials.
Use an Authentication Service

For added peace of mind, consider sending your slides to an authentication service for a professional assessment.

How To Legit Check Yeezy Slides

Yeezy Slides are one of the most popular and sought-after sneakers on the market. Unfortunately, this also makes them a target for counterfeiters. If you’re looking to buy a pair of Yeezy Slides, it’s important to know how to legit check them to avoid getting scammed.

Here are a few things to look for when you’re legit checking Yeezy Slides:

The box: The box should be made of high-quality cardboard and have the Yeezy logo printed on it. The box should also have a size sticker on the side.
The shoes: The shoes should be made of high-quality materials and should have a comfortable fit. The soles of the shoes should be made of a durable material and should have a good grip.
The details: The details on the shoes should be precise and well-defined. The stitching should be even and the glue should be applied cleanly.

If you’re still not sure if your Yeezy Slides are legit, you can always take them to a professional for authentication.