When purchasing Adidas Sambas, whether in-store or online, it’s essential to be vigilant in distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit products. With the increasing prevalence of counterfeit sneakers, it can be tricky to spot a fake unless you know exactly what to look for. Adidas Sambas are iconic and highly sought-after, making them a target for counterfeiters. Fake versions of these classic shoes can be convincing, but there are several key features you can inspect to ensure you’re getting the real deal. From the branding and stitching to the materials and overall construction, paying attention to the small details can help you avoid buying a pair of fake Adidas Sambas. Let’s walk you through the most important things to check when verifying the authenticity of your Adidas Sambas.

Spotting fake Adidas Sambas involves looking at various details in the design, materials, and overall construction of the shoes. Here are some key areas to examine:

by TOI Lifestyle Desk

Logo on the tongue: The authentic Adidas Samba usually has the Adidas logo on the tongue. It should be clean, clear, and centered. Fake versions might have distorted or uneven logos.

“Samba” Text: The word “Samba” on the side of the shoe should be well-defined, with clean stitching and a consistent font. On fakes, the text may appear blurry, misaligned, or poorly stitched.

Heel tab: On genuine Adidas Sambas, the heel tab should have a clean and well-stitched Adidas logo. If the stitching is loose or uneven, it’s likely a counterfeit.

Quality of stitching: Authentic Adidas Sambas have precise and even stitching. Fake pairs often have irregular stitching, with visible loose threads or uneven lines.

Shape and structure: Real Sambas maintain a sleek, well-rounded shape. Fakes may be slightly off in terms of how they sit, and they may appear too bulky or distorted.

Sole quality: The sole of an authentic Adidas Samba is made from durable rubber and has a distinctive tread pattern. Fakes often use cheaper, lower-quality rubber that may feel flimsy or less grippy.

Leather quality: The leather on genuine Adidas Sambas feels soft and supple, with a premium look. Fake versions often use synthetic or lower-quality leather that feels stiff or too shiny.

Suede: The suede on real Adidas Sambas is typically high-quality and feels smooth to the touch. Fake shoes may use cheaper, rougher suede that lacks texture.

Weight: Authentic Adidas Sambas are generally lightweight, while counterfeits tend to be heavier due to inferior materials.

Insole: Genuine Adidas Sambas have a cushioned insole with clear branding. Fake shoes may have a thinner, less comfortable insole, and the branding may be missing or poorly printed.

Lining: The interior lining of the shoe should feel soft and smooth. If it feels rough, cheap, or uncomfortable, it could be a fake.

Box and tags: Authentic Adidas shoes come with a box that has proper barcodes, size labels, and product information. Counterfeits may have incorrect or no barcodes, or they might include misspelled information on the tags.

Size tag: Inside the shoe, the size tag should match the shoe size, model number, and country of origin. Fake shoes might have a misprinted tag or one that’s hard to read.

Too good to be true: Authentic Adidas Sambas are usually sold at a specific price point. If you’re finding a deal that seems too good to be true (e.g., at a fraction of the retail price), it could be a sign that the shoes are fake.

Authorized retailers: Purchasing from an official Adidas store, authorized retailer, or reputable online platform (like Adidas’ official website or trusted resellers) reduces the likelihood of buying fakes.

Untrustworthy sources: Be cautious of buying from sketchy websites, street vendors, or unofficial marketplaces that don’t guarantee authenticity.

By carefully examining these details, you can significantly improve your chances of spotting a fake pair of Adidas Sambas.