How to Spot Fake vs. Authentic New Balance Shoes in the Philippines
How to Spot Fake vs. Authentic New Balance Shoes in the Philippines
Blog Article
New Balance is one of the most popular sneaker brands in the Philippines, known for its comfort, durability, and stylish designs. However, with its rising popularity, copyright versions have flooded the market, making it difficult for consumers to tell the difference between authentic and fake New Balance shoes.
If you’re planning to buy a pair, it’s important to know how to spot the fakes to ensure you're getting your money’s worth. This guide will help you identify key differences between copyright New Balance sneakers so you won’t get scammed.
1. Check the Price
Authentic New Balance shoes are usually priced between ₱4,000 – ₱15,000, depending on the model.
Fake New Balance shoes are often sold at suspiciously low prices (₱500 – ₱2,000).
Tip: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always compare prices from official sources before purchasing.
2. Inspect the Shoe Box and Packaging
Real New Balance sneakers come in a high-quality box with sharp, clear printing and an official New Balance logo.
Fake pairs often come in cheap-looking or plain boxes, sometimes with misspelled words or blurry graphics.
Tip: Compare the box with an image from New Balance’s official website to spot inconsistencies.
3. Look at the Shoe Details
A. Logo and Branding
Genuine New Balance shoes have a clean, well-defined ‘N’ logo stitched securely onto the shoe.
Fake ones may have a misaligned, uneven, or loosely attached logo.
Tip: Touch the logo—authentic pairs have a high-quality material with precise stitching.
B. Midsole and Outsole Quality
Authentic New Balance shoes have durable midsoles with advanced cushioning technology like Fresh Foam, ENCAP, or ABZORB.
Fakes tend to have hard, stiff, or cheap rubber soles that feel uncomfortable.
Tip: Try bending the shoe slightly—authentic sneakers are flexible, while fakes feel rigid or flimsy.
C. Stitching and Materials
Real New Balance shoes have precise, even stitching with premium materials (suede, mesh, or leather).
Fake versions may have loose threads, messy glue marks, or poor-quality fabric.
Tip: Always inspect the materials and workmanship—copyright shoes look cheap and poorly made.
4. Verify the Insole and Tongue Label
Genuine insoles have the New Balance logo printed clearly and feel soft yet supportive.
Fake pairs often have faded or easily removable logos with thin, uncomfortable insoles.
Tip: Remove the insole and check for the New Balance branding and quality foam material.
Authentic tongue labels include a QR code, accurate model number, and a clear NB logo.
Fakes may have wrong serial numbers, incorrect fonts, or missing details.
Tip: Scan the QR code (if available) to check if it links to New Balance’s official site.
5. Check the Shoe Weight
Real New Balance shoes are designed with advanced technology, making them lightweight and comfortable.
Fake ones are often heavier or too light due to cheap materials.
Tip: If the shoe feels oddly light or unusually heavy, it’s likely fake.
6. Buy Only from Authorized Stores
To avoid fakes, always buy from:
Official New Balance Stores – Available in major malls like SM Megamall, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Trinoma, Ayala Cebu, Abreeza Mall, etc.
Official Online Shops – , Zalora, and official stores on Lazada and Shopee.
Trusted Sneaker Boutiques – Commonwealth PH, Sole Academy, Titan.
Avoid street markets, unknown Facebook sellers, or suspicious online shops selling at very low prices.
Final Thoughts
With so many fake New Balance shoes in the Philippines, it’s crucial to know how to spot the differences before making a purchase. By checking the price, packaging, materials, logo, stitching, and buying from official stores, you can ensure you’re getting an authentic, high-quality pair.
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