The YEEZY BOOST 700, created by Kanye West in collaboration with Adidas, has become a staple in the sneaker community since its debut. Known for its chunky silhouette, unique colorways, and unparalleled comfort, the YEEZY BOOST 700 is highly coveted by sneaker enthusiasts worldwide. However, this popularity has also made it a prime target for counterfeiters. If you’re looking to purchase a pair, it’s crucial to know how to differentiate between authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers and the numerous fakes that flood the market. Here’s a detailed guide to help you spot faux YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers and make sure you’re getting the real deal.
Understanding the Appeal of YEEZY BOOST 700 Trainers:
The YEEZY BOOST 700 stands out with its retro-inspired, chunky design, setting it apart from the sleeker styles prevalent in the sneaker world. The shoe features premium materials, including suede overlays, mesh panels, and a boost midsole for added comfort and support. The unique colorways, like the “Wave Runner” and “Inertia,” have made the YEEZY BOOST 700 a must-have for sneaker collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. The high demand and limited releases have only fueled its popularity, making authentic pairs highly sought after and pushing counterfeiters to produce faux versions.
Key Features of Authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 Trainers:
To avoid purchasing a fake pair, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the key features of authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers:
- Material Quality:
- Upper Construction: Authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers use a combination of high-quality suede, leather, mesh, and rubber. The suede should feel soft and supple, while the mesh should be durable and tightly woven. Counterfeit versions often use inferior materials that can feel rough or stiff.
- Midsole and Sole: The authentic BOOST midsole is soft and responsive, made from a special foam that provides cushioning and energy return. The outsole should have a herringbone pattern for traction, with a clear and precise texture. Faux versions might have a harder midsole and less defined outsole patterns.
- Stitching and Craftsmanship:
- Authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers are meticulously crafted, with clean, even stitching throughout the shoe. Look closely at the stitching lines; they should be straight, with no loose threads or uneven spacing. Counterfeit pairs often have sloppy stitching, with visible glue marks where the sole meets the upper.
- Tongue and Laces:
- The tongue on authentic pairs should be symmetrical and properly padded. The laces are usually thick and round, matching the shoe’s overall color scheme. Counterfeit shoes may have thinner, lower-quality laces and an unevenly shaped tongue.
- Reflective Elements:
- One of the standout features of the YEEZY BOOST 700 is the presence of reflective 3M material on the shoe, especially on the “Wave Runner” colorway. These reflective details should light up evenly under direct light. Faux versions may either lack reflective material or have inconsistent reflection.
- Box and Packaging:
- Authentic YEEZY trainers come in a sturdy, high-quality box with “BOOST” branding on the side and an accurate label detailing the shoe size, colorway, and style code. The box should also include tissue paper with Adidas branding and extra laces. Counterfeit boxes often have printing errors, flimsy construction, and missing or incorrect details.
- Insole and Branding:
- The insole of an authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 should feature the Adidas and YEEZY logos, clearly printed and properly aligned. The insole should be thick and well-cushioned, with a textured underside. Counterfeit insoles are often thinner and may have poorly printed logos that wear off quickly.
How to Spot Faux YEEZY BOOST 700 Trainers:
- Check the Boost Sole:
- The Boost sole is one of the most distinctive features of authentic YEEZY trainers. On a real pair, the Boost foam should have a textured, pebble-like surface. If the sole looks flat or smooth, or the texture seems off, it’s likely a fake. Additionally, pressing on the Boost foam should feel soft and springy, not hard or unyielding.
- Inspect the Shape and Silhouette:
- The YEEZY BOOST 700 has a specific shape that counterfeiters often struggle to replicate. Look at the overall silhouette of the shoe: the toe box should have a rounded, slightly bulky appearance, and the shoe should have a smooth curve from the heel to the toe. If the shape looks off or feels too narrow, it might be a fake.
- Analyze the Colorway:
- Authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 colorways are unique and have a consistent, high-quality finish. If the colors look too bright, faded, or inconsistent with official images, it’s a red flag. Counterfeit manufacturers often have difficulty replicating the exact shades and finishes used in authentic YEEZYs.
- Verify the Heel and Toe Details:
- The heel and toe areas of the YEEZY BOOST 700 should be well-constructed, with precise stitching and alignment. Check for any excess glue, loose threads, or irregularities in the material. The toe box should also feature small perforations that are evenly spaced and cleanly cut.
- Compare Serial Numbers and Labels:
- Each pair of authentic YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers has a unique serial number on the label inside the shoe. Make sure to compare the serial numbers between both shoes in a pair; they should be different. Counterfeit pairs often have matching serial numbers on both shoes or use the wrong font on the label.
Tips for Avoiding Fake YEEZY BOOST 700 Trainers:
- Buy from Authorized Retailers: The safest way to ensure you’re getting an authentic pair is to purchase directly from Adidas, YEEZY Supply, or other authorized retailers. Be cautious when buying from third-party sellers, especially those offering deals that seem too good to be true.
- Research the Seller: If you’re buying from a resale platform or online marketplace, check the seller’s reviews, ratings, and history. A reputable seller with positive feedback is less likely to sell counterfeit products.
- Ask for Detailed Photos: Before purchasing, request high-quality photos of the shoes, including close-ups of the Boost sole, reflective elements, stitching, and labels. Compare these photos to official images and known authentic pairs to spot any discrepancies.
- Use Legit-Checking Services: Several services specialize in authenticating sneakers. Consider using one of these services if you’re unsure about the authenticity of a pair of YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers.
The YEEZY BOOST 700 continues to be a highly desirable sneaker, but with its popularity comes the risk of encountering counterfeit versions. By familiarizing yourself with the authentic shoe’s key features and knowing what to look for, you can avoid buying faux YEEZY BOOST 700 trainers and ensure your collection remains genuine. Remember to stay vigilant and do your research before making a purchase, especially in the ever-growing resale market.