How to spot original branded shoes
Copies of Nike, Adidas, Skechers and New Balance have become very good, and in Pakistan they are sold everywhere, from markets to Instagram pages that use real product photos. The problem is that a copy looks right in a photo but falls apart in weeks, offers no real cushioning and can even cause foot pain.
Every pair at Gulfbrand is checked by hand before it is listed. These are the same checks we use, so you can protect yourself wherever you shop.
1. Be suspicious of the price
Original shoes do get discounted, sometimes heavily, but there is a floor. If a “Nike Air Max” is selling for Rs 4,000, it is not genuine. Compare the price with what other trusted stores charge, and be very careful when a seller cannot explain why their price is so low.
2. Check the size label and style code
Inside the tongue of every original pair is a printed label with the size in several systems (US, UK, EU, cm), a production date and a style code, for example DD9293-011 on a Nike Downshifter 12. Search that code online: the official images should show exactly the same colourway as the shoe in front of you. Copies often have codes that belong to a different colour, or no code at all.
3. Look closely at the stitching
Originals have neat, even, tight stitching with no loose threads, and both shoes match perfectly. On copies you will often see wobbly lines, uneven spacing, glue marks along the edge of the sole, or a logo that is slightly off in shape or position.
4. Feel the materials
Real leather creases softly and smells like leather; real suede has a nap that changes shade when you brush it with a finger. Mesh on originals feels soft and breathable. Copies tend to use stiff plastic-like synthetics and often have a strong chemical or glue smell when you open the box.
5. Press and weigh the sole
Branded cushioning foams such as Nike React, Adidas Boost, Asics GEL and Skechers memory foam are light but springy: press your thumb into the midsole and it should push back. A heavy, dense sole that barely compresses, or an insole that is a thin piece of flat foam, is a strong warning sign.
6. Inspect the box and extras
Original boxes are sturdy, with a label that matches the label inside the shoe: same size, same style code. The shoes usually come wrapped in branded tissue paper. A flimsy box, a label that does not match, or spelling mistakes anywhere on the packaging should make you think twice.
7. Buy from a shop that stands behind its pairs
The simplest protection is a store that will take the shoes back. Every Gulfbrand pair comes with a 7-day return, free delivery across Pakistan and the option of cash on delivery, so you can see the shoes before you pay. If you are unsure about any product, message us on WhatsApp and we will send close-up photos of the actual pair, labels included.