What quick checks should we do when a sneaker listing looks too-good-to-be-true during a flash sale?

We compare logos and fonts to the brand’s product page, look for inconsistent materials or glue residue in photos, check seller ratings and return policy, and ask for close-up shots of the box, label and serial code if images look scraped or mismatched.

What two things should we have ready before starting an authenticity check?

We recommend having our phone with a camera for close-up photos and the product listing page or original product code so we can cross-check model details against the brand’s official information.

Which details inside the shoe are quickest to verify when the pair arrives?

We inspect the production label in the tongue or collar for a model code that matches the product page, check for branded inserts or extras in the box, and photograph tiny fonts or serials because these are often incorrect or missing on counterfeits.

How long should we spend on a hands-on inspection once the shoes arrive?

Set aside about ten minutes for a careful inspection: check stitching and sole attachment, examine materials and finish, verify internal labels and the box, and note any strong chemical smells or unusually light weight that suggest poor materials.

If we suspect a pair is fake after our checks, what calm steps should we take next?

We keep the box and evidence, contact the seller requesting clearer proof of purchase or additional close-ups, use the marketplace’s returns or dispute process if available, and avoid public accusations while we gather the serials and photos needed for a claim.

How to check sneaker authenticity on sale: a clear step-by-step check

Simple, practical steps to check sneaker authenticity during sales - quick visual, online and in-hand checks to shop with confidence.

Published:July 10, 2026

Updated:August 27, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Ox Street on Unsplash

Sources

National Consumer Protection - South Africa
Sneaker Freaker - articles on materials and authentication
Footwear materials overview (research overview)

Why a quick authenticity check matters

Sales are great for saving money, but discounted pairs sometimes arrive with unclear provenance. We focus on practical checks you can do in a minute or two that expose the most common issues - wrong logos, poor materials, odd stitching and sketchy packaging. These checks help you shop confidently and avoid returns or wasted money.

Where to use these checks

When an online listing looks too-good-to-be-true during a flash sale.
At warehouse sales, pop-up clearance events or authorised retailers' sale racks.
Buying from smaller sellers on marketplace listings - and then deciding whether to proceed.

Before you start: gather two simple things

Your phone with a camera (for close-up photos).
The product listing page or original product code (so you can cross-check model details).

Fast visual checks (1-3 minutes)

Start with visible, high-value signals. These are quick to spot and catch more than half of counterfeit pairs.

Logo, labels and fonts

Compare logos and wording against the official product photos. Counterfeits often have slightly different shapes, font weight, spacing, or misplaced ™/® marks. If buying online, open the brand's product page in another tab and compare closely.

Materials and finish

Genuine pairs usually use consistent materials across the pair: uniform leather grain, smooth suede nap, or consistent mesh weave. Look for glue residue, puckered seams, uneven colour or cheap-feeling linings - these are warning signs.

Stitching and sole attachment

Check the stitching density and whether the sole is glued on neatly. Loose threads, widely spaced stitches, or a sole that separates easily are common in fakes.

When you have a moment, take a close photo of the tongue area and collar label - many brands use tiny fonts and unique serial codes there that counterfeits get wrong.

Quick digital checks for online listings

When shopping during an online sale you can do a few checks without leaving your chair.

Seller credibility and product page

Prefer authorised sellers and established marketplaces. On Bash, browsing the Sneakers category helps because product pages usually include accurate branding and seller ratings. Check seller ratings, return policies and the full product description - vague descriptions or missing model codes are red flags.

Image analysis

If images look like they were scraped from multiple sources (different backgrounds, inconsistent shadows, or watermarked photos), ask the seller for clear, close-up photos of the box, label, and serial code. Real sellers who are confident in authenticity will provide them quickly.

Price vs typical range

A very low price can still be legitimate if it's clearance stock or slightly older season. Where possible, confirm the usual retail band from the brand page or comparable listings. On Bash, you can cross-check similar items within the Brands section to see typical sale behaviour.

Add as a preferred source on Google

Hands-on checks when you receive the pair

Once the shoes arrive, set aside ten minutes for a careful inspection. This is where most hidden issues become obvious.

Inside the shoe: labels, tags and serials

Look for the production label inside the tongue or collar. Compare the model code (often a mix of letters and numbers) to the code on the product page or the brand’s official listing. Mismatched or missing codes are common with counterfeit stock.

Box, receipts and extras

Genuine pairs often ship in branded boxes with specific inserts (extra laces, tissue paper, hang tags). If you bought during a sale and the box or receipt looks generic or blank, ask for a clearer proof of purchase. We recommend keeping the box until you’re sure the pair is authentic.

Smell and weight

High-quality materials have a different smell and weight than cheap synthetics. This is subtle but useful: genuine leather, premium foam midsoles and well-made outsoles feel denser and smell less chemical than many counterfeits.

If you suspect a fake: what to do next

We suggest a calm, evidence-focused approach so you keep options open for returns or disputes.

Contact the seller with specific concerns and photos of the issues you found.
Ask for proof of purchase from the original retailer or distributor (invoice, delivery note).
If the sale was on Bash and you bought from an authorised listing, use our resolution paths - good sellers want to resolve authenticity concerns quickly.

When to use a paid authentication service

For high-value or collectible sneakers, a specialist authenticator can be worth the cost. Authentication services look at microscopic details, stitching patterns and materials with specialist tools - useful for limited drops where resale value matters.

Practical tips for South African shoppers

Sales peak around local events and seasonal changes - we see a lot of marketplace activity during back-to-school and end-of-season clearances. Here are a few South Africa-focused tips:

Keep the original box and all tags until the return window closes - local courier delays can extend the time you need to hold evidence.
Compare sale prices to familiar local retail bands (remember to add delivery or import fees if the seller is overseas).
Use the product code and images to compare against other local listings in the relevant Sneakers articles or the Bash Sneakers category for similar models.

A short checklist to carry with you

Match model code on label to listing.
Compare logos and fonts to official images.
Inspect stitching, glue lines and material quality.
Keep box, tags and seller communication until satisfied.

If you want to keep browsing verified sale options, explore curated categories on Bash and filter by seller ratings - this reduces the chance of unclear provenance.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

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How to check sneaker authenticity on sale: a clear step-by-step check

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Start with logos

Use quick in-hand checks

Keep evidence

Why a quick authenticity check matters

Where to use these checks

Before you start: gather two simple things

Fast visual checks (1-3 minutes)

Logo, labels and fonts

Materials and finish

Stitching and sole attachment

Quick digital checks for online listings

Seller credibility and product page

Image analysis

Price vs typical range

Hands-on checks when you receive the pair

Inside the shoe: labels, tags and serials

Box, receipts and extras

Smell and weight

If you suspect a fake: what to do next

When to use a paid authentication service

Practical tips for South African shoppers

A short checklist to carry with you

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