We bought original and fake New Balance 574. Compare

Package

The first way to distinguish New Balance from a fake is to examine the appearance of the box. The packaging of the counterfeit product often looks sloppy. The drawing may have blurry outlines. The original has no printing defects or spelling errors.

New Balance shoes are produced in several countries. Therefore, there is no uniform standard for the color of boxes. In the table below you can see what branded packaging there are depending on the location of the sneaker production factories.

Table - Overview of possible color options for original packaging

New Balance produces its most elite products in the USA and Great Britain. The share of such sneakers is just over 20%. The brand trusts factories in Asia to produce less prestigious models intended for everyday wear. The main countries of production of New Balance sneakers:

• Great Britain;
• USA;
• China;
• Vietnam;
• Indonesia.

The label of original New Balance sneakers should not contain hieroglyphs. The barcode provided, in most cases, has 12 digits instead of 13. This sometimes causes difficulties in reading it and checking it through applications on a smartphone. The barcode on branded packaging complies with the Universal Product Code standard, which is common in the USA.

Original label

Label with hieroglyphs

The barcode that is present on the packaging must be duplicated on the sneakers themselves. Checking it is another way to distinguish New Balance from a fake. The fake one is missing or does not match.

Barcode verification

When examining the label, it is recommended to pay attention to the model number. From it you can find out what appearance real sneakers should have. For replicas, the article number does not appear or indicates a completely different shoe, for example, a very old model.

Model number

The box label must indicate the completeness of the model and its other characteristics. The letter is duplicated on the sneakers themselves.

Model completeness

Shoe sizes are indicated in three standards, which are used in:

• USA;
• Great Britain;
• European Union.

Indication of size in different standards

Buying Tips

Nikolay Maxwell

I can add that the distance between the seams on the letter N of the originals can be measured with a ruler, it is the same. With fakes, everything is usually crooked.

Critical Strike

The main thing: glue smudges, integrity of the coating (any kind, especially suede), appearance (smoothly stitched tongue) + technologies used: thick heel, soft sole, look under the insole also, so that there is no incomprehensible bullshit there.. And one more thing, not I know for sure whether the pair of 577FMN that I ordered was left-handed (and most likely yes), I did not take it, since this model should have been produced at Flimby in England (by the way, according to all the documents this was the case, these stickers everything is like family and passport stuff), but the barcode (from 6) was USA-Canada... this was very stressful, in theory, it shouldn’t be like that. I also think that there should be no unnecessary inscriptions on the box (especially hieroglyphs, if the supposed item was made in England/USA/Canada. If I’m wrong about anything, correct me, it will only be better for everyone.

Lipsmackers

Look at the price level in American online stores, and you will understand whether it is original or not. Although even the prices for the original are very different, my husband has 2 or 3 pairs of this brand, one up to 100 dollars, the second almost 250.

Anonymous_1038

Less than 100 dollars is definitely not the original, but fakes are now no worse than the originals, pleasant to the touch, and also excellent to wear, the labels come with emblems that you can’t tell the difference, often the manufacturer comes across the Vietnamese.

Barcode verification

Particular attention must be paid to checking the barcode. It can have either 13 digits according to the international standard or 12 according to the UPC. This is something to consider when choosing a barcode scanning application.

Barcode location

Reading process

Counterfeit New Balance often has an error when reading the code. In some cases, third-party sites open.

Replica has an error

Online barcode check for New Balance sneakers

ATTENTION! The correct barcode is not a 100% guarantee that New Balance sneakers are original. At the same time, an incorrect barcode is a clear sign of counterfeit.

To check the authenticity of the sneakers, enter the numbers in the field and click the “Check” button. If the barcode is correct, then it is recommended to also check the country of origin.

Important! This service checks the relevance and correctness of the applied barcode, but does not guarantee that the entered code is not taken from another product and that the New Balance sneakers being checked are not counterfeit.

It is important to know

First, it’s worth understanding that New Balance is not only made in the USA. Sneakers are produced in England and Asian countries, for example, Vietnam and China, but they do this under license, and accordingly, original shoes are produced there. This means that when you see the country of origin, China, you don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that it’s a fake, no matter how trivial it may be, real New Balance can be released there too.

Tear-off tag

New Balance sneakers have a signature tag. It must not have printing defects or spelling errors. In Pali, the tear-off tag contains inaccurate information. For example, instead of newbalance.com it says newballence.com, nowbalance.com or even newbalance. no com.

Incorrect website indication on the tear-off tag

Inspecting the sneakers from the outside

Dishonest sellers sometimes place fake New Balance sneakers in original boxes. Therefore, after inspecting the packaging, it is important to pay attention to the shoes themselves. Copies are inferior to the original in many ways.

The first way to spot fake New Balance sneakers is to check the seams. In branded shoes they are double and triple. This increases the stitch strength. The seams should have even stitches with the same pitch. For fakes, a single stitch with protruding threads is often used.

Seam comparison

All elements of New Balance branded sneakers have a uniform structure. You may notice paint peeling or swelling on replicas.

High quality

Peeling paint

Comparison of paint quality

In copies, paint often gets onto neighboring elements. The reason for this is the use of low-precision, cheap equipment. The original does not and cannot have such defects, since completely different technologies are used.

Paint splatters

Connection with sole

The skin of copies often has defects. There are especially many of them in the area where they are attached to the sole. Sometimes they try to disguise them with glue.

Skin defect

Low-grade copies may have significant defects, such as cuts. Such shoes will quickly tear, so it is not recommended to buy them.

A cut

What to do if you were sold fake New Balance

Sometimes it seems that buying a counterfeit pair of sneakers shouldn't be frustrating - such shoes usually cost less and are unlikely to cause significant damage. However, such a purchase has several disadvantages:

• the client will not receive the expected results - the consumer qualities of the fake pair are noticeably lower than those of the original one;
• some materials may be harmful to the health of the buyer (certain properties of chemical elements appear after some time);
• if it was not initially stated that the presented product was counterfeit (although the distribution of such products is considered a criminal offense), the consumer pays a large amount and does not receive the expected result.

The sale of counterfeit products entails punishment at different levels - from civil (payment of compensation, return of goods) to criminal (imprisonment, ban on certain types of activities). If after payment it turns out that the purchased shoes are fake, you need to perform several actions:

• contact the sneaker seller or manager verbally (this is the first step; some distributors do not want to advertise and create a negative impression about the store, preferring to resolve such issues “quietly”);
• prepare and send a written request, where it is necessary to indicate the details of the seller and buyer, describe the situation, indicate the requirement (refund of funds, exchange of sneakers, payment of compensation), set a deadline for resolving the issue. Attention! There are several things to consider when filing a claim. The application is drawn up in two identical versions - one must be given to the manager, the second must be left (put a mark indicating acceptance of the application or a receipt for sending by registered mail with notification);
• If no offers or funds are received from the seller, legal action will be required.

Expert opinion

Karnaukh Ekaterina Vladimirovna

Graduated from the National University of Shipbuilding, majoring in Enterprise Economics

To submit documents to a judge for consideration, you must prepare a statement of claim and collect a package of documents. It rarely gets to this stage - sellers try not to spoil their reputation and resolve issues at the stage of verbal communication or receiving a complaint.

Heel examination

The heel determines the convenience and comfort of wearing shoes. Inspecting it is another way to distinguish original New Balance. In branded shoes, the heel is not distorted. It fits nicely on the leg, precisely following the contour.

Heel examination

It is recommended to squeeze the heel with your hand. For the original, it will quickly restore its original shape. The replica will remain compressed. It will return to its previous appearance only if the heel is smoothed out by hand.

Restoring shape after compression

Eliminating stretch marks on the chest at home

To help get rid of stretch marks on your chest:

• Pharmaceuticals.
• Special breast massage.
• Cosmetics (creams, gels, wraps).

Pharmaceuticals

The following types of medications are most often used to eliminate stretch marks:

• Mederma: gel for external use to eliminate stretch marks of various origins. The gel is produced by the German company Merz Pharma. Mederma is effectively used to eliminate young (up to 1 year) stretch marks; the duration of treatment is from 3 to 6 months. The gel can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
• Contractubex: external ointment that regenerates the skin and enhances collagen synthesis. The ointment is produced by the German company Merz Pharma; pharmacies also sell the domestic version, Contractubex-gel. The ointment can be used to remove stretch marks during pregnancy and breastfeeding; its active substances are not absorbed into the blood and do not harm the child. The course of treatment is 3-6 months.

Breast massage

Breast massage helps normalize lymph flow, strengthens chest muscles and improves blood circulation in tissues.

The massage should be done very carefully, without squeezing the chest. During the massage, it is necessary to use natural oils that soften the skin (for example, almond, wheat germ oil, olive, castor).

There are 2 main massage techniques:

• Taoist: massage is done according to ancient Chinese methods. You need to take your chest in your palm and make 9 soft rotational movements from the shoulder to the center. After this, you need to cover the chest with your palm and gently press, the center of the palm should align with the nipple (9 times as you exhale).
• Manual: first you need to massage your breasts clockwise with light circular strokes, and then rub your fingertips upwards from the nipple. After this, you need to grab the breast with one hand and tap it with the other hand, after which vibrations are performed: holding the breast with one hand, you need to make quick oscillatory movements from the nipple to the shoulder. The massage ends with light stroking, as at the beginning of the complex.

Cosmetical tools

The creams and gels for stretch marks contain extracts of algae and sea lettuce, papaya oil, shea butter, olive oil, chamomile extract, soybean oil, shea nut oil, hydroxyproline, vitamin E, provitamin B 5 and other components that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, responsible for skin elasticity, reduce existing stretch marks and prevent the appearance of new ones.

The most popular and safe cosmetic products that can be used during pregnancy and lactation are creams, gels and oils from the following companies:

• Pregnacare.
• Mustela.
• Mothercare.
• Avent.
• Mama Comfort.
• Vichy.
• Lierac.
• Sanosan.

Tongue and laces

There is always a tag on the tongue of branded sneakers. Inspecting it is another method of distinguishing original New Balance from a fake. There should be quite a lot of data on the tag. The original information is printed clearly and without printing defects.

Information on the tag

Before purchasing New Balance, it is recommended to acquire an ultraviolet flashlight in advance. If you shine it on the tag, the NB symbols will clearly appear. The fake will not react in any way to ultraviolet light.

Letters NB

No reaction to ultraviolet light

When examining the tag, it is important to check for the presence of the letters NB. They must not have significant defects. The presence of hieroglyphs is unacceptable.

Letters NB

Next, it is recommended to check the article number. It should match the label on the box. It is easy to find out the appearance of the shoe by entering it into a search engine.

vendor code

The original sneakers must have a barcode that matches the information on the box.

Barcode Comparison

Each sneaker has its own unique serial number. It is different on the right and left tongue.

Serial number on left and right shoe

Serial number control

The completeness of the model is shown on the tongue. It should match on the sneakers and the box.

Indicating the completeness of the model

Model completeness options

The country of manufacture is indicated at the bottom of the tag. The most expensive sneakers are produced in the USA and Great Britain. More budget versions are made in Asia.

Country of Origin

The label shows the shoe size. It is specified in several standards. The size is also given in centimeters.

Size in different standards

Shoe length

Lacing may vary, as it depends on the model, as does the presence of eyelets. Therefore, it is recommended to clarify this information in advance.

Lacing

Price

The price tag for the original New Balance at branded points of sale can reach 20 thousand rubles and more. Fake sneakers are a more budget option, their cost is 3-4 times lower. But the service life of a fake is negligible compared to the original shoes. By purchasing real New Balance, you can provide yourself with stylish shoes for at least 4 seasons.

As you wear the sneakers, you can appreciate the cushioning built into the sole. You can extend the life of your shoes and maintain their original appearance by using a water-repellent solution for suede.

If you see the Made in China mark on the packaging and the shoes themselves, you shouldn’t be afraid of it. New Balance is also manufactured in the Republic of China. All factories that create sneakers have the same standard of quality.

The lack of packaging may indicate dubious origin. The box contains all the information about the sneakers, including the origin.

Elementary care will help you make the right choice. High-quality shoes will not only add style, but also delight you with long-term wear.

Current prices and articles.

Inspection of sneakers inside

Checking the seams inside the shoes is a good way to distinguish the original New Balance sneakers from the ones that have been worn. The copy often has no stitching and everything is held together only by glue with an unpleasant odor. The original always has a high-quality, uniform seam.

Seam comparison

Low quality stitching

The brand is indicated on the insole of branded shoes. It can be applied in various ways. For copies, only the size is indicated on the insole.

Sneaker size

Branding options

Models from the USA are distinguished by particularly high-quality tailoring. They offer impeccable comfort and long service life.

American quality tailoring

Anti-counterfeit protection

The company is interested in users buying their product, and not replicas. To help the buyer navigate the store, they came up with their own version of checking shoes for originality. To do this, you need to arm yourself with an ultraviolet flashlight. You need to shine it on the label on the inside of the tongue. The letters of the NB logo will appear clearly , in some models even in two rows. On copies, the letters are visible blurry, at a certain angle.

Checking originality with a UV flashlight

Original and fake

Fake model

On the 576, on the logo on the outside of the tongue, under UV light, you can see stitching with the words New Balance.

Sole and insole

At the end of the shoe inspection, it is recommended to inspect the sole. This is another way to distinguish New Balance sneakers from a copy. Any inclusions in the original are unacceptable. The tread must be clear.

Sole inspection

Attention must also be paid to the sidewall. It must be without visible defects. Pali often has indentations and wrinkled areas.

Sidewall of the sole

A number of advanced technologies are used in the production of New Balance sneakers:

• ABZORB;
• ENCAP;
• C-CAP;
• REVlite;
• Fresh Foam.

Information about the technology used is provided directly on the shoes. The sole is elastic, resilient and has good load-damping properties.

ABZORB

ENCAP

Fresh Foam

REVlite

New Balance never uses superficial, low-grade sole paint. Therefore, any uneven color overlay is a sign of a fake.

Painting with jagged edges

Defect

Excessive bleed through of glue is unacceptable for branded shoes. This also applies to any strong odors.

Bleeding glue

High-quality sole attachment

The sneakers with XAR-1000 technology stand out. It involves carbon rubber inserts. They significantly extend the life of the sole and sneakers. The fakes do not have such inserts. They can be passed off as regular painted rubber.

Carbon rubber XAR-1000

The insole of the original sneakers has perforations. It fits the shape and has sufficient elasticity.

Insoles

Brand history

New Balance is an American company founded in Belmont in 1906. Its creator was William Riley, an emigrant from England. He sought to offer customers a balanced combination of quality and convenience.

Riley developed the first shoe support system, equipped with an arch support and a special heel support. This innovation brought him worldwide popularity - this is how the New Balance Arch Company was born, which has become a true legend in the world of sports shoes.