So, you’ve got a pair of those sleek Lacoste kicks, and you’re wondering, “Are these the real deal, or am I rocking some serious *fakes*?” Well, buckle up, because figuring it out can be a bit of a treasure hunt.
First off, let’s be real, the price can be a dead giveaway. If you scored a pair of what are supposedly Lacoste sneakers for, like, ten bucks, alarm bells should be ringing louder than a fire truck. Real Lacostes ain’t cheap. I mean, they’re not *crazy* expensive like some designer brands, but they definitely ain’t bargain bin material.
Then there’s the croc. Oh, that iconic little alligator! This is where the counterfeiters often screw up, big time. Take a *really* good look. Is it kinda wonky looking? Does it look like it was ironed on in a rush? Is the stitching a mess? Yeah, those are big red flags. A genuine Lacoste croc is usually pretty clean and well-defined. Compare it to pics online of *real* Lacoste logos, you’ll see what I mean.
And speaking of stitching… cheap fakes often have sloppy stitching all over. Check the seams, around the logo, everywhere! If it looks like a five-year-old did it, chances are it’s not authentic. Real Lacoste products usually have pretty solid, clean stitching. I mean, they’re supposed to be a quality brand, ya know?
Another thing, and this is just my opinion, but feel the materials. Does the leather (if it’s supposed to be leather) feel plasticky and cheap? Does the canvas feel rough and scratchy? Real Lacoste generally uses decent materials. It’s not gonna feel like heaven on your feet, necessarily, but it shouldn’t feel like you’re wearing cardboard either.
Oh, and don’t forget to check the inside of the shoe. Look for any weird labels, misspellings, or just generally shoddy workmanship. Often, the inside is where the fake stuff *really* shows its true colors.
Honestly, sometimes it’s just a gut feeling. If something feels off, it probably is. And if you’re buying online, stick to reputable retailers. Yeah, you might pay a bit more, but you’re less likely to get burned.