Oversized Sneakers from the British brand Alexander McQueen, made from smooth calf leather, became a noteworthy trendsetter in 2017. Their popularity hasn't waned among fans of bold, chunky sneakers. Unfortunately, this has led to counterfeiters flooding the market with imitations. To combat this, it's crucial to stay vigilant and use our authentication guide to ensure the authenticity of McQueen Oversized Sneakers.
1. Packaging
Counterfeits often come in boxes that are smaller and shorter than genuine ones. The authentic sneakers are presented in a matte grey box, distinguishing itself from counterfeits by its darker tone and non-glossy finish.
Inside, the genuine box and its lid are adorned with a 'zebra' print, a detail missing in counterfeit versions, which feature plain white interiors. The wrapping paper of the authentic McQueen Oversized pair boasts a sharp and vivid design, unlike the counterfeit's dull and washed-out 'zebra' stripes.
A notable difference can be found on the sticker of the counterfeit box, which may display an image or photo of the sneaker itself rather than the model's contour or silhouette. It may also feature Chinese characters.
Furthermore, inside the box of the genuine sneakers, there is a small booklet made of white cardstock. The first page of this booklet displays the product name, offering an additional layer of branding and authenticity.
Expanding this topic, it's important for buyers to understand the significance of these small details in authentication. Counterfeits not only undermine the craftsmanship and exclusivity of brands like Alexander McQueen but also deceive consumers into paying premium prices for subpar products. Engaging with official retailers or authorized resellers is the safest approach. Moreover, being knowledgeable about the product's specific details, from packaging nuances to the materials used, empowers consumers to distinguish originals from fakes. This knowledge, combined with a vigilant eye and the use of reputable guides, ensures the integrity of the purchase and the joy of owning an authentic piece of fashion history.
Yet packaging is not a reliable authentication factor when you buy preloved. There are several reasons to it. The major reason is that the packaging always runs the risk of being switched with another item. Simpler said, there's no way to guarantee that the packaging came from the same sneakers.
That's why as authenticators, we should always examine the details of the actual item. Let's start with the shoelaces.
2. Sneakers' Shoelaces
From the first sight it's easy to see that genuine Alexander McQueen sneakers' flat shoelaces surpass their counterfeit counterparts in quality.
In original packaging, if there are spare laces included, they are neatly coiled into a snail shape and placed in a zip-lock bag. Counterfeits simply toss loose laces into the box without any protective packing.
Yet even when you examine the sneakers, it's clear that the shoelaces' material differs. On the counterfeit item, it's glossy and looks cheaper than on authentic sneakers from the British brand. The material itself is thinner and more elegant.
3. Dust Bag
Decorated with a light gray Alexander McQueen inscription, the dust bag for genuine Oversized Sneakers elegantly stands out. The bag is amply sized to hold both substantial sneakers, and its seams are meticulously finished, contrasting with the rough and uneven seams of counterfeit bags. These typically feature a brand name printed in flat black letters on a less smooth fabric.
4. Sole
You can always spot counterfeit Alexander McQueen sneakers by examining the soles.
Counterfeit soles appear glossier and yellower due to inferior rubber quality. Also, counterfeit soles are noticeably thinner and more narrow. Can you see that?
Original soles are distinct with a total height of 3.5 cm, escalating to 4.5 cm at the heel, providing a robust and wide appearance. They have a matte finish, and their color subtly contrasts with the gleaming white leather uppers. The original sole's design mimics leopard skin spots with precision down to the recessed brand name that avoids contact with the ground, unlike the poorly cut and shallower patterns of counterfeit versions.
The overall shape of the sole also differs. Pay attention to the sole cut. It's much more prominent on the authentic sneakers rather than on the replica.
5. Sneaker's tongue
Another detail that gives away fake Alexander McQueen sneakers is the sneaker's tongue.
As you see on pictures, the tongue of an authentic sneaker extends longer and features a customized shape with a distinctive notch and "ears," creating an elegant contour compared to the shorter and straighter tongue of replicas.
The fine, light-gold lettering on originals contrasts with the bolder, yellower print on fakes, which also includes a serial number discreetly placed on the inside.
6. Stitching
Authentic sneakers showcase acute-angled stitching on the side leather panels, creating a polished look, while counterfeit shoes frequently exhibit rounded stitching. The precision-punched holes in a straight line on genuine shoes contrast with the irregularly spaced holes on fakes.
On the example comparison above, you can also clearly see the difference in the sole cut. The top part of the toe is glossier than on the original McQueen sneakers. Besides, this part of the sole has another shape.
7. Heel
The heel construction of real McQueen Oversized sneakers is notable for its tighter conjunction between the top leather panel and the sole, crafted from smooth, semi-matte leather with crisply printed branding. In contrast, replicas often feature a shorter heel overlay with misaligned, sloping inscriptions.
8. Insole
A lot of luxury bag brands have changed their logos at some point (think Christian Dior to Dior, YSL to Saint Laurent, or Salvatore Ferragamo to Ferragamo). With these changes, it's important to always take into the account when the item was released and whether this date matches the timeline.
In this example, this is the case when counterfeiters failed to do that. They used an outdated double-line brand stamp, which had not been in use when this oversized model was introduced.
As you can see, the insole marking differs significantly. A genuine pair of sneakers feature the Alexander McQueen name stamped in a single streamlined line, whereas counterfeits use an outdated double-line stamp—a telltale sign of a replica.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when authenticating Alexander McQueen sneakers, attention should be directed toward several key indicators: the quality and packaging of the shoelaces, the material and print quality of the dust bag, the appearance and dimensions of the sole, the length and shape of the tongue, the precision of the stitching, the craftsmanship of the heel, and the format of the insole branding. Genuine sneakers showcase meticulous attention to detail, from the nuanced matte finishes and precise patterning to the consistency and quality of the materials used. Recognizing these differences can significantly enhance one's ability to distinguish an authentic pair of Alexander McQueen sneakers from counterfeit ones.
If you are buying a preloved pair of Alexander McQueen sneakers, make sure you purchase the real deal. At Bagaholic, we can help to authenticate your item and gain some piece of mind.
