PUBLIC BETANew Balance
Authenticity Guide — Sneakers & Streetwear
AI-personalized for New Balance
0
Active Listings
0
Sold on FairClose
0
Verified Items
0%
Auth Rate
How to Authenticate New Balance
ENCAP Midsole Construction
Authentic New Balance shoes with ENCAP technology feature a polyurethane rim that fully encapsulates the EVA core with precise, seamless molding. On models like the 990v5 and 574, check for uniform thickness and clean edges where the PU meets the upper. Counterfeits often show glue residue, uneven PU thickness, or visible separation between the rim and EVA core.
Made in USA Labeling
Genuine Made in USA models (990, 992, 993, 998, 1300) display specific factory codes on the tongue label, typically indicating production facilities in Massachusetts or Maine with codes like 'F' for Flimby or specific state abbreviations. The label should include a precise breakdown showing the percentage of US vs imported materials (e.g., '70% US/30% Imported'), with crisp printing and properly aligned text that fake versions often misrepresent or omit entirely.
Style Code Format Verification
New Balance uses a specific alphanumeric style code format printed on the size tag, typically following patterns like 'M990GL5' where M indicates men's, 990 is the model, GL is the colorway code, and 5 is the version. Cross-reference this code with the box label UPC, and verify the code structure matches official New Balance nomenclature. Counterfeits frequently use incorrect prefix letters or non-existent colorway codes.
N Logo Embroidery Quality
The signature 'N' logo on authentic New Balance sneakers features dense, consistent stitching with a specific stitch count and pattern that creates a slightly raised, uniform texture. On premium models like the 997 and 1500, examine the logo's edges for clean borders without loose threads, and check that the 'N' maintains proper proportions and slant angle. Fakes typically show thinner embroidery, irregular stitch density, or incorrect logo dimensions.
REVlite and Fresh Foam Markings
Genuine New Balance shoes featuring REVlite or Fresh Foam technology display these terms on the insole and midsole with proprietary fonts and specific placement. The Fresh Foam midsole on models like the 1080v11 should show a distinctive hexagonal geometric pattern molded into the foam itself, not just printed on. Verify that technology callouts match the official specifications for that specific model number and release year.
Common Red Flags
- Counterfeit New Balance sneakers often display incorrect 'Made in USA' claims on models that are actually produced exclusively in Asia, such as the 574 Sport or 247, which are never manufactured domestically.
- Fake New Balance shoes frequently feature misspelled technology terms like 'ENCUP' instead of 'ENCAP' or 'Rev Lite' instead of 'REVlite' on the tongue tags and insoles.
- Replica New Balance boxes use incorrect font weights for the model numbers and lack the proper holographic quality control stickers that authentic boxes feature on the end panels since 2018.
- Counterfeit versions of collaboration models (such as Aimé Leon Dore or JJJJound partnerships) often miss the special co-branded insoles, unique lace dubrae, or exclusive hangtags that accompany authentic limited releases.
- Fake New Balance 990 series shoes typically show the reflective 'N' logo using inferior 3M material that appears dull gray in daylight rather than the bright silver reflective quality of genuine models.
Disclaimer
This authenticity guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. FairClose does not directly authenticate items unless expressly stated in a specific listing.
This guide was generated using AI and personalized for New Balance.