First things first, and I can’t stress this enough, PRICE. If you see a pair of Brooks advertised for, like, half the price you’d normally see them… RED FLAG CITY! I mean, come on. Nobody’s just giving away quality running shoes. Unless your aunt works at the factory or something, be suspicious, okay? It probably is a fake.
Okay, so you’ve found a pair that isn’t dirt cheap, but still a bit of a deal? Good, don’t let your guard down! Now you gotta be like Sherlock Holmes with running shoes. Seriously, look at the freakin’ *logo*. Is it crisp and clear, or does it look kinda smudgy and… off? And I mean *really* off? Like a toddler drew it? Legit Brooks have that nice, clean logo. Fakes? Well, they might try, but they usually mess it up somehow. Think about it, are they really paying attention to detail? They’re already making a fake shoe!
Stitching is another thing to look at, I think. Is the stitching neat and even? Or does it look like a drunk spider went wild with a needle and thread? Real Brooks are usually pretty well-made, not like some sweatshop special. I’ve seen fakes with threads hanging everywhere, and honestly, you can get better quality at a dollar store.
Now, get this, the fit. I mean, this is a big one. Real Brooks are known for being comfy and supportive. If you try them on and they feel like you’re running on rocks, or your foot’s sliding all over the place, yeah, something’s up. It is! They’re probably fake. They are! You should be able to feel some stability, you know? Feel the support. My opinion is that fake shoes often don’t have the right soft soles. It’s just a bunch of hard rubber glued together.
And don’t be afraid to peek inside! Check the tongue and heel. Look for the “Brooks” logo. It should be embossed, with a blue background and white lettering. It’s the little things. Also, look for a label inside the shoe. Check it for spelling errors or inconsistencies. If you find anything suspicious, such as the logo is missing or the spelling is wrong, it is probably a fake.
