How to check the authenticity of a luxury sneaker (Dior, Jordan, Golden Goose)

The second-hand sneaker market is flooded with increasingly convincing counterfeits. Whether you are buying a Dior B30, a Jordan or a Golden Goose, here are the checkpoints our experts apply before every listing.

1. The box and the label

• The box must be rigid, clean, in the exact colours of the model. A soft or faded box is a first warning sign.
• The box label (model, colourway, size, article code) must match exactly the label sewn inside the shoe. Any inconsistency means immediate rejection.

2. The inner label and the production code

On Jordan and Nike, the size label carries a style code (e.g. DD1391-100) that must lead back to the right model on Google, plus consistent production dates. On Dior, check the “Made in Italy” marking and the print quality of the inner logo: crisp, with no bleed.

3. Stitching and materials

• The stitching on a genuine sneaker is even and symmetrical between the left and right shoe. Counterfeits often show gaps of several millimetres between the two feet.
• Real leather has a natural, irregular grain; the synthetic on counterfeits is smooth and plasticky to the touch.
• Glue must never show between the upper and the sole.

4. Sole, weight and smell

• Compare the weight: counterfeits use less dense foams and are often lighter.
• The smell does not lie: a genuine new sneaker smells of leather and quality glue, never of an aggressive chemical solvent.
• The outsole pattern must be crisp and deep, with no moulding flash.

5. Brand specifics

Dior (B22, B30, B23)

The oblique monogram must line up perfectly across the panels, the laces are waxed, and the insole carries a finely printed gold logo. The mesh on the B30 is dense and soft, never scratchy.

Jordan

The Jumpman: well-proportioned silhouette, defined fingers, laces that do not hang in misshapen loops. The wings on the Jordan 1 High are cleanly embossed.

Golden Goose

Beware the opposite trap: the brand sells deliberately distressed sneakers. The wear must be artistic and coherent (scuffed edges, evenly soiled sole), never actual dirt or torn stitching. The star is sewn with perfectly regular threads.

FAQ

Is a sneaker with its box and receipt necessarily genuine?

No, boxes and receipts are counterfeited too. Only a cross-checked physical inspection of every point (labels, stitching, materials, codes) is reliable.

Are photo authentication apps reliable?

They catch crude counterfeits but struggle with recent super-fakes. For a piece worth several hundred euros, favour an expert physical inspection.

Where can you buy pre-owned luxury sneakers without risk?

From a reseller who physically authenticates every pair. All our sneakers go through that check before listing — that is our authentication commitment.

Read next

• Golden Goose in Toulouse: where to buy them new or pre-owned at the right price
• Golden Goose: which model to choose? The comparison
• Second-hand streetwear and luxury in Toulouse: the complete guide

Fancy a pair that has already been checked? Explore our pre-owned luxury sneakers, our authenticated Golden Goose and our Nike & Jordan selection.