How to Spot Fake All Star Converse: 12 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Examining the Shoes

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Last Updated: December 31, 2022

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More and more counterfeit shoes are being manufactured today. Some people rejoice in the cheap price, while companies like Converse suffer. Counterfeiters are becoming so advanced, many experts are having trouble determining the genuine product. There are a few ways for anybody to spot fake chucks.

Things You Should Know

  • Look closely at the Chuck Taylor patch—is the star navy blue and do you spy a trademark symbol? If not, the shoes are likely fake.
  • Examine the tongue and insole. A real pair of All Star Converse will have "All Star" printed on the tongue and "Converse" on the insole.
  • Search for other vendor red flags, like an extremely low listing price or a vendor who seems like they're lying to you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Examining the Shoes

  1. 1

    Check the packaging. One easy way to spot a counterfeit is when the All Stars come in a box that is obviously not Converse. Fresh shoes also come with tissue in the packaging. Sometimes they’ll even have paper stuffing in the shoes. If you don’t see any of the “typical” signs of fresh shoes, they're probably worth suspicion.[1]

  2. 2

    Examine the Chuck Taylor patch. The real patch has a navy blue star, whereas the fake one may have different shade of blue. Also, the original will be stamped with only a star and Taylor's signature. Be leery of emblems that are not clear. Many fake ones look blurry and have other design elements or words.

    • All Stars also come in such a wide array of styles and colors. The logo won’t always be blue and sometimes the patch is made of rubber.
    • Examine the star itself and be sure it is a clean print.

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  3. 3

    Look at the trademark. Shoes made before 2008 will have the ® symbol under the All Star logo. If you see this symbol on shoes made after 2008, be cautious. Check the stitched logo as well. Although it may appear authentic, if you spot a patchy or unclear logo, it’s fake.[2]

  4. 4

    Notice the tongue. The All Stars logo will be printed very clearly on the top of the tongue. It is fake if the print is blurry or the thread in loose around the print. The traditional tongue is made of a thin canvas. Pay attention to the stitching around the border the tongue.

    • As a general rule, if the stitching is loose or uneven, it’s counterfeit.[3]
  5. 5

    Check the insole. In real Converse, the inner sole will have the word Converse printed sharp and plain. Be aware if you are buying a used pair. A used pair’s insignia will appear more faded than a new pair, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re counterfeit.

  6. 6

    Verify the pinstripe. This is painted on the top edge of the sole. It should be smooth and perfect. If it is shaky, not crisp looking or uneven, it is a red flag.

  7. 7

    Own a pair of All Stars. The best way to understand All Stars is by having an authentic pair. If you’ve never owned them, purchase a pair from a trusted seller. Once you have a pair of Converse All Stars, you’ll know all the quirks and attributes of the shoe.

    • Save the location of where you spotted a deal for next time. Even authentic All Stars will need to be replaced.
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Method 2

  1. 1

    Compare the price. If the price is ridiculously low, it is best to check more carefully or walk away. Usually counterfeits are considerably cheaper than authentic Converse. The cheaper price makes up for not having genuine Converse. If you opt to save money, be prepared to see your shoes deteriorate fast. Cheap sweatshop shoes will never match Converse standards for construction and materials.

    • Standard All Star high tops will typically sell anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on the style.
  2. 2

    Be aware of payment methods. If you are okay with buying counterfeit Converse, you do need to be careful of how you pay for them. Typically a cash only vendor is a bit of a red flag. When purchasing online, be aware of what website you are on. Have you shopped there before, or do even recognize the site? Be sure that your web browser is secure (https://) when you’re checking out.[4]

    • Many web browsers even have a padlock at the top corner to indicate no one can steal your information.
    • Expect a confirmation email when purchasing from an untrusted website.
  3. 3

    Consider the source. Always be vigilant when you’re at a flea market or other sorts of vendors. Sometimes vendors will lead you to a strange and potentially dangerous location to purchase counterfeit goods. These vendors are conducting illegal operations. Have your guard up and remember you can have a much safer transaction at a department store.[5]

    • Ask yourself if the price is worth the poor construction and dangerous environment.
  4. 4

    Ask questions. You never know, when you are at markets outside department stores, if they’re actually counterfeit. Ask questions when you see a price too good to be true. You can detect a lot from the seller's body language. If you suspect he’s lying, he probably is. Use your best judgement.

    • It is not fair to assume all open air markets sell counterfeit goods.
  5. 5

    Be vigilant when purchasing abroad. If you plan to shop abroad, review travel advisories from the Department of State before going to a location. They will have information of the scene of counterfeit sellers in that location. U.S. Customs can potentially confiscate an item they deem to be questionable.[6]

    • Many vendors abroad target tourists with counterfeit goods. Have your guard up, but don’t act unless you are sure you’re being deceived.
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  • Question

    Is the converse symbol on the inside or the outside?

    How to Spot Fake All Star Converse: 12 Steps (with Pictures) (15)

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    Converse shoes have their logo on the inside, the only exceptions were the Jewel All Star (logo on the outside) and the All Star 2000 (logo on both sides).

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    Where does converse manufacture their shoes?

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    Converse is now owned by Nike, who moved manufacturing of the Converse brand to factories in China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia.

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    Are Converse All Stars made in the USA?

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    Converse shoes have not been made in the USA since the company went bankrupt in 2001. Now Converse is owned by Nike and the brand's shoes have been made in different factories in China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia.

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      Warnings

      • PF Flyers are not counterfeit Converse All Star shoes. This just happens to be a brand of shoes that make similar looking shoes.

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      About This Article

      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 14 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 866,710 times.

      211 votes - 62%

      Co-authors: 14

      Updated: December 31, 2022

      Views:866,710

      Categories: Footwear | Sneakers

      Article SummaryX

      To spot fake All Star Converse, check to see if the pin stripe on the top edge of the sole is shaky, which is a sign that the shoe is a fake. In addition, take a look at the Chuck Taylor patch, which should show a navy blue star and Taylor's signature. If you're still unsure, check to see if the All Stars logo is printed clearly on the tongue, and if the tongue is made out of a thin canvas. If the logo isn't clear or the tongue is made out of a different material, the shoes are fake. You may also see that the stitching is loose or uneven, which means it's a fake. For tips on how to check the insole and how to compare prices, keep reading!

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      How to Spot Fake All Star Converse: 12 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      Are Converse made in China fake? ›

      Authentic Converse shoes are manufactured in any of these four countries - Vietnam, China, India and Indonesia. If the pair you bought is manufactured anywhere else, it is likely to be a knock-off.

      Why is there a hole in my Converse? ›

      Well, wonder no more - it turns out their first purpose is to provide a little ~ventilation to your feet. The holes allow air to circulate around and stop your feet getting all sweaty.

      What side is the Converse badge on? ›

      An original Converse shoe has the round logo patch always on the inside of theshoe. To tell the consumers that it is real but not fake. ... Because converse means opposite, thus the logo is placed inside the shoes as the inside is the opposite side of the shoes.

      Are there fake Converse websites? ›

      Nike (NYSE:NKE -0.52%) and Converse are now cracking down on websites marketing and selling fake versions of its sneakers, filing a lawsuit against a staggering 589 websites.

      How many shoelace holes do Converse have? ›

      A: Yes, my Chucks have 6 eyelets.

      Is a shoe fake if it says made in China? ›

      If the tag says "made in China" are the shoes fake? No. The vast majority of real Nike shoes are made in factories in China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. The tag is only one indicator; check for the others as explained in the article.

      Are Converse owned by Nike? ›

      In July 2003, Nike paid US$309 million to acquire Converse. Around 2010, Nike relaunched the footwear, taking advantage of the wave of 1980s revival. The company also expanded the Converse brand to include apparel and accessories, akin to Nike's other brands.

      Can I wear Converse without socks? ›

      You should never make the mistake of wearing Converse sneakers (or any shoe) without socks. Not only will you get blisters, but it's extremely unhygienic and almost always leaves an unpleasant smell that never seems to leave your shoes.

      Why do my Converse hurt my feet? ›

      Converse sneakers

      Sneakers are supposed to be safe footwear bets, but this old classic shoe has a high foot-pain rating (they can cause heel pain, stress fractures and tendinitis) thanks to their flat, stiff soles.

      How long do Chuck Taylors last? ›

      Longevity. OG Chuck Taylors are not at all a long-lasting shoe. Most people who have them in regular rotation generally find they last around a year before the heels wear through and the canvas starts to fall apart.

      What are the 2 holes at the bottom of Converse? ›

      The holes are for ventilation. They were worn with socks since the beginning but changed in the 21st century when the Chuck's transitioned from basketball shoes to casual footwear when some people stopped wearing socks.

      Is the star on Converse supposed to be on the inside? ›

      Converse shoes have their logo on the inside, the only exceptions were the Jewel All Star (logo on the outside) and the All Star 2000 (logo on both sides).

      What is the real Converse? ›

      Authentic Converse shoes will have a serial number on the label on the inside of the tongue and each shoe will bear this number. If you have two different numbers then something is off. This number should also be on the box they came in as well.

      What is the original Converse shoe? ›

      The Converse All-Star began life as an elite basketball shoe back in 1917 in its original canvas and rubber make up, which still remains today, available in a natural brown with black trimming as its first colour way.

      Is Converse made big or small? ›

      In general, Converse fit bigger than your average shoe. On their site, the brand states that Converse fit a half size bigger but some people say to go down a full size, especially if you wear a larger size to start with.

      How long are 7 hole shoe laces? ›

      45" 114cm

      How long are 4 hole shoe laces? ›

      Sneaker laces Size Chart by Pairs of Eyelets
      PAIRS OF EYELETSLACE LENGTH REQUIRED: INCHES AND CM
      2-424″ (60CM)
      3-530″ (75CM)
      5-636″ (90CM)
      6-745″ (114CM)
      2 more rows

      How long are 3 hole shoe laces? ›

      3. Using a standardized table
      Eyelet PairsLength
      1-245 cm
      345-60 cm
      460-75 cm
      575-90 cm
      4 more rows

      Can I sell fake shoes if I say they are fake? ›

      In the U.S., it's illegal for a person to sell counterfeit merchandise. Both state and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct. If you knowingly sell or intend to sell a fake item, you could be sentenced to years in prison and/or be ordered to pay steep fines.

      Is it legal to buy fake shoes? ›

      It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties and purchasing counterfeit goods often supports criminal activities, such as forced labor or human trafficking. Help to stop the funding of criminal enterprises by buying authentic goods.

      What happens if you sell fake shoes as real? ›

      Knowingly selling counterfeit goods is subject to legal action by law enforcement agencies. If convicted, someone may face a fine of up to 2 million dollars and a jail sentence of up to 10 years.

      Where are fake sneakers made? ›

      Most counterfeit shoes arrive from China in mislabeled containers. They are stored in warehouses and then shipped to stores. When caught, it may not be easy to find the people responsible for the illegal production, distribution and sales because the documents they arrive with usually contain false information.

      Is Goat a good site to buy from? ›

      GOAT is one of the main shoe reselling platforms. It's completely legit and has a rigorous authentication process. You can rest assured that the shoes you purchase from GOAT aren't fakes. The site deals in high-end sneakers, so if you're looking for sporty kicks, this is the spot.

      Are fake shoes made in the same factory? ›

      Speaking to state of counterfeit goods – those that utilize a trademark that is “identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from” a genuine registered trademark and that is used on the same class of goods as the registered mark – Ma elaborated, saying, “They are made in exactly the same factories, with exactly ...

      Is Converse Black owned? ›

      Most majorly popular sneaker brands are not Black-owned, juggernaut sneaker companies like Converse, Nike, Adidas, and New Balance attract millions of Black customers worldwide but have non-Black founders.

      Who owns Converse now? ›

      Image of Who owns Converse now?
      Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, in the Portland metropolitan area.
      Wikipedia

      Does Converse have a new logo? ›

      The star with a chevron is back to the Converse visual identity, while the iconic lettering was replaced by a completely new style.

      Is it OK to walk in Converse? ›

      Converse work great for short distances, especially because you won't need to change out of your street clothes. You can wear them for the entire day and then keep them on for your short hike. They can be comfortable for short hikes (1 mile or less), but typically only if you don't have to climb much elevation.

      Can I wear Converse without laces? ›

      Ditch the laces and slip into something more convenient - like one of our iconic and easy-to-wear slip-on styles.

      Can I wear Converse with flat feet? ›

      You might be a fan of flats or Converse, but these shoes can be harsh on individuals with this foot condition. A great idea for people who have flat feet is to purchase orthotic shoes.

      What size is a 9 in Converse? ›

      Find Your Shoe SizeChuck Taylor All Star / Chuck 70inches / cm
      87.525.3cm
      8.5825.8cm
      98.526.2cm
      9.5926.2cm
      19 more rows

      Why do Converse squeak when you walk? ›

      What Causes the Squeak? The noises you hear when your shoes are squeaking may be caused by air or moisture getting trapped different parts of the shoe. Predominantly, this is usually in the insole area and when the insole rubs against another part of the shoe, it creates that squeaking noise.

      Should my toes touch the end of my Converse? ›

      There should be about half an inch between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. If you have small hands, this is about the size of the tip of your index finger. If you have large hands, it's about the size of the tip of your pinky finger. For many people the big toe is the longest.

      Is Chuck 70 or All Star better? ›

      Chuck 70 vs All Star: The Verdict

      The Chuck 70 has thicker canvas, higher rubber foxing, better cushioning, improved arch support, and greater durability. The All Star is cheaper, available in more colors, lighter, and better for lifting weights. Those are the most important takeaways.

      Can 50 year old wear Chuck Taylors? ›

      One is never too old to wear Chuck Taylor's.. one just needs to have the courage to keep wearing them— even with orthotics which make them very comfortable.

      Are Chuck Taylors unisex? ›

      The canvas upper and resilient rubber sole mean these classic Chucks can handle anything you throw at them. SIZING: Converse come in unisex sizing. Both the women's and men's Converse run true to size.

      Why are the bottom of Converse fuzzy? ›

      So, why is it there in the first place? It turns out that that felt is there not for functional reasons, but for economic ones—shoes with fuzzy soles are taxed less when imported than those with rubber ones.

      What are the hearts on Converse? ›

      It is primarily known for its iconic bug-eyed red heart motif designed by the New York-based artist Filip Pagowski, which has become the face of the line. Established in 1908, Converse's legendary legacy began with their sneakers originally worn as basketball shoes.

      Can girls wear Converse? ›

      Converse sneakers have always been the preferred footwear choice for fashionistas as they do not compromise style for comfort. They go with pretty much everything – jeans, skirts, and even prom or wedding dresses.

      What kind of socks to wear with Converse? ›

      Typically, cotton crew socks will be plainer colours while polyester will display more colourful patterns and graphics. This gives you a great choice when picking socks to wear with Converse.

      Can you wear Converse with baggy pants? ›

      With Oversized Pieces

      Converse aren't as chunky as a pair of throwback dad sneakers, so the slim fit helps to balance out baggy pants and shirts.

      Why are there two holes in Converse? ›

      Initially made for playing basketball, the holes allow air to get into the shoe - much like the breathable material your gym trainers are made out of - and help stop your feet getting sweaty. The second use for the holes is a lot more creative, designed to allow you to get imaginative with your lacing techniques.

      How to tell the difference between original and fake Converse All Star? ›

      Check the stitching and paint

      Authentic Converse sneakers all have sturdy stitches on the upper. The stitching usually comes in white, except for the monochrome and ivory color versions that have tonal stitching. The paint on the rubber piping should also be straight and solid. Fake ones are usually faded and uneven.

      Has the Converse logo always been on the inside of the shoe? ›

      In the original Converse shoes you can only find the logo on the inside, so if you see a pair with the Converse logo on the outside — it is a fake. The first pair with the Star emblem on the inside was introduced by the iconic brand in 1917, and since then the concept hadn't changed.

      Is Converse and All Star the same? ›

      Converse started making an early basketball shoe in 1917 and redesigned it in 1922, when Chuck Taylor asked the company to create a better shoe with more support and flexibility. After Converse added Taylor's signature to the ankle patch they became known as Chuck Taylor All Stars.

      Why do Converse have felt on the bottom? ›

      The fuzzy coating is applied around the edges and arch areas of the sole to minimize the chance of slipping around while wearing All Stars.

      Where is Converse originally made? ›

      Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Converse initially produced winterized rubber-soled shoes and boots. During World War II, it shifted manufacturing to make footwear for the military.

      Why are there two holes in Converse shoes? ›

      The holes are for ventilation. They were worn with socks since the beginning but changed in the 21st century when the Chuck's transitioned from basketball shoes to casual footwear when some people stopped wearing socks.

      Do you wear socks with Converse All Stars? ›

      It is always recommended that you wear some form of socks with your footwear. Luckily, there are plenty of types of socks to wear with Converse, though.

      How much did the original Converse cost? ›

      They cost $3.95 back in 1957 and we all know what that led to.

      Should my Converse be tight or loose? ›

      In general, Converse fit bigger than your average shoe. On their site, the brand states that Converse fit a half size bigger but some people say to go down a full size, especially if you wear a larger size to start with.

      What is the fuzzy stuff on the bottom of Converse? ›

      So, why is it there in the first place? It turns out that that felt is there not for functional reasons, but for economic ones—shoes with fuzzy soles are taxed less when imported than those with rubber ones.

      What's the oldest shoe brand? ›

      The Frye Company

      Does Nike still own Converse? ›

      Nike acquired Converse in 2003 for $305 million. Converse generated $2.35 billion in revenue in 2022. Converse is an independent brand part of Nike's family of brands.

      Who was the last player to wear Chuck Taylors? ›

      In the late '70s and early '80s, players started opting for heavier, leather sneakers (like Pumas) that were better suited to the modern, fast-paced game. Atlanta Hawks center Tree Rollins became the last player to wear canvas Chucks on the court in 1980.

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