How To Spot FAKE StockX Tags, Cards, Receipts in 2023

Introduction

Before going on with the guide, even though we believe it goes without saying - just because the StockX accessories are authentic, does not mean that the sneaker is! Keep in mind that authentic StockX accessories are also resold - not just counterfeit accessories!

StockX is also constantly evolving their tags and/or accessories to tackle the replication of them as well. We will also like to point out that counterfeits for this sort of niche (StockX) is usually not the best quality. The reason is because replica manufacturers like to put their focus/attention on the quality of the most important merchandise - the sneakers from Nike, Adidas, etc. In other words, replicating merchandise from third party companies such as StockX, GOAT, or eBay are not their priority.

StockX Tags

Let's begin with the notable and infamous StockX tag. There have been many variations of authentic StockX tags over the years. However we won't be going over all of them, since many aren't used anymore. We'll be going over the 3 most recent and common StockX tags: [1] Old StockX Tag (not in circulation) [2] StockX Tag (may still be in circulation) [3] Newest StockX Tag (in circulation)

NOTE: StockX tags are designed in a way that in order to take off the tag, the person must break through the cable itself, which makes re-attaching it not possible once broken.

Old StockX Tag (not in circulation)

First to kick off, let's begin with the older version of the StockX tag. This version will have a lighter shade of green to it and a different set of text compared to newer versions.

This version of the StockX tag is not being used by the company anymore, which means it isn't in circulation. This is important, because if your sneaker is said to have gone through authentication from StockX in mid 2019 - Current, then you can be certain that it's a fake. Keep in mind that the older authentic StockX tag may still be getting passed around within the community, so it may not automatically make the tag fake. However be wary of the intentions of the seller/buyer.

Text Font

Let's take a look at the front view of the StockX tag. Immediately we can spot the difference in the text being used as well as the white ink quality of the text. The authentic tag is polished and neat where the ink isn't decaying or melting off. Whereas the fake tag has the ink fading and sloppily painted.

Denoted by the red circles. We can see some examples of these flaws in the red circles. I'm sure you can spot other areas as well.

Text Font

Next, turn the StockX tag over and see the back side where the QR code is present. The same issues with text quality and ink quality is present on the replica tag.

Text Spacing

Denoted by the red circles. You can see examples of this flaw in these red circle highlights, where the ink looks sloppy and is fading away or melting off. I'm sure you can spot more flaws as well.

StockX Tag (may still be in circulation)

Next let's look at the other version of the StockX tag. This version is pretty much the exact same as the older one, except it has a circle emboss on the front. The shade of green is also the same.

Text Font

Here we can notice immediately the difference in the size/boldness of the text and decor on the authentic versus the fake tag. The text in legit StockX tag is much thicker than on the fakes. On the replica tag, the letters are quite thin.

Text Spacing

Denoted by the red circles. The spacing between each letter is also incomparable. On the real StockX tag the gap between each letter is very minimal, whereas the fake tag has their spacing too wide. Some more obvious examples of this flaw is denoted by the red circles, but I'm sure you can find other areas as well.

Dot Size

Denoted by the yellow circle. Here we can notice the difference in the size of those dots. On the authentic StockX tag, it is much bigger than on the replicas. You can see this size difference clearer on the real vs fake when you zoom in.

Color

We can notice a noticeable difference in the shade of green that is being used on the legit StockX tags compared to the fakes. The real ones are a lighter and more vibrant green, whereas the fake is darker. The lighting may change your perception on this, however it is MOST noticeable in the color of the cable/cord/string on top. The fake cable is a much darker green (even with the lighting differences, it's noticeable).

Now flip the StockX tag over to the back side where the QR code is present.

Text Font

Off the bat, its quite tough to see any differences at all between the authentic and fake StockX tags, other than the color difference. The text look awfully similar. The spacing isn't completely off between the letters. The back looks almost 1:1 with a quick look. However, closer inspection is usually required in a majority of legit checking circumstances (especially with top tier fakes).

Denoted by the red circles. Here we highlighted a very minimal difference between the two StockX tags - particularly with the letter "D". We can notice that on the authentic tag, the "D" is more angular and sharp. On the replica, we can see that the "D" is more rounded and curved.

Newest StockX Tag (in circulation)

In the time of publish of this legit check guide March 2022, there are currently no fake or replica for this version of the StockX tag - atleast not in mass production or within our knowledge. The majority are still manufacturing the previous tags. Although I'm sure they'll be pumping out this version of the tag soon enough - so stay up to date with this guide - as we'll be sure to update it once they do.

Keep in mind that these tags are also resold, which will circulate around the sneaker community.

If your StockX tag looks like this - as of March 2022 - you can be assured that these are indeed authentic. However, counterfeit manufacturers will most likely be pumping these tags out in the near future.

StockX Sticker Tag

On some rare occassions and also depending on the product (E.g: Yeezy Slides), StockX will send you a sticker tag rather than the physical plastic tag.

If you've received a sticker rather than the plastic tag, then rest assured because it is most likely authentic. Counterfeit manufacturers do not prioritize nor make these StockX tag stickers - atleast in mass production or within our knowledge.

StockX Tag Placement

Next, observe which sneaker the StockX tag is clipped on (left or right shoe). ALL authentic StockX coming directly from their warehouse will have tags are clipped on the left shoe.

In the example above, you can see the clip hanging on the left Air Jordan 1. This is a good sign leading to authenticity - the tag placement at least - however the sneaker still needs to be legit checked. On the fake sneaker, you can clearly see it being clipped on the right foot sneaker, which elevates suspicion and is most likely a fake.

UV Light

This step is optional, but recommended if you have a UV light source. Simply shine the light on the back of the StockX tag where the QR code is present.

NOTE: All recent production of authentic StockX tags will have this stamp on it. Older tags do not have them.

After shining the light on them, you should be able to see either 2 types of invisible ink stamps. The first possible stamp is the an "X", which is the StockX logo - the older stamp. The second possible stamp is a circular text that says "ALWAYS VERIFIED AUTHENTIC" - the newer stamp. If a recent StockX tag doesn't have a stamp, then be wary that it's a replica.

We'll also like to point out that the first stamp on the left has also been replicated by fake manufacturers, so these are not 100% fool-proof indicators as of now. However, there are have been no replication of the second type of stamp "ALWAYS VERIFIED AUTHENTIC" - atleast in mass production or within our knowledge. So if the StockX tag comes with the second stamp, then the chances of it being fake is low.

StockX Cards

NOTE: The black StockX card is rarely produced by the company in recent times compared to the past. The CEO of StockX has also been given to Scott Cutler, after the former CEO Josh Luber stepped down in 2019. Therefore the likelihood that this card is still being produced is extremely low, so be wary if the seller/buyer is using this black card as a indicator of authenticity.

Instead, in most recent times, you may see a letter/card of that is more similar to the one shown in the image below. This letter has the signature of Scott Cutler instead of Josh Luber.

These cards may be inconsistent in their content, as StockX is constantly changing their formats, therefore we won't be able to legit check with this letter. However, keep in mind that some variations of this letter with Scott Cutler as CEO has been replicated.

Now that we've addressed these changes, let's continue with legit checking the StockX card. There are 2 colors of the StockX card: green and black. We will focus on the black card, since the green ones are not being produced by fake manufacturers.

The replication of these StockX black cards have been extremely poor by the fake manufacturers, so spotting a fake isn't difficult at all. Like we've mentioned above, third party companies like StockX, GOAT, or eBay are not prioritized when it comes to counterfeiting their merchandise, therefore the quality is not given priority.

First let's take a note at the obvious color difference in the shade of green that is used on the logo. The authentic StockX card is a dark green, while the fake is a light green.

Next, move onto the signature at the bottom of the card. We see this same color difference in the shade of green. The real card is darker than the fake card. Another important difference to note is the position of the signature relative to the letters. On the authentic StockX card, we can see the lower placement of the signature where the signature overlaps with "CEO, StockX". However the fake has a much higher placement of the signature where it only overlaps with "Josh" and not "CEO, StockX".

Denoted by the blue arrows. Finally, notice the spacing and gap difference between the top of the paper and the StockX logo. The legit StockX card has much more spacing than the replica card. Now take a look at the bottom blue arrows, and you can see how the authentic StockX card has way less space between the bottom of the card and the signature. On the replica, this spacing is much larger.

StockX Receipt

We will like to address the old and the new receipt along with the slight differences. If the buyer/seller is using an old receipt of a recent StockX transaction, then be extremely wary of their intentions as the receipt might be a replica. In 2022, StockX has changed their receipt design slightly.

Old StockX Receipt (before 2022)

New StockX Receipt (2022)

As of right now, the fake StockX receipts are nearly 1:1. This is because it's simply a printable piece of paper that is quite easy to replicate. In order check the receipt for its legitimacy, you can use intuition to spot inconsistencies.

For example, if the purchase was made in 2022, and they're using the old receipt receipt (before 2022), then be wary because it's most likely a fake. Or if the sneaker was dropped in 2022 with an old receipt, also be wary.

Another way is to contact StockX and get them to confirm that the order number is a real order transaction. If the email receipt, as well as the StockX order confirmation are also available to you, then make sure that the information with the product, purchase price, and order number all match each other.