How To Spot FAKE Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in 2023 (All Colorways)

Barcode

The initial step is to take a look at the barcode present on the box label. Keep in mind that if the box passes, it does not imply your Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is authentic or legit.

Note that the counterfeit or fake manufacturer could have gotten this correct as well. Also, remember that the box can also be swapped out with a real box and a fake sneaker inside.

However, let's continue with the barcode test...

Simply search the barcode number on Google searches. So in this case, you would search "4065419281927" for the legit Yeezy box, and "4064047329179" for the fake Yeezy box as shown in the image below.

Afterwards, look for matches confirming your Yeezy Boost 350 V2s are authentic. If there are many results on Google, then that's a good sign leading to authenticity. Your goal is to find an exact match of your box.

Confirm that the results displayed are in sync with product colorway and size, as well as bearing the same barcode found on the your Yeezy Boost 350 V2 box label. If they match, then the box is may be authentic. Remember that this means the box may be authentic, however your Yeezy Boost 350 V2 sneaker may still be fake. We'll still have to check the box label consistency before confirming it's definitely authentic.

If the results are not in sync with the colorway, size and product ID, then it is also most likely fake. If no results show up then the sneaker is most likely fake. If the results are nothing related to the sneaker then it is also most likely fake. Some fake boxes get the barcode correct, so we need to look for more indicators of authenticity...

Box Label

Next step of the legit check guide, we are going to be doing a deep dive to spot the differences between an authentic and fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2 box labels. When legit checking a box label, your job is to be on the lookout for text inconsistencies (font thickness, spacing, mismatches, etc).

We will begin by discussing the 2 variations of the most common box labels. The most common box labels for Yeezy Boost 350 V2s are the US and the Canada/EU labels. You can differentiate them by the number of sizes displayed.

US Box Label (US, F, UK)

The image below displays the US box label for the Yeezy Boost 350 V2s. You can tell by the 3 sizes present: US, F, and the UK. Denoted by the yellow box at the bottom right. The code NEEDS to end in V02 and V03 for US-released sneakers. The PO# also NEEDS to start with UPC for US-released sneakers.

First off, you can see a slight difference in the font used on the authentic and the fake box label. Denoted green box at the top, you can see that difference more prominently on the letter "O". On the real box label, the "O" looks more like the number zero "0", while the fake is wider and looks like an "O".

Denoted by the red box. Here you can see the obvious difference in the "MONICE/MONICE/MONICE" between the authentic and fake box labels. On the real one, the second line is shorter in length than the first line. Whereas on the replicas, the first and second line are both exactly equal in length.

Denoted by the blue box, the barcode. Here you can see an obvious difference in font size and style used between the real and fake. On the authentic one, the font size is much bigger than on the fakes.

Canada/EU Box Label (US, UK, F, D, J, CHN)

The image above displays the Canada/EU box Label for the Yeezy Boost 350 V2s. You can tell by the 6 sizes present: US, UK, F, D, J, and CHN. Denoted by the green box at the bottom right. The code NEEDS to end in V10 for Canada/EU released sneakers. The PO# will also end EAN for EU boxes and UPC for Canada boxes.

Denoted by the green box at the bottom right. Notice the size difference in the font size used, where on the fake it's much bigger than on the retails.

Denoted by the red box. Here we can see another very careless flaw from the fake manufacturers. The original Yeezy Boost 350 V2 True Form is displayed as "TRFRM" on all the box labels. However, as you can see on the fake it says "TRUE FORM", which is non-existent on the retail labels.

To Summarize

Authentic Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Box Labels will have: 1. US Box Label: 3 sizes (US, F, UK), 2 versions (V02, V03), PO# UPC 2. Canada: 6 sizes (US, F, UK, D, J, CHN), 1 version (V10), PO# UPC 3. EU Label: 6 sizes (US, F, UK, D, J, CHN), 1 version (V10), PO# EAN

If your box comes in ANY other deviation than from this, then it is a fake box. Counterfeit and fake manufacturers will sometime make this mistake. This is a quick and easy spot if the box is not the standard that is stated above.

Now that we've discussed about the most common box labels. Let's move forward to the less common Yeezy Boost 350 V2 box labels. Many variations of box labels exist depending on the country, so we cannot go through every single one.

Here are some notable variations of box labels, and if your box label matches any one of these or a different country, then the box itself will most likely be authentic (excluding Chinese labels). This is because fake Yeezy manufacturers mostly produce US or Canada/EU labels.

Chinese Box Label

Although counterfeits are primarily manufactured in China, authentic Chinese box labels do in fact exist! They will end in V06 code.

Mexican Box Label (MEX, UK, F, US, J, CHN)

The main differences are the introduction of a MEX size on the first size square, and a lower text in spanish that says “HECHO EN CHINA”. Aside from that, they carry a V04 code on the label.

Brazilian Box Label (BR, UK, F, US, J, CHN)

The main differences are visible on the first size square, which is swapped by a BR sizing. It’s safe to say that given by the looks of it, this variant looks slightly more sloppy compared to other box labels. They also carry the V03 code.

Restock Box Label

Box Text/Logo

On the side of the retail box is the text "YEEZY BOOST 350", "MADE BY ADIDAS" and Trefoil Logo as well as the text "ADIDAS.COM/KANYE", which is usually covered by the box label. Check the quality of the printing and make sure the text is solid black with clean sharp edges. Additionally, make sure the typefaces used are correct, while also paying close attention to the "/" or diagonal that slices between "0" inside of "350". Ensure the trefoil logo is centered with the side panel.

Size Tag

First let's mention that they are the most common variations for the most common size tags (US, Canada/EU). One size tag has the term "MALE/MÂLE" and the other is missing this phrase.

To start off, let's talk about the most common size tags (US, Canada/EU) and their true form of the authentic retail Yeezy Boost 350 V2. The inner size tags will vary depending on year, country of manufacturer and style. Take a look at the production date (MM/YY), factory code (2-3 letters), shoe size, and manufacturing country (MADE IN CHINA).

Ensure the purchase order (#) and number after "ART" are in sync and match the retail box label. Also note that inside the QR code, there is another symbol that is unique to each size tag label, and because it is unique and very tiny - it is very hard to replicate on fakes.

Similar to the barcode search on Google to find whether your Yeezy Boost 350 is authentic or fake - you can also search "Adidas"+"ART number" to ensure the size, colorway, and product id matches the results. If irrelevant results show or none at all, then it may be a fake replica.

There are 1 label for each shoe: left and right. The last 3 digits in the 13 digit security number should be different from each other on each shoe. The tiny symbol inside the QR code should also be different. If they aren't then be wary that it may be a fake.

Each Yeezy Boost 350 colorway has its distinct inconsistencies in its size tag text. The authentic pairs have higher quality and more solid printed text. The spacing between letters are also more consistent on the authentic pairs, whereas the fakes are thick/blotched or inconsistent.

Size Text

Denoted by the red box. Take a look at the spacing between the "FR" size (45 1/3) and the "JP" size (290). The legit one has much more spacing compared to the fake, whereas the fake have the them too close to each other.

"MALE/MALE" Text

Denoted by the yellow circle. Here we can see the hat on top of the "A" is much thinner on the retail tag. Also, the "^" isn't touching the "/" on top. Whereas, the replica is thicker and also coming into contact with the "/".

"adidas" Text

Denoted by the green box. On the authentic text, you can see the text being much thinner and also has separation between the letters. On the replica, it's much thicker and the letters are almost merged together. On the fake, you can see this being prominent in the "i", where the letter looks more like an "l", and has is barely visible.

Security Code

Denoted by the blue circle. Take a look at the different in font thickness once again. The letter "Hk" is too close together on the replica, where there is no white between them. On the authentic, you can see the separation clearly.

We will now take a look at other possible variations of size tags on legit pairs. Similar to the box labels, fake manufacturers usually only produce the common size tags from the US or Canada/EU, which are the ones we went over. There are many variations of size tags from other countries, so if your Yeezy Boost 350 V2 has one of these or another, it will most likely be legit...

Chilean Size Tag

Mexican Size Tag

Lacing

How the shoe lacing is inserted can be a tell of whether your Yeezy Boost 350 V2 pair is legit or fake, however, keep in mind that this should apply to mostly deadstock pairs because the lacing placement could've been modified.

The image above is of the left shoe. The image above is mirrored, so put yourself in the perspective of you wearing the shoe.

All authentic Yeezy sold at retail are known for their signature lace pattern. Unless something has been swapped or replaced, the laces should be in this style.

What you need to consider is that the left shoe should have the left-sided lace go underneath the right lace. As you can see above, the authentic pair has this correct. However, the fake pair has it the opposite way, where the left-sided lace goes above the right lace.

For the right shoe - an authentic Yeezy Boost 350 V2 will have the right-sided lace go underneath the left lace.

Boost Sole

The boost sole will have its inconsistencies due to Adidas factory flaws and quality flaws, so they may vary quite a bit. However, they do follow a level of consistency so that we can still inspect the boost soles as an indicator for an authentic and fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2. Also note that the soles of Boost 350s will vary from one another as well, hence why it's important to have a retail for comparison.

The main flaws to focus on will be [1] Boost Pellets [2] Pellet Stripes [3] "boost" Text

We will take a look at multiple examples as well...

Pellet Stripes

Denoted by the red circle. Take a look at the striped stamps on the boost. On the authentic pair, you can clearly see the outline of the circle that encases and surrounds the 3-4 stripes. However on the fake, you can only see the stamp of the stripes without the circle encasing it. On the replica, it makes the pellet stripes shell-less. This is true for every single pellet with stripes.

Denoted by the red arrows. On the legit Boost 350 V2 soles, the pellet stripes typically do not follow the same direction. In other words, they should not be completely parallel to each other, but instead should have a randomness to the direction. On the authentic, you can see how each stripe is pointed at another direction (left, right, etc). On the fake soles, they are all exactly parallel and point at the same direction.

Boost Pellets

Denoted by the blue box. Here we can see very clearly the difference in the size and epth of the boost pellets. On the authentic pair, the boost pellets are much larger and deeper, which give it depth. Whereas on the fake, the boost pellets are shallow and also aren't as big.

Below is another example on another Yeezy Boost 350 V2...

Pellet Stripes

Denoted by the red circle. Here we can see a similar flaw arise on the replica Yeezy Boost 350 V2. The 3 pellet stripes are not encircled by a circle stamp. On the authentic pair, you can see this circle stamp encasing the stripes very prominently. On top of that, the quality of the stamp is extremely weak on the replica. Instead of it looking like an engravement on the boost, it looks elevated.

Denoted by the red arrows. Here we can see a similar issue with the stripe direction. On the authentic pair, the direction is not parallel with each other, and seems have a randomness to it. Whereas, on the fake they all point in the same general direction.

We can go over one final example below...

Pellet Stripes

Denoted by the red circle. By now, you can see this flaw pretty easily. Many fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2s usually have this flaw, where the stripes lack a prominent circle encasing.

Denoted by the red arrows. You'll also notice many replicas have pellet stripes that are consistent and parallel to each other. However, some top tier replicas do not have this issue.

"boost" Text

The "boost" text engraving is a great way to spot a fake pair as well. The authentic engraving is much thicker than the replica as shown above. The character texts are more defined and sharp, whereas, on the fake, you can see it being too thin and the character texts are quite weak and not defined.

Additional Tags

Similar to the box label and size tag, these additional tags will have different variations based on the country of production, however, they SHOULD match with the box label and size tags. Make sure the barcode and sizes displayed are the exact same as the box and inside size tag.

Since these are additional tags, the fake manufacturers don't usually focus too much on these. You can see very obvious inconsistencies between the text font and thickness. You can also notice very easily the difference in dimensions and spacing between all components.

"YEEZY BOOST 350 V2" Text

Denoted by the red box. Take a look at the thickness of "YEEZY BOOST 350 V2" on the authentic vs the fake pair.

6 Digit Code

Denoted by the blue box. Look at the text above the barcode "GW1229" and "GY7164". The authentic tag is much thicker in font, whereas the replica is too thin.

Barcode

Denoted by the green box. We can see the difference in font thickness once again in the barcode. The retail tag is thicker, whilst the fake is thinner.

I'm certain you can find other inconsistencies yourself as well.

Overall Shape

Let's dive into the overall shape of the Yeezy Boost 350 V2. We will look at the sneaker form and also the knitting pattern.

Take a glance at the shape of the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 holistically. Even high-quality and great replicas can get incorrect. Look at the curvature from the midsole to the upper heel tab. If you see the fake pair, you can see the slight bump where it looks straight rather than curved.

Examine the knitting pattern closely. You can verify how the poorer knitting can alter the shape and create the bumpy shape at the back. Also, look at the area near the stripe, you can see the inconsistencies of the knitting and how it looks worn out. The authentic one is very consistent and sewn in well.

Middle Stitching

Denoted by the red circle. Ensure the middle stitching pattern isn't flat. A common flaw in the replica Yeezy Boost 350 V2 is that the stitching diffuses into the heel instead of holding its form. See how it looks like it's melting into it because of the weak threads used to manufacture the fake pair.

3 Stripe Lining

Let's take a look at the inside striping of the Yeezy Boost 350 V2.

Stitching

Denoted by the red circle. This inner lining is significant to the Yeezy Boost 350 V2. Take a look at the stitching that outlines the inner heel area. There may be inconsistencies with factory flaws and quality differences, however, the authentic pair barely has any spaces between each stitch, while the replica the spacing between each stitch is wider.

Stripe Material

Next, take a glance at the material of the rubber. The legit pair is thicker and should feel of higher quality where it wouldn't rub off easily. Whereas the fake pair is visibly very thin and looks weak. You should be able to see a clear separation between the stripes and the material.

Color and Texture

Denoted by the blue circle. Also, take a look at the coloring of the heel area material. You can see that the legit pair is a darker gray, whereas the replica is a lighter gray. Of course, the lighting can affect this heavily, so take it with a grain of salt. On top of that, notice the material texture quality. On the retail pair, you can see the material being much more fibrous than the replicas.

Here's a look at another example below...

Stitching

Denoted by the red circle. Here we see the same flaw arise on the fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2. On the retail pair, you see how consistent the stitching is, and the spacing between each thread is the same. On the replica, you can see how the stitching is barely visible.

Stripe Material

Next, look at the 3 stripe lining rubber. Often times, replicas will have a low quality material that gets worn out easily, in which the stripes begin to melt into the fabric and look the same. You should be able to see a clear separation between the stripes and the material on the retail pairs. In this case we see a stronger separation on the authentic pair than the fake.

Insole Text

Let's take a look at the insole and the text on it as well. Our main focus will be on the material and the trefoil adidas logo.

The insole text must be high quality and clearly defined or solid. The trefoil logo for the Yeezy 350 V2 fake manufacturers are usually neglected so the quality will have inconsistencies.

Here's a closer look at the logo. On the authentic pair, you can see how well the logo is placed on the insole. Now take a look at the fake logo, you can see that the gap between the lines is a different shade of coloring relative to the insole. This is due to the overuse of glue in this area.

Denoted by the blue circle. Take a look at the smudged line on the replica Yeezy Boost 350 V2. There is no separation between the lines as they've merged. In the authentic pair, you can see the visible separation of the lines.

Insole Side Text

Next, flip the insoles to the sides where the text and sizing is.

Here take a look at the font difference between the authentic and fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2 insoles. On the real insole, you can see that every letter is the same font size. Wheres on the fake, the size is not consistent for each letter. Take a look at the number "1" and you can see that it is smaller than the "0"s on the replica. The font is also much larger on the fake than on the authentic insoles.

Back Insole

Lets move forward to inspecting the back insoles of the Yeezy Boost 350 V2s.

Take a look at the edges or outline of the back insole on the authentic pair. You can see the thinness and sharpness at the legit back insoles. Whereas the fake pair looks thicker

Now examine the heel area of the back insole. We can get a nice look at the texture of the material as well.

Denoted by the blue box. If you look at the fake back insole, you can see how the trefoil logo is not defined. Look closely at the lines in between the trefoil logo. On the authentic pair, the lines are clearly defined and sharp, unlike the fake.

Denoted by the red box. Look at the text font used by the legit Yeezy Boost 350 V2. The fakes frequently have a font that is way too thin that exposed a lot of empty spacing between the letters. Now look back at the retail, and you can see how much more thick and bubbly the text is, where it fills up the space.

Pull Tab

Lets continue onward to looking at the pull tab at the rear of the Yeezy Boost 350 V2.

This point has gathered controversy since pull tabs change placements depending on the overall quality of the release or the sizing, so make sure to get good references for your specific size. If the pull tabs on the pair you’re checking are noticeably uneven in placement and unproperly stitched, it could be a red flag. Notice how the fake pair has a larger pull tab in the picture above, and how the stitching square is different. The stitching is also more sloppy on the replicas.

Footbed

Finally let's examine the footbed/insole stitching of the Yeezy Boost 350 V2. We'll look at a couple examples...

Stitching

What we want to focus on is the stitching pattern and the perforation from the boost. A fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2 would have inconsistent stitching and would be too dense in certain areas. Take a look at the highlighted area, where there are too many stitches populating on the area.

An authentic pair would have the stitches more consistently spread out with a low degree of randomization.

Holes

Notice the stark difference between the size of the holes on the authentic and the replica footbed. Denoted by the red circle. You can see the top smaller holes are bigger on the authentic than on the fakes. This also holds true on the holes denoted by the blue box.

Denoted by the dotted red lines. Another thing to notice is that the holes run parallel and are aligned with each other on the authentic Yeezy Boost 350 V2. Whereas on the fake they are misaligned and and not straight.

Denoted by the green circle. Here we see a loose thread from the stitching on the fake pair, which gives it away. On the authentic, the stitching and threads are tightly sewn and not loose.

UV Light

This final step is optional only for people who have a UV light source. This step is universal for ALL sneakers/shoes. Turn off all external lights, and shine your UV light on the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 and the box itself. Your goal is to look for any marks, stamps, or liquid stains.

Above are some examples and indicators you're trying to look for. Authentic Yeezy Boost 350 V2s should be mostly clean and stain or mark free on the shoe itself and the box as well.

The 2 marks shown above are stamps from counterfeit manufacturers.