How to buy genuine sneakers

Two things decide whether a sneaker purchase works out: the pair is genuine, and it fits. Both are easier to check before you pay than after.

For authenticity, start with the price. U.S. Customs and Border Protection calls it the most important red flag and says fakes often sell at 50% to 70% off. Then look at the seller, the photos, the box label and the stitching. How to spot fake sneakers walks through each check and explains how eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee inspects eligible pairs before they ship.

For fit, do not rely on the number you usually wear. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says size can vary between brands and between styles. Measure your foot and read the maker’s chart on the shoe size chart pages, then see how popular sneakers fit for models such as the Air Force 1, Jordan 1 and Chuck Taylor.

Unisex sneakers from Converse, Vans and New Balance

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