adidas Authentication: How to Spot Fakes & Date Tags | RE-USE TOKYO
RE-USE TOKYO
AUTHENTICATION GUIDE
Visual Comparison
Trefoil & 3-Bar Logo
✓ Authentic Trefoil Logo
- Even and symmetrical leaf shape
- Consistent line thickness
- Accurate font
- Well-balanced overall
✓ Authentic 3-Bar Logo
- Even width of 3 stripes
- Precise spacing
- Aligned angles
- Sharp and clean lines
3-Stripe Width Comparison
✓ Authentic: Even Width
Even width and spacing
✗ Fake: Uneven Width
Variations in width and spacing
1970s-1980s (Trefoil Era)
Features
- Trefoil logo used on all lines
- adidas in lowercase
- Many models feature "MADE IN WEST GERMANY / FRANCE"
- Many models show "VENTEX"
Authentication Points
- If "VENTEX" is present, it's likely an old genuine product
- Accuracy of country of manufacture notation
- Precision of trefoil shape
- Natural aging of the tag
1990s (3-Bar Introduction Era)
Features
- 3-Bar logo introduced for performance lines
- Originals continued with the trefoil
- Equipment (EQT) line featured green tags
- Diversification of manufacturing countries
Authentication Points
- Correct correspondence between line and logo
- Print quality of EQT green tags
- Uniformity of 3-bar angle and width
- Font accuracy
2000s-2010s
Features
- QR barcode added
- Functional displays such as CLIMAWARM
- Product numbers are 2 letters + 5-6 digits
- Standardized tag designs
Authentication Points
- Accuracy of product number format
- QR code as a reference only (not being scannable doesn't necessarily mean fake)
- Print quality of functional material tags
- Smoothness and construction of zippers
2020s - Present
Features
- Sustainable labeling (Primegreen, etc.)
- New technology names like COLD.RDY
- Enhanced digital authentication
- Recycled material labeling
Authentication Points
- Accurate spelling of new technology names
- Presence of sustainable labeling
- Consistency between product number, product information, and tag information
- Matching the latest tag designs
Authentic vs. Fake Comparison Checklist
Key Points to Check
✓ Common Features of Authentic Items
- Logo lines are even and symmetrical
- Font matches official typeface
- 3-stripes have even width and spacing
- Product number and specifications are consistent
- Tag printing is sharp
- Zippers operate smoothly and are well-made
- Stitching is uniform
- Material has functional properties
- Information on care tag and main tag is consistent
✗ Common Features of Fake Items
- Logo lines are uneven or asymmetrical
- Font is a common gothic style
- 3-stripes have inconsistencies
- Product number is unnatural or doesn't match model information
- Tag text is blurred
- Zippers are stiff or poorly made
- Stitching is coarse
- Material is thin and lacks functionality
- Care tag contradicts size or material information
Summary of Authentication Points
Adidas Authentication Checklist
- Symmetry of logo and uniformity of lines
- Width, spacing, and stitching quality of 3-stripes
- Consistency of product number and specifications
- Tag font and print quality
- Consistency between care tag and main tag information
- Smoothness of zipper operation and overall construction
⚠ Important Notes
The logo system differs between the Performance line (3-bar logo) and the Originals line (trefoil logo). Authenticate based on the logo appropriate for the line.
Regarding product numbers: For older models or items distributed in Korea, information may no longer be available on official websites. Do not authenticate based solely on product number search results.
Regarding zippers: Adidas has many examples of officially adopted zippers besides YKK, including OPTI, adidas engraved, SBS, Lampo, and unmarked. Authentication cannot be based solely on zipper brand.
Regarding QR codes: Even authentic items may have unreadable QR codes. Do not rely solely on QR authentication.
Regarding VENTEX notation: The presence of "VENTEX" notation suggests a high possibility of an older genuine product, but its absence does not mean it is fake.
Regarding Korean versions: Items distributed for the Korean market may have different tag specifications or product numbering systems compared to those distributed in Japan. Do not conclude an item is fake based solely on differences in specifications.
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inspected according to these authentication standards?
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