The best way to spot a fake Yeezy 350 V2 Black is to inspect the size tag, where the style and text can differentiate between a real and a replica 350 V2. Checking both the reflective and non-reflective labels can instantly uncover a fak.
While new releases of the Black Reflective and Non-Reflective bring many replicas and fake sneaker resellers who try to capitalize on that popularity, it’s essential to know how to spot fake Yeezy Black.
We have created this 10-step legit check guide to reveal the ways you can spot a fake.
This guide works for the Reflective and Non-Reflective versions.
For now, let’s focus on the real vs fake Yeezy 350 V2 Static Black.
How to tell if Yeezy 350 V2 Black are fake
You can tell if Yeezy 350 V2 Black are fake if the size tag has very thick inscriptions that are too close to each other. Authentic pairs always have thin text that has a decent amount of space between each character.
Though the size tag is not the only technique that can be used to authenticate. Let’s check it all out!
1. Barcode scan
Using the Legit Check App’s barcode scan function is the first and fastest step to authenticating the Yeezy Boost 350 Black.
Through this function, you’ll scan the barcode of the Yeezy box.
Then, compare it to the unique barcode of other Yeezy pairs out there.
You’ll want to look for matches that confirm the authenticity status of the pair.
Each Yeezy release has a unique barcode that relates to a specific combination of:
Colourway (Black FU9006 & Black FU9007)
Style (350 V2)
Size (US 5 – 14).
Scan the barcode highlighted with the big emoji hand
This barcode check allows you to focus on the overlooked details that many fake Yeezy resellers don’t research and implement.
We recommend the Legit Check App to be your first step in spotting counterfeit sneakers.
Over 95% of fake and replica Yeezy Boost V2 Blacks fail this test.
However, with resellers starting to pay more attention to details we need to take extra steps in authenticating for a 100% pass.
1.1. How to scan it
Download and install the Legit Check App.
Tap on the barcode scan icon and focus on the barcode of your Yeezy Boost Black V2 box.
Here’s where you have to judge for yourself — if there are some or a lot of confirmations on Google for that code (thus, the size-colourway combination), the box is authentic.
1.2. Authentic results
You can notice the fact that there are confirmation points that this code is indeed the right one for the colourway, though no size is mentioned (read the full story if any of these are not clear), so you would need to click on them and make sure.
Note: It doesn’t mean the shoe is definitely legit — anything is possible, including a scammer taking the original box and swapping them with fake shoes.
1.3. Fake results
It doesn’t match any of the unique Adidas product codes that we tried to find to authenticate it against.
It essentially means that the barcode doesn’t exist, proving that the Yeezy Black V2 350s scanned are not authentic.
Only use a perfect size+colourway combination as a reliable tell for an authentic pair.
Finding it too hard? Legit check your Yeezys with our experts:
2. Size tag
2.1. Made in Chian
The ink bleeding of the “M” in the Made In China text print is a clear indication of this sneaker being fake.
It gives a messy, unauthentic appearance, while the genuine pair has a slightly larger font size with a stretched look and a thinner font text on the top of the print.
2.2. US
The “US” is thicker on the replica sneakers, with surrounding lines also being more substantial.
You can spot some blotting occurring at the top end of the “S”.
The blotting or pooling of ink can indicate that low-quality printing has been used to create the size tag.
2.3. APE
The kernel spacing of the font on labels is the perfect way to stop a fake Yeezy Black V2 350.
The kernel is the space between different letters.
You can see that on the authentic tag, the APE needs to be spaced with no connection between letters.
While the space between letters is not identical for the fake, you can see the bottom of the A and P touch, which seem to be a result of slight ink blotting.
2.4. Copyright ®
The most critical indicator to authenticate the Yeezy 350 Black is the position of the ® sign on the size tag.
On the fake sneaker, the ® symbol is touching the Adidas logo on the size tag, which is the biggest giveaway that it’s fake.
The original version has the ® sign spaced apart from the Adidas logo. A quick way of telling the difference between the real and the replica.
2.5. Size
Printing is not always perfect, and that’s a way of telling the difference between a replica and an authentic Yeezy.
You can see that on the 1/2 or 2/3 characters of the size tag.
What you will notice is that the printing on the original Yeezy 350 V2 Black features an odd spacing while on the fake print, the size lists perfectly spaced half sizes.
It’s a rare anomaly but it proves itself as a reliable way of spotting fake vs real Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black pairs.
2.6. CHN
Inconsistent lines on the “N” from the “CHN” text show where the printer ink has pooled between the N lines which makes it look thicker and bolder.
These inconsistent lines are a telltale sign that the sneaker is fake.
It’s all down to the quality of the print, and this does not occur on the real size tag.
2.7. Date
Differences between the real and the fake manufacturer date are very prominent.
The 05/19 displayed on both size tags has unique differences.
The real Yeezy 350 V2 Triple Black features a smooth font type while the fake size tag has a different bolded font for the “5” and the “9” on the fake version.
2.8. MALE/MÂLE
MALE/MALE appearing on the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black is not a guaranteed spot of a fake, even though the imitation has this displayed and the original does not.
We don’t consider this a reliable way of telling a fake from a real, so don’t worry if your pair either has or doesn’t have this inscription.
2.9. ART (or FU)
The font used in the printing of the ART and FU is more significant and thinner on the authentic sneaker.
Compared to the fake sneaker, you can see that the text is smaller and bolder on the fake than on the genuine.
2.10. & 2.11. Serial numbers
The two serial numbers presented in the image above are thinner and larger on the authentic sneaker.
These serial numbers are not displayed the same on the fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black, where the text is bolder and has some ink blotting between the numbers indicating a fake.
Not all of these inconsistencies may be present on a fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black label/size tag, but each one, you spot, increases the likelihood of the sneaker being a fake.
2.12. Common issues
Blotting – An example would be, where the ink has pooled during printing which makes the text heavier.
Patching – Often caused by low-quality fabric printers where the ink has not printed on the label. This inconsistency can occasionally happen to authentic printed labels, so try and spot more signs of a fake.
Bleeding – An easy spot where the ink has bled or run from its original position, often caused by low-quality or fast printing. Something that you would not see on an authentic Adidas label.
3. Boost sole
The Boost sole is on the bottom of the authentic sneaker and can be described as having more curvature or more of a ‘bubbly’ structure.
While the fake features a more hard-edged connector which can also be seen on the “S” in boost, notice the more angled curve on the bottom of the “S”, An indicator of it being fake.
The striped circles on the authentic Boost 350 V2 Black are more defined and are randomly printed on the bottom of the sneaker, while the fake sneakers will have a more structured pattern and appear to be less random.
The indentation of the hexagon pellets on the bottom of the sneaker will appear more prominently on the fake sneaker than on the authentic.
This indentation gives the appearance of a more defined ‘bubble’ look on the bottom of the replicas.
4. Box
4.1. Label
The differences can serve as an indicator as there are two versions released.
The US version features the sneaker size in large print with only three sizes displayed.
The international (Canadian/European) version features six sizes on the box with an equal-sized print.
If there are six sizes displayed on the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Triple Black box (US, UK, F, D, J and CHN), then the ending serial number should end with a V10.
However, if there are three sizes shown on the box (US – The United States, F – France and UK – The United Kingdom), then the serial number should end with a V02 or a V03.
Follow this rule: if you have a US release and the serial number ends in V10 or if you have a European version, and the serial number ends in V02 or V03, then you’re looking at a replica.
4.2. Gifts
You should not receive anything in the box other than the sneakers and the wrapping paper.
Any sign of a gift along with the Black V2 means that you have a replica pair.
In this case, you will be glad not to receive any gift.
Simply put, any gift that’s in the sneaker box indicates a fake.
We’ve seen Calabasas socks, most likely replicas, also packaged in with the fake Yeezy Black V2.
The Calabasas socks seem to be the most popular gift to receive with this colourway, but not the only one.
A quick mention:
The steps we’ve written so far are the BEST ways to authenticate this item
The next few steps are still reliable methods…
… but they apply to non-top-versions of replicas available for this item
If in doubt, we recommend double-checking the steps we’ve explained above this line.
5. Lacing
On the authentic pair, the right lace goes under first from the bottom.
On the fake, the lace right goes over.
In summary, you should be looking for:
The authentic right shoe should have the right lace going underneath from the bottom.
The authentic left shoe should have the left lace going underneath from the bottom.
This check is not foolproof, as anyone could replace the sneakers to have the appearance of an authentic pair.
6. Midsole
To check this inspect the bottom of the Yeezy Black under natural light.
The indicator is that the sole of the original should be translucent.
On the counterfeit V2 Black, you will notice that the sneaker is not as opaque as the authentic one and is most noticeable around the heel of the sole.
Make sure you view the sneaker in natural light to give you the most accurate result.
7. Material
The Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black design utilises the high-quality Adidas Primeknit technology which incorporates flat knitting and synthetic yarns that fuses to create the shape and material design of the sneaker.
With this intricate process, there’s room for mistakes when resellers try to imitate that design and look.
With the reflective Yeezy Black, the 3M material that bounces off light is more abundant in the authentic sneaker, and with less thought and technique in creating the fakes, the differences are not hard to spot.
You can see below the more abundant, thicker 3M reflective material under the light.
The authentic pair will bounce more light with the best indicator being the laces between genuine and replica sneakers.
Note: Although we haven’t included pictures for the sake of not making this guide overly complicated, the same flaw applies to fake Yeezy Non-Reflective.
The same variance in 3M material reflectiveness can be found on the Yeezy Black Non-Reflective, with the only caveat that it’s limited to the laces.
8. Shape
You will see the main stand-out fake telltale sign being the sneaker tongue.
It’s elongated and taller than on the original Boost Black V2.
So if you have an elongated tongue, the chances that you have a fake are increased.
9. Insole
9.1. Rear side
9.1.1. Serial number
The Yeezy Boost V2 Black Insole has a serial number printed at the top.
On the authentic, it is placed near the top but with space above it.
One the fake sneaker there is very little space between the serial number and the edge of the insole.
9.1.2. Adidas trefoil
There’s a small space at the top of the logo on the authentic sneaker.
However, this space is exaggerated on the replica telling us that we could have a fake.
9.1.3. Adidas text
This indicator is most noticeable on the ‘S’ of the Adidas logo where it appears to be bolder and stands out more against the authentic sneaker.
9.2. Front side
Look out for differences with the Adidas Trefoil Logo as it may appear less defined and detailed on a fake sneaker as opposed to an original sneaker.
The YEEZY text is well defined with sharp, high-quality lines on the authentic.
However, it appears to be a great indicator when you compare this text to a fake pair’s insoles.
Notice how the fake version of ‘YEEZY’ is more curved and uses softer less defined lines.
Since it can be seen clearly on the ‘Z’, this means that you have spotted a fake Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black.
10. Stripe
On the authentic V2 Black 350, you should be looking for the Yeezy stripe to be shorter, leaving a space between the toe of the Yeezy and the start of the streak.
Identify the fake due to it having an elongated stripe that reaches the toe of the sneaker whereas the real sneaker will stop short of the toe.
Shortlist: How to tell fake Yeezy 350 V2 Black
Perform the Barcode check using the Legit Check App‘s barcode feature.
Inspect the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black size tag for blotted and ink bleeding.
Check the box serial numbers and sizes to identify if you have a fake.
The laces should have a particular setup, under and over on the left.
Inspect the translucency of the Yeezy Boost Black sole.
The authentic, reflective Yeezy pair should shine brighter than the fake.
The tongue on the authentic Yeezy Boost 350 V2 should be smaller.
Check the Boost Sign for curved connectors between letters.
The insole should have the correct spacing between the text
A short stripe length is a sign of authentication on the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Reflective Black.
In summary, checking you have an authentic Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black can be completed efficiently in 30 seconds by following what we’ve discussed before.
Follow these steps to authenticate your Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black.
How we made this guide
Protecting yourself from sneaker scams and fake resellers is not easy, that’s why we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching and putting together this spot a fake sneaker guide.
We have analyzed hundreds of Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black (reflective and non-reflective) and images thanks to our community of legit checkers to create this extensive ultimate legit check guide.
So let’s follow the steps in authenticating and helping you to avoid being scammed by fake resellers or buying a low-quality replica.
Expert Yeezy 350 V2 Black authentication
We offer an authentication service for the Yeezy Boost 350 Black; it’s simple, send us pictures of your sneakers, and we will come back to you with a verdict in 24 to 48 hours. We will send you a report on why your sneaker is authentic or why we think it’s a replica.
Thank you for reading our fake vs real Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Black Non-Reflective/Reflective guide. We’ll always update the comparisons, as newer and better fakes are put out.
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About the Author
Ch Daniel is the co-founder and co-CEO of Legit Check By Ch, one of the world's leading companies in product authentications. Daniel's experience: 8+ years in the luxury industry, 7+ years in the authentication industry, 10+ years of business development. Currently, Daniel is overseeing the development of new products of Legit Check By Ch.
