(Just fyi I partially translated this text with AI bc my English isn't perfect :( )
TL;DR: I bought some Adidas Spezials on Vinted. I'm pretty sure they are reps, but I'd love your expertise to confirm, see if you spot other flaws, and get some tips for next time ! :D
I just bought a pair of Adidas Spezials on Vinted. From the photos, nothing looked alarming, and the seller's profile seemed fine too (almost 5/5 stars, 46 reviews), with the shoes listed as brand new/never worn. The price was admittedly very low (the seller offered them to me for 50€ down from 75€ (instead of 110e in my country) without me even asking), but I figured sometimes you just get a really good deal..
Overall, I have huge doubts... I'll list the things that are making me suspicious. Heads up: I don't know the authentic pair that well, so maybe I'm just being completely paranoid hahah
Let's start with the box: It’s completely beat up, but someone took the care to carefully remove the label. I find it really weird that there's this HUGE manual underneath. The colors on the manual's patterns are blurry/not sharp. I have no idea if the tissue paper inside is the correct one or not.
The shoes:
Overall "cheap" feel: the suede feels fake (it lacks the "nap" / little hairs of real suede).
Warped sole: One of the soles is completely twisted (see photo), which makes no sense since they've supposedly never been worn.
Insoles: They have a very weird shape (IMO).
Tags: the labeling is in mandarin (but the shoes made in Vietnam... bot sure if thats a good argument at all).
The barcode (my strongest argument): the barcode scans to... a pair of Yeezys!! I haven't checked the ART code or the bottom security code yet.
Other "confusing" details:
The stitching is actually very well done (perfectly parallel to the material), there are almost no glue marks between the sole and the suede, and the "Spezial" print on the side is super crisp.
However, the foam inside the tongue feels pretty cheap. Also, the yellow color seems lighter than on the authentic pair. Finally, the smell is really strong and "aggressive" (heavy chemical smell). There are 2 or 3 stitches that aren't finished perfectly, but nothing too alarming to me 🤷♂️
Anyway, I'm fairly sure these are fakes, but I'd really appreciate it if you guys could confirm. Also, I'd love some tips on what to look out for next time, or let me know if you spot any other red flags in the pics!
If you need more pictures of specific details or have any questions, just let me know.
Thanks in advance!!!