How can you tell if the that you are about to buy online are authentic? Follow these 11 simple steps to ensure that you don’t end up with a pair of fake shoes.Also, make sure you check out our guide showing how to and how to. Know your Gucci boxes inside outDespite passing through the hands of one talented designer after another, the iconic Gucci boxes did not change much over the years. To this day, there are only two known box designs used by the brand: the black and white version, and the iconic brown one.Make sure you know how to tell real Gucci shoes from fakesFor the former, the entire box should be in black apart from the cover.

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The cover will have a black frame around the white part which makes the packaging look more seamless. A delicate ‘Gucci’ logo is typically placed on the bottom area. The white part should be stark and should feel slightly corrugated.James Corden on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills shopping at the Gucci store on October 12, 2018The brown box should have the ‘Gucci’ logo printed on the center of the cover. Most fake boxes use a tightly-spaced logo or print it too big – the original one will always look sophisticated.

The ‘GG’ emblem is embossed in a chain-like pattern all over the box. The box should feel strong and not flimsy. Inspect the dust bagsAs with the boxes, Gucci dust bags also come in black and white or brown. Dust bags are a bit harder to distinguish since they have changed several times over the years.

If you come across a dust bag that is unfamiliar, always check for the following: quality material, accurate print, alignment, and stitching. Luxury goods should get all of these perfectly.Hilary Duff spotted Christmas shopping at the Gucci store in Beverly Hills, California, on December 16, 2016The newer dust bags are usually white with black drawstrings. A small ‘Gucci’ logo should be on a gray background with a black frame. The material of the bag should be satin-like.Authentic Gucci products should come with two dust bags (one for each shoe). Counterfeit Gucci usually includes only one. Check the details of the sticker labelThe sticker label on the box should match the details of your purchase. Most counterfeiters won’t bother changing the information so make sure to check this thoroughly.An authentic Gucci label typically includes a serial number, description or model name, color, size, barcodes, and a line drawing of the product.

Watch out for labels that have actual product pictures or handwritten information on them.The label on the side should not be plastered on a separate piece of paper. It should be stuck directly onto the box. Check for a Firenze 1921 cardSome Gucci shoes come with a Firenze 1921 card.

These are brown cards with the ‘Gucci’ logo printed in yellow gold at the center and ‘Firenze 1921’ right underneath it.Gucci Firenze 1921 card indicating authenticityThe ‘GG’ logo pattern is embossed across the card. Familiarize yourself with quality materialIt goes without saying that luxury goods connoisseurs should know quality materials from afar. The big two are hardware and leather.Go window shopping and acquaint yourself with the feel, smell, and look of authentic leather. Know the weight and shine of quality hardware versus painted plastic ones. Read up, ask, and seek different kinds of luxury materials.Gucci shoes are made from luxury materials 6.

Know good constructionLuxury goods cost a lot of money for a reason. Apart from quality material, the main difference between originals and counterfeits can be easily spotted in their construction.One of the basic things you must familiarize yourself with is stitching. Gucci prides itself on accurate construction so expect the stitching to be perfect.

Be wary if you spot even one stitch out of place.The stitching and lining of Gucci shoes should be perfectAnother thing to watch out for is glue. Luxury goods typically do not use glue and are instead stitched together from start to finish. Check the liningCounterfeit shoes often skimp on quality lining materials. An original Gucci shoe’s inside lining should be made of supple leather.Meticulously inspect the logo for any sloppy lines or bleeding corners.

The print should be crisp and clean. The bottom should always say “made in Italy” in lowercase. Look for the 8-digit serial numberEach style has a corresponding serial number tucked somewhere within the shoe.

It is comprised of two things: a six-digit style number and the sizing (eight number in total).For sneakers, the number can usually be found at the heel of the lining. In some cases for women’s shoes, it could be outside of the sole just above the sizing number.Double check the shoebox label. The numbers should match the ones embossed on the shoe. Get familiar with the Gucci stripesOne Gucci trademark that is habitually ripped off is their iconic stripes. The green and red hues are very unique: a Ferrari red stripe runs across the middle of forest green stripes.

The width of the green stripes should be about 3/4 inch wide on each side.Get to know Gucci’s iconic stripesSome counterfeiters are sloppy when it comes to getting the colors right. Fakes usually have brighter greens and reds.If you come across merchandise that uses glossy or loud textures for the stripes, be wary. Gucci typically renders their iconic stripes in a matte and muted manner. The sole mattersFor dress shoes, the soles are usually made of authentic leather. Knockoffs typically have soles wrapped in synthetic material.Gucci’s soles are made of authentic luxurious leatherYou can usually find the ‘GUCCI’ logo, ‘made in Italy’ mark and the shoe size on the soles.

Less traditional designs, however, may vary. Be a smart shopperEven the brightest of bright minds fall prey to. Always buy from accredited vendors to avoid counterfeit goods from arriving at your doorstep.Study official merchandise photos at and compare the item you are eyeing.Have good discernment on the pricing. If a pair is originally priced at $400 is being sold for $89.99, it is likely fake. Watch out for items that come in high inventory as well.

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Steps to Ensure an Authentic PurchaseConsider the vendor. Buying a Gucci item from a street vendor is almost always going to result with a fake purchase. Vintage and resale shops are more reliable, but make sure to speak to the salesperson or owner to inquire about the authenticity and the information they on the belt.

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Discount stores and sales at larger department stores can certainly be trusted, since they regularly distribute Gucci items.Be sure to observe the price of your possible purchase, and be realistic. If the belt is marked at half the price of a regular Gucci belt, chances are it's fake. In most cases, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.Study and inspect the belt buckle. All Gucci products are made in Italy, and will be marked as so. Real Gucci belts also have a serial number located on the leather part of the belt. Make sure to check the belt to see if it has a serial number, if one isn't there, it is a fake.Make sure that the tag and belt are free of any misspellings. This is a vital step, since true Gucci belts never misspell anything.

Forgers often misspell words in their products.Visit the Gucci website and examine the pictures of the belts you are looking to purchase. This site has authentic pictures, and gives you the ability to zoom in on the photos and see different views of the product. Knowing exactly how the belt looks will enable you to differentiate between real and fake Gucci.Be sure to inspect the material of the belt. Authentic Gucci belts are made from top-quality leather, and will feel and smell as such. If the belt feels lightweight and thin, it is almost certainly a fake. Tips.Always buy your Gucci belt from a reputable dealer, or directly from the Gucci website.

Gucci has an authenticity guarantee.The serial number on your Gucci belt can be entered on the website to prove its validity.