Spotting Counterfeit Toms Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide

TOMS, renowned for its charitable initiative of donating a pair of shoes to an underprivileged child for every pair you buy, faces the issue of counterfeit shoes. Without genuine TOMS, no child receives a donation. By examining labels, assessing quality, and ensuring purchase from authorized retailers, you can effectively discern whether your TOMS are authentic.

Confirm the origin of the shoes. TOMS operates manufacturing facilities in Argentina, China, Ethiopia, India, and Kenya. Verify your shoes are from one of these locations by checking for country of origin labels inside the shoes or on the box.

Check for the 'One for One' motto imprinted inside the shoe. Counterfeit TOMS may lack this slogan on the shoes or the shoe box.

Ensure there is a distinctive pattern on the inner walls of the shoes. Authentic TOMS shoes feature patterns like stripes or animals on the inner fabric. Absence of such patterns could indicate counterfeit TOMS.

Try to detach the insole from the shoe. Genuine TOMS have sewn-in insoles that are not easily removable. Moreover, the insole contour should match that of the shoe, which may not be the case with fake TOMS.

Check for built-in arch support inside the shoes. If the insoles lack contours to support your arches and are flat, the TOMS are likely fake.

Look for substandard stitching. Counterfeit shoes often lack the quality craftsmanship of genuine ones. Check for any irregular or loose stitching. If you spot uneven stitching or loose threads, the shoes are likely counterfeit.

Ensure the size is accurate. Compare the size printed inside the shoe with the actual size. If you're a women's size 7 but the shoes in your size are too large or fit a woman who wears size 8, they're probably fake.

Confirm the seller's authorization. Buying TOMS from unauthorized dealers increases the risk of getting counterfeit products. Visit TOMS website to find authorized retailers in your area or contact TOMS customer service for assistance.

Purchase TOMS shoes from authorized retailers only. Buying from other sources may result in fake products. Exercise caution, especially when shopping online. Review return policies and warranties for protection against receiving counterfeit TOMS.

Explore the TOMS shoe collection at an authorized retailer near you. Familiarize yourself with genuine TOMS shoes to better distinguish fake ones in the future.