For today’s real vs. replica we’ve chosen the Ultra Boost 4.0 Core Black (BB6616) which is probably the top three most counterfeited series along with Yeezys and Superstars.

Appearance – the white Boost pellets on the side of the shoe naturally come together and do not have abrupt bumps. The replica however has uneven-sized pellets, some of which are too tall, and do not blend well together.

Inside label – a key point when authenticating Ultra Boosts. First, the ‘F’ should have a heavier inking, and the vertical line on the left is bolder than the two horizontal lines. By contrast, the replica ‘F’ is a thinner font overall. The ‘1’ in ‘½’ should be short and thick, so a long, skinny ‘1’ would be good reason to question authenticity of the pair.

When the ‘d’ and ‘i’ in ‘adidas’ are too far apart, it is also most likely a fake.

We discussed in a previous comparison how the QR code correlates with the product date. In this case the replica claims to have been manufactured in December, but the dot is placed above the box reserved for a different month. The real version, manufactured in May, places the dot correspondingly above the fifth box.

Insole – Ultra Boosts have insoles similar to Yeezys, and this particular colorway has a black insole made from fuzzy material. The replica version however uses a black, smooth material.

Lastly, the Boost marks on the real shoe has irregular dents around the edges, and are shaped closer to a circles. The Boost marks on the fake insole are more like squares, and much bigger.

Got a pair that needs checking? Head over to our app to consult our expert Authenticators.

Editor's note: this comparison only applies to certain Ultra Boosts as other colorways may have different features.