See How They Spot Fakes & How to Become an Authenticator
Guardians of Authenticity: Meet LEGIT APP's Chief Sneaker Authenticators
Hey there, sneaker fans! Ever wondered who’s got your back against fake sneakers? We’re diving into the world of Legit App’s authenticators—those unsung heroes who keep the fakes at bay. Meet our chief sneaker authenticators, Broly and Austin. They are going to talk about how a love for kicks led them into authentication, the skills they rely on, and what it takes to become a sneaker authenticator. Read on for their insider tips—and learn how you can become part of this growing community. Here’s what they shared:
1. Q: How did you get started in authentication?
Broly: “It all started in middle school when I saw a classmate’s Air Jordan and was captivated by that little Jumpman logo embossed on the heel. In college, I snagged a Foamposite ‘Abalone’, I wasn’t sure it was authentic—so I sent photos to an authenticator for a legit check. When it turned out to be fake, I dove into four years of self-study—scouring forums, testing every trick, and building my own authentication system. Eventually, I knew I had to do more than hobby-check: I wanted to protect sneaker lovers from fakes. That’s when I joined Legit App.”
Austin: "Ten years ago, I was just a sneakerhead who didn’t know how to spot fakes and was scared of buying knockoffs. Back then, getting stuff checked was a hassle. As more and more fakes flooded the market, I started learning to protect myself, and then realized I could help others avoid the same trap. When LEGIT APP launched, joining up to fight fakes was a no-brainer."
2. Q: What skills make a great authenticator?
Broly: "Forget just 'spotting differences'—this work demands serious dedication. Researching the details of a single shoe can take months. You need extreme attention to detail to catch every telltale sign, and sharp logic to figure out why something looks off: is it a fake, factory quality control issue, regular wear and tear, or just a bad photo? Most importantly, you’ve got to love this stuff. It’s deep, repetitive work—and passion is the fuel that keeps you going.”
Austin: “Experience counts—you learn from millions of pairs. Stay mentally sharp and observe with intensity. Every pair, inside and out, deserves the same level of scrutiny so you can be 100% confident in your verdict.”
3. Q: What exactly do you check on a sneaker?
Broly: “For brand-new pairs, I always start by checking the factory-specific shape and molding. When it comes to worn shoes, I focus on the midsole stitching and insole details—those are spots where fakes often slip up. I actually enjoy digging into those tricky areas.”
Austin: "We start with the overall look – shape, materials, logos. Then it’s the tiny details: size tag printing, insole glue patterns, midsole stitching. Does everything match how that specific factory makes legit shoes? Even the box gets checked for a perfect match. Only if every single part passes is it called real. If something’s fake, we point it out clearly."
4. Q: What do you look for when hiring new authenticators?
Broly: "Integrity (no messing with fakes!), a sharp, meticulous mind, patience, eagerness to learn, and staying humble."
Austin: "A genuine love for sneakers, self-motivation, and the ability to think for yourself. We don’t require experience – if you’ve got the drive, we’ll teach you the skills."
5. Q: How long does it take to train up?
Broly: "Getting really good on one brand? Maybe 1-2 years if you're a natural. But becoming a true master who can tackle new fakes? That takes years building your own deep knowledge and methods."
Austin: "From zero to starting? Expect months to a year of intense training and tests. Then, 1-2 years of supervised practice, learning from mistakes, until you’re rock-solid. Then you’re ready to work alongside our lead authenticators."
6. Q: Any advice for aspiring authenticators?
Broly: “Study constantly, study deeply, and think critically. Remember: ‘comparison’ is just one tool—don’t rely on it alone. True authentication is way deeper than just 'spot the difference'.”
Austin: "Test your interest first. Start by reading our authentication guides on the Legit App Blog. Try authenticating your own shoes. If you love the challenge and can handle the grind, you’ve got what it takes!"
7. Q: Can You Leave A message to LEGIT APP users?
Broly: "Help us help you! When we ask for extra photos, don’t get frustrated. Try using your phone’s 2× zoom and steady shots, take clear, straight-on photos of the spots we ask for. Legit App is your lifelong safeguard in the sneaker world.”
Austin: “You can always trust LEGIT APP! We’re a team of seasoned experts—some with over 10 years’ experience. We use dual or triple human checks plus AI for maximum accuracy. We’ll always mark exactly what’s off and why, and we even offer a 90-day financial guarantee on all items authenticated by Legit App. If you want the best protection, keep using Legit App. If you haven’t tried us yet… what are you waiting for?"
Final Takeaway
Whether you’re a collector, reseller, or aspiring authenticator, Broly and Austin’s journey shows that passion, patience, and precision are the true keys to authenticity. Ready to join the next generation of sneaker protectors? Download the LEGIT APP and start learning today!
Official Website: https://legitapp.com
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1531627344
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.legitapp.client
