Authenticity is paramount when investing in Adidas footwear. The brand's iconic designs and quality materials are highly sought after, making them a prime target for counterfeiters. Fortunately, Adidas provides a system for verifying the authenticity of their products through the serial number, also known as the article number or style code. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check the Adidas serial number, ensuring you are purchasing genuine Adidas products and avoiding the disappointment of receiving a fake. We will cover everything from locating the serial number to using various online tools and resources to verify its authenticity.
Understanding the Importance of Adidas Serial Number Verification
Before diving into the process, it's crucial to understand why checking the Adidas serial number is so important.
* Avoiding Counterfeit Products: The primary reason is to avoid purchasing counterfeit Adidas shoes. The market is flooded with fakes that mimic the appearance of genuine Adidas products but lack the quality, durability, and performance characteristics of the real thing.
* Ensuring Quality and Performance: Genuine Adidas shoes are manufactured to strict quality standards using high-quality materials. Verifying the serial number ensures that you are getting the level of quality and performance you expect from the brand.
* Protecting Your Investment: Adidas shoes can be a significant investment, especially limited-edition releases or collaborations. Verifying the serial number protects your investment by ensuring that you are paying for an authentic product.
* Supporting Ethical Manufacturing: Buying genuine Adidas products supports the brand's commitment to ethical manufacturing practices and fair labor standards. Counterfeit products often come from factories that exploit workers and violate labor laws.
* Maintaining Resale Value: If you plan to resell your Adidas shoes in the future, having proof of authenticity, including a verified serial number, will significantly increase their value.
Locating the Adidas Serial Number
The first step in verifying the authenticity of your Adidas shoes is to locate the serial number. This number is typically printed on a label located on the inside of the shoe, usually on the tongue. However, depending on the model and year of manufacture, it can sometimes be found on the inner side panel, the insole, or even on the box.
Here's a step-by-step guide to finding the serial number:
1. Check the Tongue: This is the most common location. Look for a sewn-in label on the inside of the tongue of the shoe. The label typically contains information such as the size, country of origin, and the serial number (article number).check adidas serial number
2. Inspect the Inner Side Panel: If you don't find the label on the tongue, check the inner side panel of the shoe. Sometimes, the label is sewn into the side of the shoe, near the arch.
3. Examine the Insole: In some cases, the serial number might be printed directly onto the insole of the shoe. You may need to remove the insole to see the number clearly.
4. Check the Box: The original Adidas shoebox should also have a label with the same serial number as the one found on the shoe. This is a critical point of comparison. If the serial numbers on the shoe and the box don't match, it's a red flag.
Understanding the Adidas Serial Number Format
The Adidas serial number, also known as the article number or style code, is typically a string of 6 to 9 alphanumeric characters. It usually consists of a combination of letters and numbers, like this:
* Example 1: G63571
* Example 2: B26081
* Example 3: M20324
* Example 4: FV4442
While the exact format can vary slightly depending on the shoe model and year of manufacture, the serial number generally adheres to this alphanumeric structure.
Methods for Checking Adidas Authenticity Using the Serial Number
Once you have located the serial number, you can use several methods to verify the authenticity of your Adidas shoes:
1. Official Adidas Website Search:
* This is the most reliable method. While Adidas doesn't have a dedicated "serial number checker," you can use the search bar on their official website (www.adidas.com) to enter the serial number.
* How to Use:
* Go to the Adidas website.
* Locate the search bar (usually at the top of the page).
* Enter the serial number (article number) exactly as it appears on the shoe's label.
* Press Enter or click the search icon.
* Expected Outcome:
* If the serial number is valid and corresponds to a genuine Adidas product, the search results should display the product details, including the shoe's name, images, and specifications.
* If the search returns no results or displays a "product not found" message, it could indicate that the serial number is invalid or that the shoe is a counterfeit. However, it's also possible that the product is an older model that is no longer listed on the Adidas website.
* Important Note: The absence of results doesn't automatically guarantee that the shoe is fake. It's crucial to consider other factors, such as the shoe's overall quality, construction, and the seller's reputation.