The New Balance 327 Women sneakers are a trendy must-have thanks to their retro-inspired design and versatile style. However, with rising popularity comes an increase in counterfeit versions that often look convincing at first glance. If you’re planning to buy a pair—especially from a third-party marketplace or reseller—it’s crucial to know how to tell the real deal from a fake. This guide will walk you through essential authenticity tips to help you confidently spot fake New Balance 327 Women shoes.
1. Check the Retail Packaging
Authentic New Balance sneakers come in well-constructed boxes with clean branding. Here’s what to look for:
- Box Quality: Real boxes are sturdy, with crisp print and proper sizing.
- Logo and Text: The New Balance logo should be centered, correctly spaced, and without smudging or typos.
- Label Accuracy: Every box label should match the style code, size, and color of the shoes inside. Compare the product number (e.g., WS327) with official listings on New Balance’s website.
Red Flag:
Cheap, flimsy boxes or packaging with misspelled words or missing style codes are strong signs of fakes.
2. Inspect the Logo Details
The iconic New Balance “N” on the 327s is bold and oversized, stitched prominently on the sides of each shoe.
- Material: It should be cleanly sewn or glued, depending on the specific release. No fraying or uneven edges.
- Positioning: The “N” should be proportionate and symmetrically aligned on both shoes.
- Color and Texture: Counterfeits often get the texture or hue slightly wrong—compare with official product photos.
3. Examine the Sole and Tread Pattern
The New Balance 327 features a distinctive lugged rubber outsole that wraps around the heel.
- Traction Pattern: The outsole has a raised, circular tread with consistent spacing.
- Wrap Design: Authentic pairs have the sole wrapping cleanly up the back of the heel—fakes may look misaligned or uneven.
- Midsole Material: The foam midsole should feel lightweight and slightly soft, not overly stiff or heavy.
4. Check the Tongue and Insole Branding
Both the tongue and insole carry branding that should look sharp and clean.
- Tongue Tag: Look for the New Balance logo with proper font and spacing. Fake versions often use low-quality printing.
- Insole Logo: On real pairs, the insole typically has a high-quality printed or stamped logo that won’t peel or fade easily.
- Stitching: Consistent, clean stitches around these areas are key signs of quality.
5. Verify the Style Code and Size Tag
Every authentic New Balance 327 pair has a style code printed inside the shoe.
- Location: Check the inside tongue or ankle lining.
- Format: Look for codes like “WS327CPB” or “WS327SFD”—the “W” stands for women’s sizing.
- Consistency: The code should match the box label and online listings. You can also Google the code to confirm the colorway.
6. Assess the Quality of Materials
New Balance uses premium suede, mesh, or synthetic overlays on the 327s. Signs of fake materials include:
- Overly shiny or plasticky suede
- Inconsistent stitching or gluing
- Strong chemical odors from cheap adhesives
Authentic sneakers feel solid and well-assembled, with no odd bulges or weak seams.
7. Buy from Trusted Retailers
This is the most effective way to avoid fakes.
- Stick to authorized retailers like NewBalance.com, Foot Locker, ASOS, or Nordstrom.
- Use caution on resale sites (e.g., StockX, GOAT, eBay). Only buy from verified sellers with solid reputations.
- Be wary of prices that are too good to be true—a huge discount on a hyped colorway is usually a red flag.
Final Thoughts
Fake New Balance 327 Women shoes are becoming harder to distinguish, but if you know what to look for—logo placement, outsole design, materials, and box labeling—you can protect yourself from counterfeit purchases. When in doubt, compare the suspected pair with official photos on the New Balance website or visit a local store to verify quality.
Stay stylish—and stay smart when shopping!
