Lanvin sneakers are a symbol of luxury, style, and craftsmanship. From the bold and chunky Curb sneaker to the sleek, minimalist DBB1, these shoes come with a high price tag—and unfortunately, that makes them a major target for counterfeiters. Whether you’re shopping resale or online, it’s essential to know how to differentiate real Lanvin sneakers from fakes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you spot fake Lanvin sneakers with confidence.
1. Examine the Packaging: Quality Speaks Volumes
Genuine Lanvin sneakers come in high-quality packaging. Look out for:
- Sturdy, matte-finished box with the Lanvin logo centered and crisp
- Branded tissue paper and dust bags (usually one per shoe) included inside
- A product tag or label attached to the box, showing correct size, style code, and barcode
If the box is flimsy, the logo looks off, or the accessories are missing, it’s a red flag.
2. Inspect the Materials and Craftsmanship
Lanvin prides itself on premium materials and expert construction. When assessing sneakers:
- Leather should feel supple and high-end, not plasticky or overly stiff
- Stitching must be precise—even, tight, and clean with no loose threads
- Check the soles and glue: Real Lanvin sneakers won’t have visible glue marks or uneven soles
Fake pairs often use low-cost materials and poor-quality stitching that degrade quickly with wear.
3. Look at the Logo and Branding Details
The Lanvin logo is a key indicator of authenticity. Pay close attention to:
- Typography: The font should be elegant, sharp, and proportionate
- Placement: Logos are often printed on the tongue, heel tab, or insoles—make sure they’re centered and not blurry
- Insole branding: Should read “Lanvin Paris” with clean lettering, not smudged or off-center
Any inconsistencies in logo placement or font are strong signs of a replica.
4. Check the Laces and Accessories
In styles like the Lanvin Curb sneaker, the laces are especially unique. Authentic Curb sneakers feature:
- Extra-wide, woven laces in intricate patterns
- A distinct puffed and layered tongue
- Often come with an extra pair of laces
If the laces feel cheap, are too thin, or the tongue is poorly padded, the sneakers are likely fake.
5. Verify the Style Code and Serial Number
Lanvin sneakers usually include a style code (often a combination of letters and numbers) on the shoe tag or box. You can:
- Search this code online or on the official Lanvin website to confirm it matches the model
- Make sure the size, style, and color on the tag match the sneaker’s appearance
If the code leads to a completely different product—or can’t be found at all—that’s a strong indicator of a counterfeit.
6. Feel the Weight and Shape
Genuine Lanvin sneakers tend to be substantial in weight, especially the Curb and Clay models. Fakes often:
- Feel unusually light
- Have a less defined or off-balance silhouette
- Use generic molds that don’t match the original design proportions
Hold the sneakers and compare the weight and shape to official product photos if you’re unsure.
7. Buy From Trusted Retailers or Resale Platforms
To avoid fakes entirely, purchase from:
- Official Lanvin boutiques or the brand’s website
- Authorized retailers like SSENSE, Saks, Net-a-Porter, or Matches Fashion
- Verified resale platforms such as StockX, GOAT, or The RealReal, which include authenticity checks
Avoid sellers with no reviews, vague product descriptions, or stock photos instead of real images.
Final Tips: When in Doubt, Don’t Buy
Spotting fake Lanvin sneakers takes a sharp eye and a bit of research. Trust your instincts—if the price is too good to be true or something feels off, it probably is.
Quick Authenticity Checklist:
- ✅ High-quality packaging and dust bags
- ✅ Premium materials and clean stitching
- ✅ Correct and consistent branding
- ✅ Accurate style code and size label
- ✅ Trustworthy seller or platform
Investing in authentic Lanvin sneakers ensures you’re getting the style, durability, and prestige the brand is known for. Don’t settle for anything less.
