Real vs. Fake: How to Distinguish An Authentic Balenciaga Cargo “White/Grey” Sneaker

5th August 2025 EDT RELEASES

Real vs. Fake: How to Distinguish An Authentic Balenciaga Cargo “White/Grey” Sneaker

Learn key details to watch for and why buying from professional authenticators ensures confidence and quality.

Real vs. Fake: How to Distinguish An Authentic Balenciaga Cargo “White/Grey” Sneaker

BALENCIAGA Cargo Sneaker "White/Grey" Retail US$

Luxury brand sneakers have now made their way into the street scene, and the trailblazer in this movement is none other than Balenciaga. Known for their iconic designs and uniquely chunky silhouettes, Balenciaga shoes have garnered a massive following.

However, their popularity has also led to a flood of fakes in the resale market, making it crucial to exercise caution when buying.

This time, we shine the spotlight on the Balenciaga Cargo Sneaker in “White/Grey” and reveal how SNKRDUNK’s expert authenticators distinguish between the real and the fake. What’s shared here is just a glimpse into their evaluation process, but for those hesitant about purchasing from the secondary market, this guide is a must-read.

About the Balenciaga Cargo “White/Grey” Sneaker

Released in January 2024, the Balenciaga Cargo Sneaker features a bold, voluminous design with a rugged tread sole. The iconic brand logo is italicized on both the tongue and the sides, complemented by a distinctive used-washed finish across the shoe.

This model stands out even within Balenciaga’s lineup, boasting strong popularity among fashion insiders and sneaker aficionados alike.

View on SNKRDUNK

Authentication Points

▪ Upper

Let’s start by examining the “upper” part of the shoe. Here, differences appear in the texture of the material and the placement of the mark near the lower center.

▪ Dubrae

Next, zooming in on the dubrae, there are notable variations in the font style of the logo and the quality of the paint.

▪ Toecap

Then, focus on the “toe” area where the size indication “42” is printed. Compared to the authentic pair, the fake features a larger size number.

▪ Inner Tag

Looking at the inner tag under a loupe reveals that the shape of the logo differs between real and fake versions.

▪ Heel

The heel shows discrepancies in certain parts, with the Balenciaga logo differing in color tone. Moreover, comparing the size number here reveals a difference in the paint used.

▪ Side Profile

On the side profiles, even though the fake is crafted with great detail, there are subtle differences such as the black edging around the “m” character in the logo.

▪ Insole

The insole logo on the authentic sneaker is printed with a consistent thickness, whereas the fake one shows uneven printing.

▪ X-ray

Lastly, examining the interior via X-ray reveals both have plates inside, but the fake lacks the internal engraving found in the authentic pair.

Conclusion

The authenticity points highlighted here represent only a fraction of what SNKRDUNK’s experts examine. Their authentication process is comprehensive, considering multiple factors to make a final judgment.

As counterfeit manufacturing techniques continue to advance rapidly, it has become increasingly difficult for non-experts to identify fakes on their own. That’s precisely why purchasing through SNKRDUNK, where professional authenticators provide highly accurate verification, is strongly recommended.

What is SNKRDUNK Lab?

As a leader in the industry, our lab is dedicated to tackling the social and economic problems caused by counterfeit goods. We aim to improve authentication technology and raise awareness about fakes by strengthening our partnerships with domestic and international experts and research institutions. By combining technology, data, and human expertise, we are creating the future standard for what is authentic.

Our Main Activities

Investigating and Researching Counterfeit Goods
SNKRDUNK currently maintains an authentication accuracy rate of 99.97%. We will continue to conduct research and investigations, utilizing Japan’s largest database of counterfeit products to stay ahead of the curve.

Improving Our Authentication Technology
By introducing and researching various tools, including X-ray, infrared, and microscopes, we are enhancing our technology to ensure we can authenticate every single item.

Communicating for Public Awareness
We will regularly publish market reports based on our partnerships with external organizations and experts, as well as on insights and research findings gathered from the field.