Real vs. Fake: adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top “Charcoal/Dark Gray” Authentication Guide

8th August 2025 EDT FEATURES

Real vs. Fake: adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top “Charcoal/Dark Gray” Authentication Guide

Essential info for confident buying in the secondary market.

Real vs. Fake: adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top “Charcoal/Dark Gray” Authentication Guide

adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top "Charcoal/Dark Gray" Retail US$

As a fashion staple, the track jacket has firmly established itself across various scenes. Particularly, iconic pieces from adidas—such as the Beckenbauer and Firebird—enjoy unwavering popularity. However, this popularity has also led to a flood of counterfeits in the secondary market, making caution essential when purchasing.

This time, we shine the spotlight on the adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top in “Charcoal/Dark Gray.” We’ve compiled insights from professional authenticators at SNKRDUNK on how they distinguish the REAL from the FAKE. While this only covers a portion of their authentication methods, it’s a must-read for anyone hesitant about buying from the secondary market.

About the adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top “Charcoal/Dark Gray”

adidas Real Madrid Lifestyle OG Track Top Real vs Fake

Released in September 2024 as the official jacket of the globally beloved Spanish football club Real Madrid, this track top features a stylish, subdued charcoal gray perfect for everyday wear. Thanks to its versatile colorway and official branding, it has maintained a top spot on SNKRDUNK’s apparel trading charts ever since its debut, cementing its status as a highly sought-after item.

View on SNKRDUNK

Authentication Points

▪ Brand Tag

First, let’s start with the brand tag. The REAL tag is distinctly rectangular, while the FAKE one leans more toward a square shape. The FAKE tag also features larger font sizes overall, with the Trefoil logo positioned higher up. Under a microscope, you can spot subtle differences in the spacing between the three lines of the Trefoil.

▪ Size Label

Next, check the size label. The REAL label shows international size markings for various countries, but the FAKE one lists only a single size with no country indications. Also, the language of the manufacturing country differs between the two.

▪ Emblem Embroidery

A standout feature is the iconic Real Madrid emblem embroidery. On the FAKE, the “M” and outer border are noticeably wider compared to the REAL.

▪ Trefoil Logo

Looking at the Trefoil logo itself, discrepancies appear in the font as well as in the size of the central leaf’s base on the three-leaves design.

▪ “RMCF” Embroidery

Turn to the back to inspect the “RMCF” embroidery. The REAL shows distinct spacing with the “R” and “F” separated slightly, while on the FAKE, these letters are stitched close together as if touching.

▪ Sleeves

Moving to the sleeves, differences emerge not just in the colors of the patterns but also in the stitching techniques.

▪ Body Fabric

Under the microscope, the body fabric shows the REAL with nearly uniform vertical and horizontal threads, whereas the FAKE sports narrower vertical threads.

▪ Zipper

The zipper is a key authentication area. On the FAKE, the zipper pull lacks the Trefoil logo on the front. On the back, its engraving is distinctly different from the REAL’s.

▪ Quality Label

The quality label on the FAKE spaces the characters wider apart compared to the REAL tag.

▪ Paper Tag

Checking the paper tag, the FAKE version displays paler colors and notably lacks the Real Madrid emblem.

▪ Infrared Imaging

Finally, using infrared light, the REAL’s collar reacts with a black color, while the FAKE’s collar reflects white, similarly to the body fabric.

Conclusion

The authentication points mentioned here are only a part of the process. At SNKRDUNK, our expert authenticators examine numerous other factors to make a comprehensive judgment.

With counterfeit manufacturing techniques advancing every day, it has become extremely difficult for non-experts to accurately spot fakes on their own. That’s precisely why we recommend purchasing through SNKRDUNK, where you benefit from highly precise authentication conducted by professional examiners.

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.