Real vs. Fake: The Sneaker Expert’s Guide to Spotting the Fake New Balance 993 “Gray”

8th August 2025 EDT RELEASES

Real vs. Fake: The Sneaker Expert’s Guide to Spotting the Fake New Balance 993 “Gray”

Discover the subtle expert-level details that separate an authentic New Balance 993 "Gray" from a perfect fake.

Real vs. Fake: The Sneaker Expert’s Guide to Spotting the Fake New Balance 993 “Gray”

New Balance 993 "Gray" Retail US$

Released in 2008, the New Balance 993 is a fan favorite that continues to sell out with every restock. Due to its enduring popularity, the market is saturated with counterfeit versions. To help buyers distinguish between an authentic New Balance 993 “Gray” and a fake, a few key differences have been identified, based on what professional authenticators look for.

What is the New Balance 993 “Gray”

A flagship Made in USA model, the 993 “Gray” is celebrated for its comfortable fit and durable design. It features shock-absorbing ABZORB technology, flexible ACTEVA support, and a durable Ndurance outsole. While it shares a similar aesthetic with its predecessor, the 992, the 993 has a slightly wider design and a smaller “N” logo.

New Balance 993 “Gray”

View on SNKRDUNK

Key Authentication Points

When authenticating the shoe, there are several details to examine:

• Internal Tag: When viewed under a UV light, the logo on the internal tag of a genuine pair will appear clear and sharp. On a counterfeit, the logo often looks blurry.

• Upper: An authentic 993’s upper will not show a reaction under UV light. A fake, however, will often have distinctive markings.

• Mesh: The mesh material on the upper of a real pair has a specific texture and sheen that differs from a fake.

• Heel Font: The “USA” font on the heel may look similar at first glance, but the “S” on a counterfeit pair has a noticeably different shape.

• Outsole: The “durance” text on the outsole is a crucial detail. The letters on a genuine pair are consistently spaced, while on a fake, the spacing and font are often irregular.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many details that authenticators use to spot fakes. Since counterfeiters are always improving their methods, it is becoming increasingly difficult for non-experts to tell the difference. For this reason, it is always safest to purchase from a reputable source that guarantees authenticity.

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.