TOMS is an organization that donates a pair of shoes to a child in need whenever shoes of this brand are purchased. When you buy fake TOMS, the donation for the child in need does not happen. There are several methods of identifying whether your pair is fake or counterfeit, depending on where you bought the shoes, the information printed on them, etc.
Steps
Step 1. Verify that the shop is an authorized TOMS point of sale
If you buy TOMS from an unauthorized store, the shoes are probably counterfeit.
- Visit the TOMS website (address in the "Sources and Citations" section of this article) for information on specialized stores in your area. However, only do this if you are in the United States. In this case, scroll the mouse to the bottom of the page and, at the bottom right, click on "Find a Store". In Italy, there are no TOMS points of sale; you can only buy them on the internet.
- If you are in Canada, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Germany or the UK, you can buy a pair of TOMS shoes on the official website. In this case, select the country and click on the relevant link.
- To receive them in Italy, you can instead buy them on Amazon or Asos.
- If you don't have internet and are in the United States, call TOMS customer service, 1-800-975-8667 (US toll free), to find the nearest authorized store near you.
Step 2. Buy these shoes from an authorized store (including online, as in the case of Amazon or Asos) or from the TOMS website (if you are in the countries where it is possible to do so)
If you buy the shoes at other stores or sites, they may be fake.
If you buy new or used TOMS at an online auction or website, check the shoe return policy and warranty information to protect yourself in case you receive fake footwear
Step 3. If you have the chance, check the TOMS shoe collection at an authorized retailer
This way, you will be able to understand how shoes are made and you will be able to identify counterfeit ones in the future.
Check the TOMS by looking at the labels, soles and box, if possible, and fold the shoe gently to test its flexibility
Step 4. Browse the TOMS website to see photos of all types of shoes
The website will show you all the models, colors and types of shoes available.
- Go to the TOMS website (link on the "Sources and Citations" section of this article) to visit all the shoe categories.
- In the "Details" section, you can read detailed information on the selected shoe.
- Move the cursor over the photo of the shoe to see every detail, then click on the different photos taken from various angles that portray the shoe in its entirety.
Step 5. Double check TOMS sold in unauthorized stores to determine their authenticity
- Try removing the insole from the shoe. The insoles of the TOMS are stitched, so they shouldn't come out easily. Also, in fake footwear, the insole and the contours of the inside of the shoe often don't match.
- Check if the inside of the shoe has a support arch. If the insoles are flat and have no arch support for the feet, then the shoes are most likely fake.
- Make sure the number printed on the inside of the shoe matches the real one. For example, if the shoe says it's a 38, but it fits too tight or too loose, it's probably a fake.
- Check the country of origin of the shoes. TOMS manufactures in five locations: Argentina, China, Ethiopia, India and Kenya. Check your pair carefully to make sure it was made in one of these locations. If the label says they were made in another country, they are false.
- Look for the “One for One” slogan inside the shoe. Counterfeit Toms may not have it, either on the shoes or in the box.
- Make sure there is a pattern inside the shoe. The inner fabric of the TOMS has a precise pattern, such as stripes or animals. If this reason is not present, it could be counterfeit footwear.
Advice
- Look for the small side label.
- Use the TOMS website as your primary resource to find out if your shoes are fake. The site has a catalog with all existing TOMS models, including style and decorations. If your pair of shoes is not on the site, it is almost certainly counterfeit.
