CL Authenticity FAQ: What NOT to Look For!

[laureenthemean]

This is not really a guide for authenticity; for that you should still check shoes here:
http://forum.purseblog.com/christian-louboutin-shoes/authenticate-these-louboutins-469538.html
In that thread, authenticity is determined by details not mentioned in the next few posts. Again, if you need to check authenticity, make sure to list the in above thread.

Hopefully, this guide will answer some commonly asked questions about little variations found in authentic shoes. These variations are present because CLs are made in more than one factory. I have tried my best to show the possible differences, but there could also be other shades of red soles, different fonts, etc. that are not shown here that do not prove/disprove authenticity.

All the shoes in the following pictures are authentic.

Soles

Color
Here are two examples of different colored soles, but there can be other variations:

As you can see, one is a bit more orange than the other. Both are authentic.

Font/"Vero Cuoio"
The font, depth, placement, and "very cuoio" stamp can vary quite a bit. Sometimes the stamp is so deep it looks like it was carved into the leather, sometimes it is just barely there. Sometimes it can be found rather low on the sole, so low that part of the stamp will eventually be worn away with wear.

The next 2 pictures show different "vero cuoio" stamps while the third does not have it at all:

 

[laureenthemean]

Insoles

Font
The font can vary quite a bit on authentic CLs. Here are a couple of examples:

If you look closely, you will notice that the font in each picture is different, but both are authentic. There may be other variations on the font that exist.

Paris
The font of the word "Paris" may vary from shoe to shoe, and some may not have it at all.

Zig-zag Cut
Some CLs may have a zig-zag cut at the heel of the insole:

Tab in Back
There are some rumors that no authentic CLs have a little tab in the back, like this:

Some authentic styles do in fact have this tab, though not all of them do.

 

[laureenthemean]

Espadrilles

There are espadrilles of many different heights, and included in this group are wedges that may not seem like traditional espadrilles with a full rope platform, but just a couple of lines. All of the following are CL espadrilles:

The insoles on espadrilles are different from those on the regular sandals and pumps, and include but are not limited to the following designs:

 

[laureenthemean]

Boxes and Dustbags

Rarely can you judge authenticity by boxes and dustbags, although you can sometimes. Boxes come in different sizes and designs:

The color and font on dustbags can vary quite a bit:

Sometimes there are also some quality control issues, like a some of the black paint on the side of the soles getting on the bottom or some wrinkling on the soles or elsewhere. These are the sometimes unfortunate consequences of making shoes by hand, not signs of inauthenticity.

As with anything, be careful of listings with multiple sizes, stock/stolen pictures only, questionable feedback, and/or rude or no responses from the seller. Receipts are not a sign of authenticity, nor is a lack of receipt a sign of inauthenticity. The official CL websites are www.christianlouboutin.com and www.christianlouboutin.fr. All other websites with the word "louboutin" in the main address sells fakes!

When in doubt, always check with the ladies here. Hope this helps a bit!

(Special thanks to kaeleigh and meggyg8r for contributing pictures!)

 

[lulabee]

Excellent laureen! Thanks for thinking to do this!

 

[meggyg8r]

This should totally be a sticky. Thank you so much for putting it together, Laureen!!!! And you're very welcome for the pics, they were put to excellent use!

 

[Kamilla850]

Laureen, thanks so much for taking the time to do this

 

[kaeleigh]

Great thread laureen I'm sure this thread will help put a lot of minds at ease.
I agree this should be a sticky.

 

[laureenthemean]

Thanks guys! I just hope it helps someone in the future!

 

[fieryfashionist]

This is a very informative thread... thanks so much for putting this together!!!

 

[erinmiyu]

awesome, laureen! thanks for putting this together!

 

[Alice1979]

Thank you so much for putting this together. All info is very helpful.

 

[MichelleD]

:urock: Laureen. This post was quite informative. I've noticed some of the inconsistencies mentioned but never bothered to make any inquiries & now I wont have too

 

[Shainerocks]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this thread.

 

[YaYa3]

laureen, this is just awesome and VERY needed. it took you a lot of time and work, and i appreciate it so much.

THIS NEEDS TO BE A STICKY!!