Manolo Blahnik Heels: How To Spot Fakes (2024)

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Ch David

You’re likely here because you:

• Have a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels
• But their authenticity concerns you
• So you want to set things straight

Our team of expert Manolo Blahnik authenticators made this guide specifically for such situations.

We’ll use the Hangisi heels as a model for this guide.

However, +90% of the tells apply to all Manolo Blahnik models.

Keep reading, and you’ll learn how to spot the fake vs real heels.

Identify fake Manolo Blahnik heels

To identify fake Manolo Blahnik heels, experts recommend starting with the sole’s engraving. See if the characters all have the same font-weight.

But that’s not all. Let’s go into detail!

1. Sole

• Authentic: Thinner, visibly slimmer letters and numbers.
• Fake: All inscriptions are thicker than the original.

Too difficult? Let our team of expert Manolo Blahnik authenticators take a look at your shoes:

Flip your shoes to the back and check out the top-down stitching.

• Authentic: Slimmer, more subtle stitches all over the shoe.
• Fake: Thicker, visibly bigger threads.

3. Insole

There are two styles of insoles that may say:

1. “MANOLO BLAHNIK”
2. “MANOLO BLAHNIK ®”

This step applies to both formats.

• Authentic:
  1. Thicker letters, smaller than the fake.
  2. Boxier threads — thicker and also smaller than the fake.
• Fake:
  1. Thinner and bigger letters.
  2. Stitching is too thin, and the threads are too long.

A quick mention:

• The steps we’ve written so far are the BEST ways to authenticate this item
• The next few steps are still reliable methods…
• … but they apply to non-top-versions of replicas available for this item

If in doubt, we recommend double-checking the steps we’ve explained above this line.

4. Toe box

Here, we’re talking about the front of the shoes, where you find the buckle.

This is the notorious MB logo.

• Authentic: Powerful shine, reflecting all the light.
• Fake: Not a strong shine — doesn’t reflect any light.

5. Heel

Low-top Manolo Blahnik shoes may not have this.

However, most of the popular mules include this heel style.

• Authentic: Slim heel, not very wide.
• Fake: Thicker, wider heel.

6. Dust bag

• Authentic: Thin letters.
• Fake: Noticeably thicker letters.

On a side note, see how the fake print is also faded.

An authentic dust bag never presents itself that way.

Shortlist: Quickly tell fake heels

1. Inscriptions: Authentic shoes have thinner, slimmer letters and numbers, while fakes feature thicker inscriptions.
2. Stitching: Look for slimmer, subtle stitches on authentic shoes, as opposed to thicker, bigger threads on fakes.
3. Insole: Authentic insoles have thicker, smaller, boxier threads, whereas fakes have thinner, bigger letters with too thin and long threads.
4. Toe Box: The authentic MB logo on the toe box shines powerfully, reflecting light, unlike the dull shine of fakes.
5. Heel: Authentic shoes sport a slim heel, not very wide, in contrast to the thicker, wider heel of fakes.
6. Dust Bag: The letters on an authentic dust bag are thin and clear, while those on fakes are noticeably thicker and often faded.

Use this list whenever you’re in a rush.

Alternatively, if this is all too hard when you’re short on time, you can use our…

Expert Manolo Blahnik Authentication Service

Our expert Manolo Blahnik authenticators are here for you:

1. Send us pictures of your heels
2. Optionally, give us background details — where you bought the pair
3. Wait 24-48 hours (however, in most cases it’s way quicker than that)
4. Get the verdict

Need our opinion on your item’s authenticity? It’s a service we provide.

Get a fully-detailed report for why you have a real or fake item. Takes less than 48 hours!

Alternatively, use our free resources: written guides and video tutorials.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch Daniel and Ch David