Fake sneakers have never been harder to spot. The counterfeit market generates an estimated $600 billion annually — more than the legitimate shoe industry. In 2026, replica factories produce copies so close to retail that even experienced collectors get fooled. StockX alone blocked over $85 million worth of fakes in 2024.
This guide covers universal authentication checks that apply to every sneaker, plus model-specific tips for the 20+ most counterfeited silhouettes based on actual StockX verification data.
These checks apply to virtually every sneaker brand and model. Master these and you'll catch 90% of fakes before you even get to model-specific details.
The wings logo is the first thing to check — it should be deeply embossed with sharp, clean edges that you can feel with your fingernail. The "J" in "Jordan" on the wings logo should touch the top stitching line. Check the swoosh shape: it should have a smooth curve with no bumps or flat spots, and the tip should point toward the top eyelet. The hourglass shape when viewed from behind is important on deadstock pairs, though it fades with wear. Toe box perforations should form a consistent pattern — three rows with precise alignment.
The Low gets less attention than the High but is still heavily faked, especially popular colorways like Mocha and Reverse Mocha. Key differences from the High: the wings logo is replaced by a Jumpman or Nike Air tag on the tongue. Check that the tongue label sits centered with no crooked text. The toe box leather panels should have even tumbling, and the swoosh should have a clean, defined edge — fakes often have slightly thicker or unevenly cut swooshes.
The elephant print is the dead giveaway on fakes. On authentic pairs, the print pattern is semi-random with irregular crack shapes — no two pairs are exactly alike. Fakes often have a print that's too uniform or too bold. The Jumpman on the tongue should have all five fingers visible with a smooth, athletic posture — fakes frequently botch the proportions. Check the heel tab: the "Nike Air" or Jumpman logo should be deeply embossed, not just printed on. The midsole should have visible air unit through the heel window, and the eyelets should be smooth without rough edges.
The cage netting on the midfoot is the most reliable tell. It should be at a precise 23-degree angle on the side panels, forming consistent diamond shapes. Fakes often have the cage at the wrong angle or with uneven spacing. The tongue tag Jumpman should have all five fingers clearly visible. Check the heel tab pull — it should be firm with a smooth pull tab, not flimsy or rough. The midsole paint should be clean without bleeding into the upper. On the outsole, look for crisp "NIKE AIR" or Jumpman branding. The nubuck on colorways like Bred should have a uniform texture — fakes tend to feel plasticky or too smooth.
The 3M reflective tongue is one of the easiest authentication points. Shine a flashlight at the tongue — it should light up brightly and evenly. Fake 3M material often has dead spots or a dimmer reflection. The "shark teeth" midsole cutouts should have crisp, clean edges — fakes sometimes have uneven teeth or rough mold marks. Check the translucent outsole: on real pairs it starts clear and yellows naturally with age. Newly purchased fakes sometimes have an artificially yellowed sole to mimic aging. The mesh side panels should feel tightly woven and slightly stiff, not loose or saggy.
The patent leather is the signature feature and the best authentication tool. It should have a deep, mirror-like shine with no dull spots, warping, or creasing out of the box. Run your finger along it — authentic patent leather feels glass-smooth. The carbon fiber plate on the outsole is critical: it should have a woven crosshatch pattern visible when held to the light. Fakes use painted plastic or fiberglass that looks flat and opaque. The "23" or "45" on the heel should be deeply embossed with clean edges. The Jumpman on the heel should be proportionally correct with visible fingers and a smooth outline. The translucent outsole should start with a cool blue or icy tint depending on the colorway.
Travis Scott Jordan 1s are among the most profitable fakes, so counterfeits are extremely refined. On the Reverse Mocha and original Mocha, the reversed swoosh is the signature — it should point backward with a smooth, consistent curve. Check the Cactus Jack branding on the heel embroidery: the font should be clean with no bleeding, and the "C" in Cactus should have a distinct shape. The suede should be alive with visible nap that moves when you brush it. Dead, flat suede is a major red flag. The inner swoosh (non-reversed) should match standard Jordan 1 placement precisely. The box is also a tell — Travis Scott special boxes have specific tissue paper and hang tags.
The Cactus Jack SB Dunk features multiple layers of material meant to be worn away over time, revealing paisley patterns underneath. Check that the top layer has the correct thickness and that the paisley print beneath is crisp and well-aligned. The rope laces should feel premium with a consistent weave. The plaid flannel patches on the heel should be cleanly stitched with no fraying. The tongue tag should show "NIKE SB" in the correct font with proper spacing.
The iconic red zip tie should feel sturdy and have clean text — the font, spacing, and color should match reference images exactly. Check the "AIR" text on the midsole: it should be in a precise Helvetica font with consistent spacing from the sole edge. On deconstructed models, the exposed foam should have the correct texture and color (not too bright or too flat). The medial text ("OFF-WHITE" branding, Nike item numbers) should be printed in the exact Helvetica Bold italic that Virgil specified — fakes often get the font weight or slant slightly wrong. The shoelace text ("SHOELACES") should sit centered on the lace with even character spacing. The box should be an orange Nike box with the Off-White hangtag attached.
The Boost sole is the easiest and most reliable tell. Real Boost has a distinct texture with individually visible pellets that feel soft and bouncy — squeeze the sole and it should compress smoothly and spring back. Fake Boost often looks melted together, too uniform, or overly glossy. The pull tab (on models that have it) should be angled correctly — not straight up, it should lean slightly outward. The SPLY-350 text should be sharp and evenly spaced with no blurring at the edges. The Primeknit upper should have a tight, consistent weave — hold it to light and the pattern should be uniform. Check the inside heel: the size tag should have correct fonts and the adidas and Yeezy logos should be crisp.
Despite their simple appearance, Yeezy Slides are the 2nd most faked footwear on StockX. Real slides have a specific flex pattern — bend them and they should resist slightly then snap back to shape. The EVA foam texture on authentic pairs has a slight grain, almost like orange peel under close inspection. Fakes often have a smoother, more plastic-like surface. Check the size stamp inside — it should be cleanly debossed (pressed in, not printed on) with correct font. The arch support ridge on the footbed should have a defined shape, not flat or overly rounded. Weight is a good indicator: authentic pairs feel surprisingly dense for their size.
The Foam Runner's complex organic shape is its best authentication tool. The ventilation holes should be smooth with no jagged edges or flash marks from the mold. Squeeze the entire shoe — authentic foam has a unique density that's firm but gives under pressure. Fakes are often too soft or too rigid. The interior footbed should have a subtle arch and a debossed adidas logo that's clean and centered. Check the bottom: the tread pattern should be crisp with defined grooves. The overall proportions matter — compare the height and width ratios to reference photos, as fakes frequently get the silhouette slightly wrong at the toe or heel.
The 700 Wave Runner has been restocked multiple times since 2017, and each batch of fakes gets better. The 3M reflective dots on the upper should light up brightly and evenly under flash. Check the shape from the side — authentic 700s have a distinct chunky profile with the midsole curving up at the heel. The suede and mesh panels should be cleanly separated with no bleed between materials. The Boost midsole window on the bottom should show real Boost pellets (use the squeeze test). The "adidas" and trefoil logo on the insole should be cleanly printed with no smudging.
The Dunk Low Panda was the #1 most commonly found fake on StockX for multiple consecutive years. The toe box shape is critical — it should be slightly chunky and rounded, not pointed or too flat. The swoosh positioning is key: the tip of the swoosh should point toward the area around the third eyelet, and the tail should taper smoothly without a blunt end. Heel embroidery ("NIKE") should be centered and evenly spaced with consistent thread thickness. The tongue tag should have clean, consistent "NIKE" branding with no bleeding or smudging. Check the inner lining — it should feel soft but structured, not cheap or overly stiff.
SB Dunks differ from regular Dunks in key ways that help with authentication. The SB has a thicker, padded tongue with the "Nike SB" branding — check that the embroidery is clean and the "SB" sits at the correct position relative to the Nike logo. SB Dunks have Zoom Air insoles that feel distinctly cushioned compared to regular Dunks. The midsole may be slightly thicker. On collaboration pairs, check details specific to the collab: special materials, hidden design elements, and unique packaging. The box is different from regular Dunks — SB boxes have specific colors for different eras (orange, pink, black, etc.) and the box label format differs.
The AF1 is one of the most counterfeited sneakers in history due to its constant demand. The perforations on the toe box should be perfectly circular and evenly spaced — fakes often have oval or irregularly sized holes. The "AIR" text on the midsole should be in a clean, crisp font sitting in the correct position. Check the heel: the Nike Air logo should be centered and embossed with proper depth. The leather quality on authentic pairs feels substantial — it should crease naturally, not crack or feel plasticky. The pivot point circle on the outsole should be smooth and the star pattern should be sharply defined. On the tongue, the Nike Air branding and size tag should have correct fonts.
With Kobe 6 sales up over 100% on StockX in 2025, fakes have surged. The Kobe logo (sheath) on the heel should be embossed or printed with precise detail — the lines should be thin and evenly spaced. Check the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot: press firmly and you should feel a responsive, bouncy cushioning that fakes can't replicate. The carbon fiber shank plate on the midfoot should have a visible woven pattern, not painted plastic. The scale-like texture on the upper (inspired by Black Mamba skin) should have consistent depth and pattern. The tongue should sit flat without bunching, and the interior lining should feel premium. On the "Grinch" and "What The" colorways, color accuracy is important — compare to official images.
New Balance counterfeits have surged alongside the brand's popularity. The "N" logo is the first thing to check — it should have crisp, clean edges with no paint bleeding or uneven stitching around the border. The perforations on the toe box should be clean circles, not ovals or irregularly shaped holes. Check the "550" embossing on the midsole — it should be pressed in deeply with clean edges. The leather should feel thick and substantial on authentic pairs. The tongue label should have correct New Balance branding with even font weight. On collaboration pairs (Aimé Leon Dore, etc.), packaging and special accessories should match reference photos exactly.
On Made in USA models like the 990 series, the craftsmanship should be noticeably higher than fakes can achieve. Check the suede quality — it should have a rich, consistent nap that moves when brushed. The ENCAP midsole should feel dense and supportive, not squishy. The "Made in USA" tag on the tongue should have specific fonts and layout that vary by version — compare to references for your exact model (v4, v5, or v6). The reflective details should light up evenly under flash. The mesh panels should feel tightly woven with no loose threads. The NB logo stitching should be flawless with no fraying. Check the box: Made in USA pairs come in specific packaging with a US flag detail.
As the best-selling sneaker on StockX in 2025, fakes have predictably surged. The GEL technology windows on the midsole should be transparent with a visible gel unit inside — fakes often use opaque material or the wrong tint. The ASICS tiger stripe on the side should be cleanly stitched with no fraying. The mesh upper should feel substantial with a consistent weave pattern. Check the tongue label: ASICS branding should be cleanly printed with the correct logo proportions. The outsole tread pattern should be precisely molded with no flash marks or uneven grooves.
The Kayano 14's chunky maximalist shape has attracted counterfeiters, especially on limited colorways and collaborations. The GEL cushioning units in the heel should be visible and have a specific shape. The duoMax support system in the midsole should be a different color/density than the surrounding material. The overall shoe should feel hefty — it's a substantial shoe and fakes are often noticeably lighter. Check the plastic heel counter: it should feel rigid and be properly attached with no gaps. The breathable mesh panels should feel woven, not printed-on fabric.
The Samba's surging popularity in 2024-2025 made it one of the most faked sneakers globally. The leather upper should feel smooth but not plasticky, with a natural grain visible under close inspection. The gold "SAMBA" text on the side should be embossed with clean, even depth — fakes often have shallow or uneven stamping. The Three Stripes should have consistent width and spacing with clean stitching along each stripe. The gum sole should have a warm honey color with a distinct tread pattern — fakes sometimes use a sole that's too dark or too light. The tongue should lay flat with the adidas Trefoil logo printed or woven cleanly. The T-toe on the front should have precise stitching forming a clean "T" shape.
The Campus 00s was the single most counterfeited sneaker on StockX in 2024. The suede quality is the biggest differentiator — authentic pairs have rich, plush suede with a visible nap direction. Fakes use thinner suede that looks flat and doesn't move when brushed. The "CAMPUS" text on the side should be debossed cleanly. The Three Stripes should be leather (not suede) with precise stitching and no glue bleeding. Check the tongue: the adidas logo and size info should be printed on a woven label with correct fonts. The rubber sole should have the classic herringbone pattern with crisp definition. The overall proportions should match the chunky Y2K-inspired silhouette — fakes sometimes get the sole height or toe box width wrong.
UGG took three of the top spots on StockX's most faked shoes list in 2024. The sheepskin should feel incredibly soft and natural, with individual fibers that move — fakes use synthetic material that feels stiffer and more uniform. Check the "UGG" heel label: it should be sewn on evenly with the correct font and spacing. The sole should be made of Treadlite (lightweight EVA) that feels cushioned but supportive. On the Tasman and Tazz slippers, the woven braid detail on the collar should have consistent stitching with no loose threads. The interior sheepskin lining should be plush and have a natural cream color. Check the box: authentic UGG boxes have a specific design with a holographic sticker of authenticity.
The Black Cat is one of the most counterfeited Jordan 4s. Check the tongue tag first: authentic pairs have a clean, well-centered Jumpman with crisp embroidery and consistent thread thickness — fakes often have a leaning or bloated Jumpman. The nubuck should feel soft and have a consistent nap direction; replicas use cheaper synthetic nubuck that feels plasticky. On the heel, the pull tab should have deep, defined stitching with no loose threads. Check the midsole "AIR" text on the heel: authentic pairs have thin, precise lettering while fakes have bolder, thicker text. The cage (netting) on the sides should have diamond-shaped holes that are evenly spaced. The tongue height should be tall and padded — short tongues are an immediate red flag. Finally, the outsole should be a true matte black with the herringbone pattern clearly defined.
One of the most replicated collabs ever. Start with the translucent upper: authentic pairs have a subtle cream/sail tint while fakes often lean too clear or too yellow. The "AIR" text on the midsole should be in a specific italic font — check that the quotation marks around "AIR" are the correct Helvetica style and properly spaced. The Jumpman on the heel tab should be deeply embossed, not printed. Check the medial text: the phrase "AIR JORDAN 4" should be printed cleanly with proper kerning. The midsole sculpting should show the signature Jordan 4 mudguard with sharp edges — rounded or soft edges indicate fakes. The zip-tie should feel sturdy and have clean molding. Check the insole: the Off-White branding should be printed sharply, not screen-printed. The box should include the Off-White zip-tie and all original accessories.
Travis Scott Lows are the most faked Jordans alongside the highs. The reverse swoosh is the key tell: on authentic pairs, the tip of the swoosh should point toward the first lace hole with clean, tight stitching. The Cactus Jack logo on the heel should have precise embroidery — fakes often have thicker, bolder lettering. Check the interior tongue label: authentic text should be sharp and properly spaced, while fakes have thin or wavy text. The suede quality is critical: genuine pairs have buttery, alive nap that moves when brushed. On the Reverse Mocha, the mocha brown should be a warm chocolate tone — too light or too dark indicates a fake. For the Fragment collab, verify the Fragment lightning bolt logo is sharply embroidered with correct proportions. The Black Phantom should have a waxy lace finish and defined Cactus Jack face on the heel. On all models, the toe box perforations should be small and evenly punched — oversized holes are a common replica flaw.
With Kobe shoes seeing 100%+ sales growth on StockX, fakes are surging. The size tag is your first check: authentic Kobe 5 Protros have thin, precise text — fakes almost always have bolder, thicker font. On the tongue, the Black Mamba logo (shield badge) should be flush with the tongue, not protruding — replicas have a chunky, raised badge. Kobe's signature on the heel should be thin and delicate; fakes make it too thick and dark. The toe box shape should be slim and tapered when viewed from the side — replicas tend to be rounder and more inflated. On the Bruce Lee colorway, the yellow should match Nike's exact shade with no orange tint. Check the outsole: the traction pattern should be sharp and uniform. The grey outline around the Nike Swoosh should be thin and consistent, not thick or uneven.
The Kobe 8 was StockX's best-selling basketball sneaker in 2025. Check the woven upper: authentic pairs have a tight, consistent weave pattern with no loose threads or fraying — replicas have a looser, less defined weave. The Swoosh should be seamlessly integrated into the upper fabric, not sitting on top of it. The "KOBE" text on the heel counter should be sharply debossed. Check the Lunarlon insole: it should be responsive and have Kobe's logo printed cleanly. The outsole herringbone traction should have razor-sharp grooves. On the "What The" colorway, each panel should have a distinct pattern from different Kobe models — check that the patterns match official release images. Weight is a tell: authentic Kobe 8s are lightweight (under 10oz); replicas often feel heavier due to cheaper materials.
Air Max models are heavily faked due to their consistent popularity. The visible Air unit is the best tell: authentic Air Max bubbles are perfectly clear with a slight green or blue tint, while fakes have cloudy, yellowish bubbles with visible seams inside. Press the Air unit — it should feel responsive and bounce back instantly; fake Air units feel mushy or overly stiff. On the Air Max 90, check the mudguard stitching: it should be clean double-stitched lines with consistent spacing. The AM95's side panels should have a smooth gradient between colors. The AM97's reflective silver accents should reflect light cleanly, not in patches. For all models, the Nike branding on the tongue should be embroidered (not heat-pressed) with clean edges. Check the heel tab: the "AIR MAX" or "AIR" branding should be properly recessed, not raised. The insole should have a cushioned feel with a well-printed Nike logo.
Sacai collabs are among the most counterfeited Nike shoes due to high resale. The double-stacked midsole and dual swooshes are the defining features — and the hardest for fakes to nail. Check the two swooshes on each side: they should be slightly offset from each other with clean stitching on both. The heel text should have precise, thin lettering; fakes use bolder fonts. On the LD Waffle, the suede and mesh panels should have distinct textures, and the toe cap should be properly shaped. The Vaporwaffle should have visible Zoom Air through the translucent outsole. The signature layered tongue should have two distinct tongue tabs. Check the double lacing system: authentic pairs come with two sets of laces in different colors, properly packaged. The midsole stacking should have clean glue lines with no overflow.
The original Yeezy 350 V1s are among the most faked sneakers of all time, with some colorways worth $1,000+. The Primeknit pattern is your first check: authentic V1s have a very specific weave pattern that fakes struggle to replicate — the "eyes" in the knit should be uniform in size and spacing. The suede patch on the medial side should have a coarse, real suede texture that responds to brushing. The boost sole should have the characteristic pellet texture: authentic boost has irregular, organic-looking pellets while fakes have uniform, stamped patterns. The pull tab should sit at a specific angle — too vertical or too horizontal is wrong. The center stitching running down the back heel should be perfectly straight. On the Turtle Dove, the grey should have a warm undertone. The lace tips should have the correct Adidas Yeezy branding. These shoes predate StockX, so provenance is extra important — buy authenticated.
The 700 V3's cage upper is distinctive but widely replicated. The RPU cage should feel rigid and have a smooth, seamless finish — fakes often have visible mold lines or a rougher texture. The EVA foam midsole should be lightweight but firm. The glow-in-the-dark elements (on the Alvah and Azael) should glow a strong green after exposure to light; fakes glow weakly or not at all. Check the inner lining: it should be a soft, breathable mesh. The "adidas" and trefoil logo on the insole should be sharp and clean. The heel counter should have a defined, angular shape — rounded heel counters indicate replicas. The cage pattern should follow the exact contours shown in official product images, with no extra or missing openings.
The 2002R is New Balance's most popular lifestyle model, and fakes are common. Check the "N" logo: authentic pairs have clean suede or leather with defined edges and precise stitching around the logo. The ABZORB midsole should have the branding molded into the heel — not printed on. The suede should feel buttery and have a consistent nap. On the Protection Pack models, the deconstructed layered upper should have intentional raw edges that still look clean — fakes have messy, overly frayed edges. The tongue label should have "NEW BALANCE" in the correct font with proper kerning. Check the outsole: the N-ERGY cushioning insert should be visible and properly seated in the heel. The overall shape when viewed from the back should show a slight outward lean at the heel — perfectly straight heels suggest replicas.
Onitsuka Tiger saw massive growth in 2025, making them a new target for counterfeiters. The signature tiger stripes should be neatly stitched with no fraying or gaps between the stripe and the upper. Check the heel tab: the Onitsuka Tiger logo should be clean and well-centered. On the Mexico 66, the leather should be soft and supple — replicas use stiffer, plasticky leather. The outsole should have a gum rubber feel with a defined herringbone pattern. The tongue label should show "ONITSUKA TIGER" in a specific font with "MADE IN VIETNAM" or "MADE IN INDONESIA" (never China for most models). On the TGRS, the slip-on construction should feel snug but not tight, with a clean edge finish around the opening. The insole should have clean Onitsuka branding.
The Puma Speedcat saw a massive resurgence in 2025. The suede upper should be soft and velvety with a uniform nap. The Puma Formstrip (side logo) should be leather with clean edges and tight stitching — no fraying or gaps. The slim, low-profile silhouette is key: fakes often have a taller, bulkier shape. Check the rubber outsole: it should have a thin, flat profile inspired by racing shoes, with a specific herringbone-like grip pattern. The "PUMA" cat logo on the heel should be cleanly embossed. The tongue should be thin and flat, not puffy. The insole should show Puma branding in proper font. The overall construction should feel minimal and lightweight.
Salomon's growth (+58% YoY on StockX) has attracted counterfeiters to their trail-inspired silhouettes. The Quicklace system is the first check: authentic Salomon laces have a specific toggle mechanism that should snap firmly and release smoothly — fakes have a cheaper, looser toggle. The Contagrip outsole should have a deep, aggressive lug pattern that feels grippy and hard. Check the "SALOMON" branding on the heel and tongue: authentic text uses their exact corporate font with precise spacing. The mesh upper should be multi-layered with visible technical construction. The toe cap should be a hard, protective rubber piece with clean bonding. On the XT-6, the SensiFit wings (side overlays) should follow the contour of the shoe precisely. The midsole EVA should feel cushioned but responsive. Check the size label: it should list "SALOMON" (not "SOLOMON" — a common fake spelling error).
Saucony's +59% growth on StockX in 2025 makes their collabs increasingly targeted. The Saucony side logo (the "S-dot") should be neatly stitched with a clean curve — fakes often have a squished or angular S. Check the insole: authentic Saucony insoles have cushioned footbeds with clear branding. The suede panels should have a soft, buttery texture. On the Shadow 6000, the mesh tongue should have a specific knit density. The midsole should show clean paint lines between the white EVA and any colored sections. Check the outsole: authentic Saucony outsoles have a triangular traction pattern with consistent depth. The heel counter should be firm but not rock-hard. On collab models, verify special details against official product images — packaging, hang tags, and tissue paper color often differ from general releases.
Mizuno was the fastest-growing sneaker brand on StockX in 2025 (+124% YoY), making authentication newly relevant. The Wave Plate technology is the key feature: on the Wave Prophecy, the Infinity Wave sole is a complex, continuous wave structure that should feel mechanically responsive — fakes use a simpler, less articulated plate. Check the "Mizuno" Runbird logo: it should be sharply embroidered with clean edges and the distinctive bird shape intact. The upper materials should feel premium — the mesh should be breathable and the overlays should be well-bonded. The tongue label should show "MIZUNO" in correct corporate typography. On lifestyle models like the MXR, the chunky sole unit should be properly aligned with no visible gaps between midsole layers. The outsole rubber should feel durable and have a defined traction pattern. Mizuno is still relatively new to the hype market, so fakes are less sophisticated — but verify any pair over retail value.
Converse fakes primarily target Chuck Taylors and newer hype models like the Shai 001. On Chuck Taylors, check the toe cap: authentic pairs have a crisp, well-formed rubber toe cap with a smooth surface and no bubbles. The All Star patch on the ankle should have clean stitching and proper star alignment. The canvas upper should feel thick and sturdy. The rubber foxing (white strip at the sole) should be consistent in width all around with clean edges. On the Shai 001, which became Converse's biggest seller in 2025, check the unique design elements against official Converse images. The Converse star-and-chevron logo should be sharply molded on the heel. The insole should have cushioning with "CONVERSE" branding in the correct font. The outsole traction pattern should be well-defined. Check the tongue label for correct sizing, style codes, and country of origin.
The safest way to avoid fakes is to buy from platforms that authenticate every pair:
StockX — every pair passes through their authentication center. They check construction, materials, accessories, and packaging. They rejected over 400,000 products worth $85 million in 2024 alone. If anything fails, the sale is cancelled.
GOAT — similar authentication process with both new and used pairs verified. They also offer an "Instant" option for pre-verified pairs that ship faster.
CheckCheck App — if you're buying from a non-authenticated source, CheckCheck lets you submit photos for AI and human authentication before purchase.
SneakyRadar — we don't sell sneakers, but we help you compare prices across authenticated platforms so you always get the best deal on verified pairs.
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