MTHOR Counterfeit Index 2026

MTHOR Counterfeit Index 2026: The 10 Most Searched "Fake" Models

The model most associated with counterfeiting in France in 2026 is the Pop Mart Labubu, with a "fake labubu" search volume far exceeding that of any other item tracked by MTHOR. This index ranks 10 references according to a single objective criterion: the intensity of French Google searches related to their authenticity ("fake", "real vs fake", "counterfeit"), measured using the DataForSEO tool. This is not an official judicial statistic on counterfeit seizures, but an indicator of public interest and concern on the subject, updated periodically.

Methodology: How the Ranking Is Established

The ranking is based on a single, objective criterion: monthly search volume in France for queries related to a model's authenticity (variations of "fake", "real vs fake", "counterfeit"), measured via DataForSEO. The 10 references are simply sorted by this volume, from highest to lowest — no weighting or coefficient is applied.

Alongside each entry, we also indicate the level of control applied by MTHOR to that model. This is separate information, reflecting our team's on-the-ground assessment — it is not measured data, and it plays no part whatsoever in the ranking itself. We made this choice deliberately: combining an objective search metric with an internal assessment into a single figure would have given a false impression of precision, without solid justification for what weighting to apply. The two pieces of information are therefore presented side by side, never merged.

Acknowledged limitation: this index does not measure the actual rate of counterfeits in circulation (we do not have access to customs data or official seizure figures). It measures public search interest on the subject — data that is already useful for prioritizing where to focus your attention as a buyer, but which does not replace an official statistic.

The 2026 Ranking (Sorted by "Fake" Search Volume)

• 1. Labubu (Pop Mart) — "fake" searches far ahead of every other model tracked. The sudden global success of the "The Monsters" range created a counterfeit market that exploded at the same pace as legitimate demand. MTHOR control: enhanced — consistency of official Pop Mart packaging, vinyl and plush fabric quality, compliance with the announced series.
• 2. Chrome Hearts — one of the most copied luxury streetwear brands, due to its organized scarcity (no official online sales) which pushes part of demand toward unofficial channels. MTHOR control: enhanced — systematic 925 silver hallmarks, engravings, UV lamp, and microscope checks.
• 3. Air Jordan 4 — the most copied silhouette in the Jordan line due to its production volume and worldwide notoriety. MTHOR control: enhanced — wings symmetry, eyelets, TPU midsole translucency.
• 3. New Balance — the sudden popularity of certain models (990v2, 550, 530) has been followed by a surge in counterfeiting, particularly on the Kith and Aimé Leon Dore collaborations. MTHOR control: standard.
• 5. Stüssy — a historic streetwear brand whose simple logos (handwritten text) are relatively easy to reproduce, making it a frequent target. MTHOR control: standard.
• 6. Yeezy — counterfeit volume has remained high despite the end of official production, fueled by an active secondary market for the Boost 350/700 and Foam Runner/Slides. MTHOR control: standard.
• 7. Supreme — the visually simple box logo remains a classic counterfeit target, although "fake" search volume stays moderate compared to other entries in the ranking. MTHOR control: standard.
• 8. Air Jordan 1 — "fake" search volume lower than expected given its popularity, likely because the silhouette is now extensively documented by the sneaker community, which deters some counterfeit demand. MTHOR control: enhanced (premium Retro).
• 9. Nike Dunk — limited "fake" searches despite strong popularity, as the Dunk silhouette is less targeted by counterfeiters than Air Jordan or Yeezy. MTHOR control: standard.
• 10. Pop Mart (generic, excluding Labubu) — other Pop Mart ranges (Skullpanda, Dimoo, Crybaby) are following the Labubu trend with rising "fake" search volume, though still well below it. MTHOR control: standard.

Note: this search-volume ranking does not always flag the models that are actually most copied — a low search volume can also indicate that a topic is already well documented elsewhere (see Air Jordan 1), not necessarily that a model is less targeted by counterfeiters. This is one of the limitations of the chosen criterion, acknowledged in the methodology above.

Why MTHOR Publishes This Index

MTHOR authenticates every item sold, regardless of its counterfeit risk level — but our team applies an enhanced protocol (UV lamp, microscope, comparison against our internal database) to certain references, identified through our field experience. Publishing this search-volume ranking, alongside our own risk assessment, serves a dual purpose: informing buyers about the categories that raise the most authenticity questions, and documenting the MTHOR method transparently and verifiably — including its limitations. For the full details of our process, see our authenticity page.

FAQ — MTHOR Counterfeit Index

Does this index measure the actual rate of counterfeits in circulation?

No. The MTHOR Counterfeit Index ranks models solely by French Google search volume on the topic of authenticity ("fake", "real vs fake"). It is not an official customs or judicial statistic on the actual volume of counterfeits produced or seized.

Does MTHOR's control level influence the ranking?

No. The ranking is established solely by search volume. The level of control applied by MTHOR is displayed separately, as information about our own practice — it enters into no calculation and does not alter the ranking order.

Why does Labubu top the 2026 ranking?

Labubu concentrates a "fake" search volume far exceeding that of any other item tracked by MTHOR, a direct consequence of the explosive global popularity of the Pop Mart The Monsters range, which attracted a proportionally large counterfeit market in a very short time.

How often is the MTHOR index updated?

The index is recalculated periodically based on available search data, to reflect evolving counterfeit trends alongside trends and releases.

How does MTHOR authenticate the most "fake"-searched models?

Every pair or item goes through a standard check (box, label, material, stitching, shape). Models identified as high-risk in our practice also undergo a systematic pass under UV lamp and microscope, compared against our internal database built since 2016. Full details on our authenticity page.

Learn More

Check out our authentication process page and our guide how to spot a genuine pair of sneakers. Also discover our Labubu and Chrome Hearts collections, all authenticated by our team.