There are so many cheap clone microphones out there in the marketplace how can I tell it really is a Shure microphone?

Well to start with there are no cheap Shure microphones out there, prices may vary a little bit but by and large an SM58 or SM57 is going to cost around the £70+ mark. If it's much cheaper than that you need to ask questions.

Don't think that it's a Shure because it looks like a Shure, It will take an expert to tell the difference, The parts will look genuine but you can bet your bottom dollar it won't perform like the real thing.

Buy from a reputable dealer. A reputable dealer will only deal with genuine products, apart from anything else he has a reputation to uphold.

If you want a Shure microphone, and we all do, your choice will be based upon quality, performance and reputation built up over the past eighty years or so. Why save a few quid to end up owning a cheap Chinese karaoke quality clone when the only advantage is that it will look like a Shure. It's a bit like buying counterfeit designer clothing - it will have the correct name on the label but still look like you're wearing rags.

Buy the best, expect the best. If you buy a genuine Shure you can expect a guarantee together with full warranty and know that it has the back-up of a world class product.