How to Spot a Counterfeit Pair of Air Jordans

As you probably know, counterfeit shoes are a problem that costs Nike a lot of money. They lost 10% of their annual revenue in 2018.

Thankfully, Nike is known for executing excellence on the assembly line, which allows them to spot the fakes easily. But how can you tell if your new Jordans are genuine?

Look at the Box

Fakes are a growing problem and can be difficult to spot. Whether you’re buying them online or at a sneaker store, it’s important to be aware of the signs that can indicate a fake pair.

First, you should look at the box. Real Jordans are usually sold in boxes that feature a stamp inside them. This stamp shows the shoe’s style number and is a great way to ensure that the shoes you are purchasing are genuine.

Next, check the size label. A real Jordan will have the Jordan Jumpman logo printed on the front of the size tag.

Another area to look at is the stitching. In general, fake pairs have inconsistent stitching that doesn’t match the swoosh or other parts of the shoe.

Look at the Size Tag

Whether you’re buying your first pair of Air Jordans or you’ve been collecting them for years, you want to make sure you’re getting a legit pair. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to spot a counterfeit pair.

The size tag is one of the easiest and most important ways to tell a fake from a real pair. The size tag should include the shoe’s size and article number.

It should also include a description of the colorway, which will help you determine what’s real and what’s not.

You should also pay close attention to the wording and font of the tag. Authentic labels should be crisp and easy to read.

Fake labels often don’t have the correct wording and are cluttered with errors. This is especially noticeable in the font of the ‘Air’ letters, which are usually misshapen and bulky. Likewise, the ‘R’ and ‘(tm)’ signs also look different on fakes. They’re also printed with a glossy finish that’s less distinct and crisp than on the OGs.

Look at the Sole

If you’re interested in adding a pair of Air Jordans to your collection, it’s important to be aware of the signs that a pair is not authentic. Fakes are becoming increasingly realistic and easily fool the average person.

Fortunately, there are a few key things you can look for that will help you spot a fake Air Jordan. If you know these signs, it will save you a lot of time when it comes to identifying the authenticity of your shoes.

First, examine the upper of the shoe. The real pair should have white crinkled leather with a slightly textured finish.

Second, check the heel tab. The real pair should have two stitch lines as the quarter tops cross over, which contrasts with the grey leather of the sneaker.

The fakes have only one stitch line, which does not contrast with the black leather. It also lacks the signature curve of the heel, which is a hallmark of an authentic pair.

Look at the Logo

With sneakers being one of the most counterfeited products in the world, it is important to know how to spot a counterfeit pair. Thankfully, Nike has a few design and branding elements that counterfeiters can’t copy, making it easier to tell the difference between real and fake Jordans.

The first thing to look at when examining an Air Jordan is the logo. A fake pair will have a wavy logo that’s difficult to read, while an authentic pair will be clear and defined with a sharp point.

Another red flag for a fake pair is the manufacturing sticker. A real Air Jordan will have a clear wing stamp with a single indent, while a counterfeit pair will have a misshapen or crooked manufacturing sticker.

Finally, the tongue tag of an authentic pair will be more crisp and clean, with no typos or smudges. The swoosh and lettering details on the tongue tag are also cleaner and more spacious for real sneakers, while they’re fuzzier and less distinct in a phony pair.