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Start with the box and check if the Jordan boxes have consistent printing, high-quality cardboard, and clear, crisp labelling.
The logo on real Jordans is deeply embossed into the leather.
The craze for Nike Jordans is at an all-time high. Its influence can be seen in everything from music videos to high-fashion runways. From the iconic colourway to the futuristic designs of today, the Nike Air Jordan has transcended its athletic origins to become a global cultural icon. It’s one of the most iconic sneakers to have ever hit the market, but the immense popularity has unfortunately led to a significant increase in counterfeit production. Scammers take advantage of this fashion wave and often prey on buyers across the globe who tend to overlook minute details. This makes it more important than ever to know your Jordans by heart and identify fake Jordans.
If you’re worried about buying a pair of Jordans, take a look at how you can spot fake Jordan sneakers and outsmart the scammers.
Key Tips To Identify Fake Nike Jordans
- Inspect the Box: Start with the box and check if the Jordan boxes have consistent printing, high-quality cardboard, and clear, crisp labelling. Authentic Jordan boxes look polished and high-quality; however, counterfeit boxes may have faded printing, flimsy material, or incorrect labeling. If you’re still unsure, do a quick search online for images of the original box for your specific model and compare carefully.
- Check the Logo: The logo on real Jordans is deeply embossed into the leather, while counterfeits often go for a print rather than embossing it hard on the shoes. Pay attention to the “Air Jordan” lettering and check that the letters are slightly larger and bolder. The copied one will tend to have thinner and smaller text.
- Examine the Outsole Logo: Flip the shoe over and look at the outsole. On genuine Jordans, the Nike logo sits perfectly in the middle, and the letters are spaced precisely. Moreover, whenever you are purchasing an original Jordan, look at the woven ‘R’ symbol attached to the top of the tongue, as the fake ones will not have a circle with the registered ‘R’ trademark.
- Look at the materials: Real Jordans are made with premium materials using precise technology. Every pair undergoes a series of quality checks before reaching the market for sale. Fake shoes, on the other hand, will not care about the details and tend to cut corners. Hence, check the quality of the suede, leather, or any other fabric used. Counterfeits often use cheaper materials that Look inferior. Moreover, the weight of the shoes will also differ as the originals are extremely lightweight.
- Inspect the Stitching: The original Jordan shoes boast precise and consistent stitching throughout the shoe. While the counterfeits will deliver shoes with loose threads, uneven stitching, or glue residue. Look for any of these signs of counterfeit craftsmanship.
- Backside of the shoe: Another distinctive element that will help you identify whether the shoe is fake or real is the backside of the shoe. The original sneakers are mainly characterized by an ‘hourglass’ shape that is thicker at the top and bottom but slimmer in the middle. The fake pairs often miss this and have oversized or bulky-looking heels. Look closely at the small rectangular tab located right in the middle of the shoe with a double stitch end, with one line placed exactly on top of the other. If the stitching looks uneven, then it’s a counterfeit.
- Check the Packaging Extras: You can also check the extras that authentic Jordans provide. It typically comes with tags, extra laces, and sometimes even a retro card. Make sure that these extras are of high quality and that they match the official product descriptions.
