Buzz
Air Jordan shoes are often counterfeited by overseas manufacturers due to their immense popularity. There are specific details you can inspect to determine if the pair you’re considering is authentic. Check the shoebox details and ensure the style code matches. Examine the quality of the shoes and the distinctive features of Jordan sneakers. When purchasing Jordans online, buy from reputable sellers who provide accurate photos and descriptions of the product.
Steps
Inspect the shoebox and style code
Check the quality of the shoebox. Authentic Jordan shoes come in sturdy boxes. The lid should fit tightly without gaps. The “Jumpman” logo is printed on the lid and the sides of the box. The colors on the box should be even and consistent, with no faded areas. The box structure should also be robust.
- The color and design of the box vary depending on the production year and Jordan model, so you can search Google to see what the current box looks like.
Check for spelling errors and logo imperfections. Ensure all text on the box is spelled correctly. The logo should be complete, with no unusual proportions or fading. Everything on the box should be aligned properly, with no irregularities or misalignments.
- If you’re unsure what the Jumpman logo looks like, search Google to confirm that the logo on the box matches exactly.
Look for the production label on the outside of the box. All Jordan shoeboxes will have an official production label attached to the side. Verify the exact model name, shoe size, colorway, and manufacturing location. The text should be uniform, evenly spaced, and free of spelling errors.
- The label must be firmly attached to the box, with no bubbling underneath, and should be complete and easy to read.
- Production labels on fake Jordan boxes are often crooked or misaligned. If the label appears sloppy or hard to read, it’s a warning sign.
Identify the 9-digit style code on the production label. All Jordan shoes have a style code printed on the label attached to the box. In most cases, this code consists of 9 digits. Check Nike’s official website to confirm that the style code on the box matches the one listed online.
- The style code is usually found on the label, just below the line indicating the country of manufacture.
Inspect the shoe structure
Compare the style code on the shoe with the number on the box. Look for the small tag attached inside the shoe. All details on the production label should match the information on the tag inside the shoe. Ensure everything aligns, especially the style code.
- The stitching on the inner tag should be even and precise.
- Spelling errors on the inner tag are a clear sign of counterfeit Jordans.
Inspect the label under the tongue. Jordan shoes feature a distinctive label beneath the tongue. Lift the tongue to check the underside. You’ll find the phrase “greatest player ever” embroidered there. The stitching should be white, clear, and finely detailed.
Examine the proportions of the Jumpman logo. Carefully inspect the logo details on the heel (or sometimes on the tongue). The logo should be sharp and well-defined. Observe the hand, basketball, and foot to ensure everything is proportionally balanced. The logo’s lines should not appear blurry or smudged.
- On fake Jordans, the Jumpman logo may appear uneven or distorted, with sloppy stitching and disproportionate elements.
Check the details around the shoelace holes. The spacing between the shoelace holes should be even. All eyelets must be the same size and shape, securely attached with consistent pressure. Fake Jordans often have loose or uneven eyelets.
Observe the quality of the stitching. Carefully examine whether the stitches are neat and precise. All stitches should be evenly spaced, with no loose threads or unfinished edges. Poor stitching around the heel is a common sign of counterfeit Jordans – uneven or sloppy stitches should raise suspicions about authenticity.
Inspect the midsole. This is the transition area between the side of the shoe and the front. It typically has a different material and color than the toe box. On authentic Jordans, the midsole sits just before the bottom shoelace hole. On fakes, it often aligns with the last shoelace hole.
- Look at the tip of the midsole. The “peak” should be pointed, not curved.
Look for the specific colorways of the Jordan model. Visit Footlocker.com or Nike’s official website to find authentic colorways. A colorway refers to the unique color combination designed for each shoe model. Sometimes, special editions are released.
- If a seller or marketplace offers a pair with a colorway not listed on Nike’s website, it’s likely counterfeit.
Be cautious with sales tactics
Be skeptical of any new Air Jordans sold for under $100 (2.2 million VND). Many designs are limited editions and sell out quickly, so there’s no reason for sellers to price them below retail. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ensure the shoes are labeled as “100% Authentic.” Be cautious if a pair is listed online as simply “Authentic.” Avoid Air Jordans advertised as “custom,” “sample,” or “variant,” as these terms indicate Nike did not officially release them. If you’re considering a pair online without a style code, email the seller for clarification.
Make sure the shoes come in their correct box. Fake Jordans are often sold in boxes with mismatched details. Authentic boxes will list the colorway and style code accurately. If the pair you’re considering doesn’t include the original box, avoid purchasing it.
Avoid purchasing shoes online unless clear, detailed images are provided. When buying shoes online, ensure there are multiple high-quality photos showing every detail of the pair. If there are no pictures of the inner label, email the seller to request them. Be cautious of listings using stock images. Descriptions should be specific, not vague.
- If the images are too small, ask the seller for clearer photos. If they refuse, avoid purchasing the shoes.
Avoid buying Air Jordans from overseas sellers (if you’re in the U.S. or Europe). Unless you fully trust the seller, avoid international purchases. While Nike imports products from overseas factories, the primary supply is in the U.S. and Europe. Most counterfeit Jordans are produced in Asia, particularly in China.
- The risk of receiving fake Jordans is significantly higher if the shoes are shipped from Asia.
Check seller feedback on platforms like eBay. Look for reputable sellers with positive reviews. Avoid sellers with little to no customer feedback, as their products are likely counterfeit. Before purchasing Jordans, thoroughly research the listing to ensure all information and images appear authentic.
- Trust your instincts; if something feels off, avoid the purchase and look elsewhere.
