The sneaker reselling site StockX recently found themselves in the middle of a legal battle with Nike. The battle is over authenticity.
The first thing you need to check is the size tag. Check if the text is consistent and if all the letters are of the same thickness.
The fake swoosh slopes upwards much more than the authentic one. It also looks smaller.
1. The box is too small
Inauthentic Jordan 1s usually have longer stitches that are more inconsistent with their length than the retail. Moreover, the fake toe box perforated holes are more densely populated and less spread out.
Another way to identify fake Air Jordan is by performing the squeeze test or tap test. The shoe should be firm and shouldn’t rock back and forth when you squeeze it. If it does, then it’s a fake.
2. The box is too big
The box that your Jordans came in is a good indicator of authenticity. Real boxes will have the same style and color as the shoes inside. They will also be the same size as the shoes themselves.
The interior tag is another great place to look for signs of fake Jordans. The authentic tags have much thinner and more elegant fonts than the fake ones. The size and country text on the authentic tags are also closer together than on the fake ones.
3. The shoe tree is too big
Often times, fake Jordans will have a shoe tree that is too big for the shoes. This is a common red flag for fake Jordan 1s in particular.
The spare lace bag that comes with real Air Jordans should be compact and tied in a nice, neat woven design. The space between the shoelace tabs should also be even.
The lettering on the woven tongue label should be crisp and legible. If it's sloppily written, this is a surefire sign that the shoes are fake.
4. The tongue label is too big
The lettering on the fake tongue label is inconsistent in thickness and shape. Also, the (r) symbol looks fuzzier than a real pair of Jordan 1s.
Check that the shoelace tabs are the same size and shape, with equal spacing between them. They should also be firmly attached to the shoes. Finally, the white crinkled leather should be consistent and not too crinkled. A real pair of Air Jordans should not have any tears or liquid/glue stains.
5. The swoosh is too big
If the seller does not have good pictures of the shoes or the interior tag with the style number is missing, it’s best to avoid purchasing them. You can also look for any white crinkling on the upper of the shoe. This should be textured and visible, but not too much.
You should also check the font on the tongue label to make sure that it looks correct. Often, fake Jordans have the font printed thinner than they should be.
6. The wing logo is too big
The wing logo on authentic Jordans is much thinner and has a more angular shape. The fake wing logo looks more bubbly and doesn’t have the same angularity.
Also, pay attention to the swoosh stitching. If the tip is dull or rounded, it’s probably a fake.
Check the manufacturing sticker for the style number, which is typically listed as nine digits. Also, make sure the text size is consistent on the label.
7. The text on the tongue label is too big
One of the easiest ways to spot a fake pair of Jordan 1s is by looking at the interior label. Fake pairs will often have spelling errors on this label, which is a sure sign that the shoes are fake.
Another thing to look for is that the text on the tongue label will be thicker on fake pairs. Real Air Jordan 1s should have thin, crisp text that is consistent throughout the shoe.
8. The swoosh is too small
If you’re buying shoes online, make sure that multiple photos of the shoes are posted and that they are clear and detailed. Also, check to see if the interior tag with the style number is included. If it’s missing, this is a big red flag.
Another thing to look for is the size and country text on the manufacturing sticker. The fake shoes usually have the text much thinner and bolder than the authentic ones.
9. The wing logo is too small
When examining the box, fake Jordans often have font that's thinner and takes up less label space than real pairs. This might not be the easiest thing to spot if you don't pay close attention to it, but it should still be something to keep in mind.
It's also important to check the internal tag for authenticity. Look for a 'R' trademark circle on the woven logo label, and make sure it's clearly legible.
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