The real question of the hour is “How to spot the real Jordan 1’s VS fake Jordan 1’s.”
Replicas are a profitable business, and you should know how to spot a replica to protect yourself from tragedy if you are buying it online and offline.
Before we get started, let me tell you, spotting a fake one is not a difficult task. And, also you can earn make anywhere between $17-$31 as a side hustle just knowing how to spot a fake one.
If you are ready! Let’s get started!
Key Differences in Replicas vs Originals
To the naked eye, replicas look exactly like the originals — I mean, they do some pretty amazing work by perfectly copying it. But I guess they are just a little short to perfection.
When buying the Air Jordan 1’s from an unknown reseller. You should check the shape and curvature of Jordan 1’s toe box. You should confirm if the heel of the shoe has the hourglass shape, fonts and logos, stitching and texture, and also you should confirm the look of the swoosh.
Keep reading to know how to completely authenticate your next Jordan 1’s.
The Overall Form of the Shoe
Let’s admit it, this model is so popular because of its iconic silhouette, and one of the main giveaways to differentiate it from a real one from a replica is the shape of the shoe.
What most manufacturers do is, sometimes they raise the top part of the entry area and also curve that. But in original Jordan 1’s, they are only slightly curved but straight when looking with a naked eye. As for the heels, they are raised a bit in the air and also curved. While the real Jordan 1’s sits straight on the floor with a subtle curvature.
Some replicas have the opposite problem. The top part is rather too straight without any curve. They also make the midsole either too thin or too thick.
The Texture of the Shoe
Now, this is a tricky part, Jordan’s especially with the leather upper.
The texture of every Air Jordan 1 differs. It depends on the colorway, the year in which it was released, and there are many other factors at play here.
However, the classic models usually have white crinkled leather for their upper. It should be visible and textured but not too crinkled.
Nike Logo: Swoosh
When we are verifying the authenticity of the shoe, we can easily spot the fake one, how?
Replicas are replicas at the end of the day, most manufacturers/scammers who just want to make a quick buck don’t pay attention to the details, and therefore the easiest way to differentiate a fake from a real one is by paying attention.
If the swoosh is placed a little higher or lower, if it is short or long, and if it is too close or too far from the shoelace hole.
The original Jordan 1’s swoosh is neither short nor long, the shape is clear and defined and has a sharp pointy tip.
The stitching will be equal in size and length, the thread will be perfect in size, not too thick or thin, the color of the thread would be correct, etc. You should also make sure the swoosh and the corner stitching do not interact at the corner.
The Wings Logo
Another important component of authentication is the iconic wings logo that is a part of Air Jordans. Just like every time, the way it looks depends on the year the shoe was released, colorway, and the model of the shoe.
The easiest way to get started is by checking if the font size of the logo is thicker and bigger and if the “™” sign is clear.
Most replicas tend to mess up with the logo, as sometimes the font is either thin or too thick, and the “™” sign is mostly unclear.
The Toebox of Jordan 1’s
This is amongst the easiest recognizable feature to spot a fake Air Jordan 1.
Real Air Jordan 1’s toebox slightly curves outwards, and it slightly lifts off when standing. The toebox will not be boxy but slim and rounded in the original Jordan 1’s.
Also, the black overlay around the toebox will neither be too thin nor too big. It will be perfect in size.
Now, look at the perforations. The fake shoes will look low quality and have incorrect size perforations or they will be uneven than the rest. Also, try to compare the placement of the perforations with the original shoe, as they usually follow the same pattern with all shoes.
The Heel of the Jordans
The one thing that makes the Jordan 1’s so attractive is the “Hourglass” shape of the heel. It is both thick in the top and bottom and slim in the middle.
Most replicas get it wrong by having the heel bulky.
Next, look for the small rectangular tab behind the shoe. The double stitch in the original ones will be identical and would be placed one over the other.
The Outsoles
The outsoles will have a Nike logo in the middle of the outsole surrounded with an asterisk pattern (stars pattern) around the edge of the soles.
And with the Nike logo, look for any inconsistency with the font and if its placement is correct. The original Jordans will have the logo right in the center of the outsole tab. Also, confirm if the ® sign is clear despite its small size.
Lastly, check if the swoosh has the proper shape and is pointy.
Final Words
Selling replicas is a very profitable business, but many companies like Nike can’t sue them because there isn’t one manufacturer who is replicating their shoes. There are over a hundred’s of manufacturers, if not thousands. But no matter how perfectly they try to replicate the original shoe. They do fail at many quality checks.
And this is what helps us to spot the fake one. Also, it should help you understand how to spot Nike Air Jordan 1.
We hope you had a great read.