1. PROFILE
Learn how to spot fake Nike Air Max 97 OGs with this detailed 27 point step-by-step guide by goVerify.
2. RECEIPT
Check the details of the original receipt including date, store and amount paid. There should also be a 9 digit style number as well as a barcode number.
3. RETAIL BOX
Nike Air Max 97 OGs are boxed in a strong shoe box featuring the Nike logo on the lid and sides. Color and style of boxes can vary according to style and year. Check the box carefully for any errors in brand logos, alignment, spelling and overall finish quality. Remember real shoe boxes can accompany fake shoes.
4. BOX LABEL
Nike retail boxes feature a label on one side detailing barcode, style name, size, color, country of manufacture and a style number. The style number is usually 9 digits long, the first 6 digits represent the style and the last 3 digits represent the colourway. Check that this style number matches the one located inside the shoe and on the sales receipt. Tip 1: Do a Google image search for "Nike"+"style number" to check the colourway. Tip 2: scan the barcode with a barcode scanner app, the exact product including size should be correct.
5. BOX CONSTRUCTION
Nike Air Max 97 OGs come in a sturdy Nike retail box, take note of the interlocking join construction of the side panel, visible under the fold over section. Make sure the lid and side panels double over back into the box to create structural strength. Note how the top edge of this fold is squared off as opposed to rounded. Check how the lid section that folds back into the box is attached with a small tab.
6. DATE CODE
Most, not all, Nike retail boxes feature a date code stamped inside the box.
7. REFLECTIVE STRIPES
Nike Air Max 97 OGs come with reflective metallic mudguard stripes, when light hits them at the right angle they will shine quite powerfully.
8. SIDE PROFILE
Nike Air Max 97 OGs have a distinctive side profile, the toe will have a gradual curve upwards while the heel sits very flat on the surface. Take note of the length of the tongue, it stands up much higher than the collar.
9. HEEL STITCHING
High quality stitching can be hard to replicate. Check carefully that the stitching on the heel is tight, straight, evenly spaced and follows the edge of each panel evenly. Tip: check the join between the upper and outsole is an even straight line and does not have any excess glue showing.
10. PULL TAB
Air Max 97 OGs feature a heel tab which has the words "Air Max" embroidered in silver into it. Make sure the embroidery and stitching is tight, evenly spaced and neat. Note how the pull tab has a thin red embroided line running just above and below the Air Max logo.
11. SWOOSH
Nike Air Max 97 OGs will have a red Swoosh embroided into the mesh upper on the outstep. Make sure the embroidery is tight, neat and evenly spaced, make sure the edge of the logo is neat. This is a good opportunity to have a close look at the stitching along the mudguard, make sure it is tight and neat.
12. UPPER MATERIAL
Check the stitchline along the stripes of the mudguard, make sure it is tigh, neat and follows the edge of each stripe perfectly. Take note of the join in the stripes, the ends of the wider silver panels fold over and meet each other with a neat rounded edge.
13. STRIPE STRUCTURE
The top two mudguard stripes have a tube underneath them which gives them a rounded top surface shape. Also look for the positioning triangle tabs in the centre of the stripes on the toebox, the white stripe has one on it's top side.
14. TOEBOX
Nike Air Max 97 OGs have a rounded shape to the toe box. Make sure there is no excess glue along the join between midsole and outsole. Check that the toe tip bumper is stuck down firmly and not lifting off.
15. TONGUE
Nike Air Max 97 OGs feature a rigid padded tongue, check that the top corners are rounded for comfort. The whole tongue front is made from one fabric piece and will stand upright without any support.
16. TONGUE SWOOSH
Air Max 97 OGs will feature an embroided Swoosh logo on the tongue. Make sure the embroidery is tight and neat with no loose ends, take note of how the logo is almost debossed into the leather patch. The reflective band around the oval logo patch will have small positioning triangles at the centre, top and bottom, can you see them.
17. LACE LOOPS
The tongue has a thin strip of leather which creates lace loops. Note how the small square stitch boxes create the lace loops, make sure the stitching is tight and neat, look for the tiny triangular bumps above and below each stitch square. This is also an opportunity to check the laces, Air Max 97 OGs come with high quality tubular laces.
18. LINING
Air Max 97 OGs will have a layer of lining inside the upper, note how the wavy stitching along the edges of the mudguard can be seen on the inside. Make sure these long stitchlines are parallel, neat, tight and evenly spaced. Take note of the lace loops you can see then through the white lining, the top two lace loops almost touch each other.
19. INSOLE STITCHING
If you take the sockliners out you will see the stitching joining the insole to the upper, make sure the stitching is neat and evenly spaced. Check that there is a positioning hole drilled into the middle of the heel.
20. FOREFOOT STITCHING
Look for the positioning hole drilled into the center of the forefoot insole, it is hard to see but it is there. Check that the stitching joining the insole to the upper is neat and evenly spaced.
21. INSIDE LABEL
Inside label details vary depending on year, country of manufacture and style. Check the style number, usually 9 digits, matches that found on the box. Check that the tail of the Q in FABRIQUE starts inside the circle. Check for any spelling errors and that the glue area is uniform and neat. The shoe's production date will fall between the two dates indicated on the label. Tip: Do a Google image search for "Nike"+"style number" to check the colourway.
22. SOCKLINERS
Nike Air Max 97 OGs come with molded sockliners to fit the shape of your foot and provide added comfort. The sides of the midfoot arch will come up much higher than the rest of the sockliner.
23. SOCKLINER LOGO
The sockliners will have a silver Swoosh logo printed onto the heel. Check that the printing is sharp and clear, make sure the logo is no rubbed off anywhere if the shoes are new.
24. SOCKLINER SIZES
If you remove the sockliners of Air Max 97 OGs and look underneath you will see a Nike logo embossed into the material. You will also see the shoe size, often a range of 2 sizes, also embossed into the sockliner. Make sure the sockliner size matches the shoe size on the box label and shoe label.
25. AIR UNIT
Nike Air Max 97 OGs have a full length Air Unit for maximum impact protection. Make sure the air "bubble" is clear and of high quality with no paint marks. The support structure within the Air Unit should be clearly visible, it looks like two rows of arches joining to form circles.
26. OUTSOLE
Nike Air Max 97 OGs have a distinctive sole pattern, always make sure they are high quality and not worn out if the shoes are new. Take note of the cross pattern in the middle of each traction block of the forefoot.
27. SOLE BUTTON
The heel will have a clear oval air bubble with Swoosh logo printed inside, make sure the logo is sharp with straight edges. The tips of the Swoosh should be very sharp.