How to spot fake
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High
in 19 steps
1. PROFILE
Learn how to spot fake Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro's with this detailed 19 point step-by-step guide.
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
New Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro's are boxed in a strong shoe box usually featuring the Nike logo on the lid and side. 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 colorway. 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 colorway. Tip 2: scan the barcode with a barcode scanner app, the exact product including size should be correct.
5. BOX DETAILS
The retail box of Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro's will have details on the side relating to the Nike and Swoosh trademarks. Check that the typeface is correct and tat the print quality is high. Also check the spacing of the letters.
6. BOX DATE CODE
Most, not all, Nike retail boxes feature a date code stamped inside the box.
7. SPARE LACES
Some Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro's will come with spare laces. Make sure they are the standard flat laces and that they are packaged in a light plastic bag.
8. 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.
9. HEEL TAB
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro's have a tab on the heel. Check that the stitching around the tab is tight, neat and evenly spaced. Check that all the stitching along the heel panels is tight and evenly spaced, making sure the stitching follows each panel edge.
10. SWOOSH
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High's will have a Swoosh on the side. If the Swoosh is stitched on make sure the stitching is tight, neat and evenly spaced. Check that the stitching follows the shape of the Swoosh perfectly. Take note of the stitch line that overlaps the Swoosh.
11. SIDE LOGO
The ankle support area of Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High's will have an Air Jordan logo printed onto it. Make sure the quality of the printing is good, with straight, clean edges. Check that the logo is also slightly debossed into the panel.
12. TONGUE CONSTRUCTION
The tongue of Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High's is a single piece of padded fabric. Check that the tongue is rigid enough to stand upright without any support.
13. TONGUE CORNERS
Check that the corners of the tongue are rounded for comfort and that the tongue stitching is tight and neat. Make sure the stitching follows the curve or the rounded corners perfectly. This is also an opportunity to check the quality of the thick padding.
14. TONGUE LOGO
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High's have an embroidered Nike Air logo on the tongue. Make sure the stitching is tight and neat, also take note of how the label is attached to the tongue.
15. TONGUE LABEL
Inside the tongue the label will have small embroidered type. Check the quality of embroidery, check that the stitching is tight and neat. Note how the label is joined to the tongue with a double line of stitching and a folded over section.
16. 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.
17. SOCKLINER LOGO
There is usually a Nike Air logo inside the shoe on the sockliner, make sure this logo is well printed with sharp edges. Make sure this logo is not worn out if the shoes are new.
18. SOLE PATTERN
Nike Air Jordan 1 Retro High's have a distinctive sole pattern with pivot point at the forefoot for traction and durability. Always check the quality of the sole tread pattern, make sure that it is not worn out if the shoes are new.
19. SOLE LOGO
A Nike logo features on the sole of Air Jordan 1 Retro High's. Check the position of the registered circled R and check that the edges of the embossed logo are sharp and clean. This is a good opportunity to have a close look at the sole texture, take note of the fine pattern in the rubber