1. PROFILE
Learn how to spot fake Nike Air Jordan 3's with this detailed 24 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
New Nike Air Jordan 3's are boxed in a strong shoe box usually featuring the Jumpman 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 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. 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.
6. HEEL JUMPMAN
New Jordan 3 Retro's feature an embossed Jumpman logo on the heel. Check the quality and finish of the logo, the edges will be sharp and neat. Check how well defined the Jumpman's fingers and shoe laces are.
7. SIDE STITCHING
High quality stitching can be hard to replicate. Check that the side panels of Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have stitching that is tight, neat and evenly spaced. Check that the stitch lines follow the edges of the panels perfectly.
8. UPPER PATTERN
Some Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's come with an elephant print upper. Check that the elephant print is etched into the upper fabric and not just printed on top of it.
9. MIDSOLE MATERIAL
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a matt finish to the Midsole.
10. JUMPMAN TAG
Some new Air Jordan 3 Retro's come with a clear tag with embossed Jumpman and AIR logos. Check that the quality and finish is excellent and the Jumpman logo is correctly proportioned.
11. TONGUE JUMPMAN
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have an embroidered Jumpman on the tongue. Check that the stitching is tight and neat, make sure that the fingers and shoe laces of the Jumpman are well defined.
12. TONGUE MATERIAL
If you look closely at the tongue material of Air Jordan 3 Retro's you will see tiny ventilation holes, make sure they are even spaced and in straight lines.
13. TONGUE CONSTRUCTION
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a thick padded tongue, check that the tongue is naturally curved and made of two different materials. The join between the two materials should be neat and straight with no visible stitch line.
14. TONGUE STRAP
The Air Jordan 3 Retro has a tongue that is held in place with an elasticated strap. The elasticated strap provides the padded tongue with strong support, to improve performance and stability.
15. LACE HOLES
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's are built for performance, the lace holes have a section of plastic loops that provide extra strength to the lace holes. Check that the stitching along these lace loops is tight, neat and evenly spaced.
16. LACE HOLES TOP
The last two lace holes on Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a plastic inner, check that the stitching around these lace holes is tight, neat and follows the figure 8 shape of the inner.
17. 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.
18. INSIDE MATERIAL
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have an inner lining material that has a similar texture to the elephant pattern on the upper.
19. SOCKLINER LOGO
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a Jumpman logo printed on the sockliner. Check that the printing is solid with clean edges and that it is not worn out if the sneakers are new. Check that the fingers and shoe laces of the Jumpman are well defined.
20. AIR UNIT
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a Nike Air Unit in the upper for added comfort and performance. Check that there is no excess glue or paint on the window.
21. SOLE PATTERN
Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a distinctive sole pattern with pivot point at the forefoot for added traction through tight turns. If the sneakers are new make sure the sole is not worn out.
22. SOLE LOGO
Air Jordan 3 Retro's have a Jordan embossed into the sole. Make sure the logo has sharp well defined edges. Make sure the R is not closed. This is also an opportunity to have a close look at the fine sole texture that provides added grip.
23. SOLE STARS
Check that the stars at the toe section follow the shape they are within and none of the stars are cut off or overlap. Make sure the pattern is high quality and not worn out if the shoes are new.
24. SHOE DIAGRAM
Air Jordan 3 Retro's often come with a pamphlet that has a useful diagram of sneaker construction. Check the typeface, check that there are no spelling mistakes and that the print quality is sharp and clear.