1. PROFILE
Learn how to spot fake Nike Air Jordan 5's with this detailed 30 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 5'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 Air Jordan 5 Retro retail boxes feature a label on one side detailing barcode, style name, size, color 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 LABEL 2
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have a second sticker on the retail box that lists where the sneakers were made.
6. BOX DATE CODE
Most, not all, Nike retail boxes feature a date code stamped inside the box.
7. 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.
8. HEEL JUMPMAN
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's come with a Jumpman logo embroidered into the heel. Check the quality and that the Jumpman logo is correctly proportioned. Pay special attention to the fingers and shoe laces of the Jumpman figure.
9. HEEL 23
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro Laney's feature a 23 embroidered into the side of the heel, make sure the stitching is tight and neat with no loose ends. Make sure the 2 and the 3 are not joined.
10. SIDE STITCHING
Check the quality of the stitching on the side of the sneakers, the stitching around all the panels should be tight, neat and evenly spaced. Make sure the stitching follows the shape of each panel perfectly.
11. STITCHING DETAIL
Above the 23 on the side there is a point where the stitching crosses over from one panel onto the panel above, make sure the stitching is tight and evenly spaced.
12. SIDE AIR VENT
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro Laney's have a translucent side panel with ventilation holes for comfort. Under the clear panel is a fine breathable fabric. Check that the stitching around the vent panel is tight and even.
13. LACE STITCHING
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have a full-grain leather and Durabuk upper for a premium look and feel, check the stitch pattern around the base of the laces. Take note of how the double stitch line becomes a single line as it goes around the plastic lace holes. Check the double stitch line below the tongue, how the stitching ends off rather than running under the lace hole panel.
14. LACE LOCK
Air Jordan 5's will feature a clear plastic lace lock. On that clear plastic lace lock is an embossed Jumpman logo. Check the quality of embossing and make sure the edges are sharp and clear.
15. LACE LOCK CLOSE-UP
The lace lock has a small spring loaded locking device. Check the quality of the plastic, also check that the Jumpman printed on the lock has defined fingers and shoe laces. Tip: look up the style number on Google and check that the colourway of the Jumpman is correct.
16. LACE LOCK COMBO
If you place the two lace locks next to one another check that the Jumpman on each lace lock is jumping in the same direction (right).
17. LACE HOLES
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have a multiple choice lace hole setup, check that the stitching around the lace holes is tight, neat and evenly spaced. The holes in the plastic panels are slightly rounded squares while the holes through the leather are round.
18. TONGUE CONSTRUCTION
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have a rigid heavily padded tongue for fit and comfort. The bottom section of the tongue has a ventilated plastic panel, check that the stitching around the panel is tight and evenly spaced.
19. TONGUE JUMPMAN
A Jumpman logo is located on the padded upper section of the tongue. Check that the proportions of the Jumpman are correct and that the embroidery is neat and cleanly finished. The colour of this Jumpman is important, make sure it matches the style number colourway. Check that the fingers and laces of the Jumpman are clearly defined.
20. TONGUE INSIDE LOGO
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro Laney's have an Air Jordan logo on the inside of the tongue. Check that the typeface is correct and that the embroidery work is neat and even.
21. TONGUE MATERIAL
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have a tongue with built in curve. The tongue is well padded, check that the join between the front and back sections is straight with no stitching showing
22. INSIDE LACE HOLES
Check that the back of the lace holes have a stitch pattern like the top side. Check that the stitching itself is tight, neat and evenly spaced.
23. 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.
24. SOCKLINER LOGO
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have a Jumpman logo printed onto the sockliner, check that the printing is solid with straight edges. Check the proportions of the Jumpman and that the fingers and laces are well defined.
25. SOLE STITCHING
If you lift up the sockliner you can see the stitching joining the upper to the sole, make sure the stitching is neat. Sometimes there will be a date code stamped onto the sole.
26. ANKLE SUPPORT
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's have extra padding around the ankle for support and comfort, check that the join between the outer and inner side of the collar is a neat straight line with no stitching showing.
27. AIR UNIT
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's feature a Nike Air-Sole air unit in the midsole for added performance and comfort, make sure there is no excess glue or paint on the window.
28. SOLE PATTERN
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's feature a herringbone sole pattern for improved traction. Make sure the sole is not worn out if the sneakers are new. Sometimes with older shoes the translucent outsole can discolor, even if the shoes have not been worn.
29. SOLE JORDAN
The sole of Air Jordan 5 Retro's will feature a Jordan logo debossed into the rubber. Check that the edges of the letters are sharp and straight.
30. SOLE JUMPMAN
Nike Air Jordan 5 Retro's sometimes have a Jumpman that can been seen through a translucent outsole, check that the Jumpman is the correct colour for the colourway.