Air Jordan Logo: How To Spot Fake Vs. Real [Guide]
Are those Air Jordans you just bought the real deal, or a cleverly crafted imitation? In a world awash with high-quality fakes, the ability to distinguish authentic Air Jordans from their counterfeit counterparts is more critical than ever.
The sneaker market has witnessed an explosion of both genuine and imitation products, making it increasingly challenging for consumers to discern between the two. While counterfeit manufacturers have made strides in mimicking the original designs, several telltale signs can help you avoid being duped. This guide will delve into the intricacies of spotting fake Air Jordans, focusing on key elements like logos, stitching, and overall construction.
| Air Jordan Authentication: Key Indicators | |
|---|---|
| Aspect | Authentic Features |
| Logos | Thinner letters in the "wings" logo (except for the TM character). Jumpman logo on the lace tab engraved deeply. |
| Stitching | Precise and well-defined stitching, especially below the "Jordan" text tab. The hourglass shape at the back of Air Jordan 1 should have a double stitch, with one line placed exactly on top of the other. |
| Materials | Use of high-quality leather, particularly in side panels. The size tag frame is made of a dense, thick material. |
| Construction | Shape: The back of authentic Air Jordan 13s has a bumpy and curvy shape. Air Jordan 1 collar: The collar sits higher and flatter. |
| Details | Jumpman logo complete, without any unusual proportions or fading. Nike text on the authentic shoes will be thinner. |
One of the primary points of scrutiny when examining a pair of Air Jordans is the logo, also recognized as the Jumpman logo. While fake manufacturers can replicate the design up to 98%, the nuances often expose their lack of authenticity. On closer inspection, you'll notice differences, especially in the execution of intricate details.
The authentic "wings" logo, a hallmark of Air Jordans, is often characterized by its thinner lettering. Pay particular attention to this detail, as counterfeit products may have thicker or less refined characters. The red box, often employed in comparative illustrations, highlights these subtle differences, making it easier for consumers to identify discrepancies.
In the case of the Air Jordan 11 "Jubilee," the Jumpman logo is deeply engraved into the lace tab. This is in contrast to the fakes, where the logo appears weakly engraved, resulting in greater elevation compared to the authentic version. The edges of the Jumpman logo on the replica lace tab may also display jagged characteristics, further indicating its imitation status.
Another area of concern lies in the application of the "Air" text and the Jumpman logo. The "air" and "nike" text, often seen on the rear of the shoes, should be thinner and more refined on authentic pairs. The authentic Air Jordan 3's "air" text appears thicker and wider compared to the fake ones. In contrast, fake logos may have a different font, making them appear out of alignment. Carefully compare the Jumpman logo on the shoe with a legitimate image found on the Nike website or other reputable sources.
The comparison extends to the overall aesthetic of the shoe. For example, the collar on an authentic Air Jordan 1 "Shattered Backboard" pair sits higher and flatter than the angled collar of the fake pair. The side panel leather, a key component of the design, is expected to be of superior quality in authentic shoes. The artwork on the fake shoe is often correct, but the real jordan 1 logo is still embossed a little deeper into the leather.
Authentic Air Jordan 13s are also characterized by a specific shape: the rear side should be bumpy and curvy rather than straight. Check the shape for overall proportions, along with the stitching below the "Jordan" text tab. Authentic stitching should be well-shaped and weighted. Most of the time, the fake Air Jordan 13s have their stitching improperly shaped and weighted.
The quality and accuracy of the Jordan logo are key indicators, as visual errors vary among fakes. Comparing the logo on the shoe you're buying to a photo of a legitimate pair will help. Make sure that the jordan jumpman logo appears complete, without any unusual looking proportions or fading. Everything on the box should be aligned properly, with nothing looking unusual or crooked.
Examine the inside label of the shoe; a fake pair always has misaligned inscriptions.
When assessing the size tag, observe whether it is framed by a white border. Authentic Jordans feature a dense and thick white frame, while fake ones often have a thinner, more flimsy material.
The Air Jordan 4 provides further insight into the flaws that can expose a fake. Two key aspects to analyze are size and thickness. In comparison, a fake pair's "air jordan" text may be too small, while the real one has bigger text. Additionally, all characters on a fake Air Jordan 4 label are too thin and narrow, in comparison to the real pair's letters, which are thicker and wider.
Checking the alignment of the text, including the style number, can also distinguish the genuine article from counterfeits. All types of jordans can be legit checked here.
Another telltale sign is the font used for the text on the size tag, fake jordans will never use the right font. To identify fake jordans, start by examining the logo and words on the box and the shoe style number printed on the manufacturers label. Compare the style number to one on the nike website and the one on the tag inside of the shoe to make sure that it is authentic. Fake Jordans tend to be cheaper.
With the rising sophistication of counterfeit products, the ability to identify the difference between genuine and fake Air Jordans has become more important than ever. The authentic "wings" logo is often characterized by its thinner lettering, which is one of the primary points of scrutiny when examining a pair of Air Jordans.
In addition, checking the interior label with multiple lines of text can also help spot fakes. Fake pairs always have misaligned inscriptions.
By taking these measures and remaining vigilant, you can protect yourself from purchasing counterfeit goods and confidently enjoy the quality and prestige of authentic Air Jordans.
