Inspecting the Overall Craftsmanship
Begin by observing the overall appearance and craftsmanship of the Jordan 4s. Authentic Jordan 4s should have even stitching, precisely cut leather, and high-quality materials. Any signs of glue smears, uneven stitching, or poor-quality materials may indicate a counterfeit pair.
Checking the Sneaker Box and Packaging
The box in which the Jordan 4s come can also give away telltale signs. Look for the official Nike logo, the correct colorway name, and style number on the box. Counterfeit boxes often have poor printing quality and incorrect labeling.
Examining the Tongue Label
The tongue label on the Jordan 4s should have clear and correct font with the “Jumpman” logo and “Flight” written underneath. The logo should be well defined, and the proportions of the “Jumpman” should be correct. On fakes, this label may have variations in font size, style, or even misspellings.
Inspecting the “Jumpman” Logo
The “Jumpman” logo is a key feature on all Jordan sneakers. Examine the logo located on the tongue and the sole of the shoe. Authentic Jordans feature a detailed and proportionate “Jumpman,” with hands and fingers that can be distinctly made out. Compare the logo with official images from the Nike website.
Looking at the Air Sole Unit
The Air Sole unit on the Jordan 4s should be clearly visible through the outsole of the shoe. An authentic pair will have a well-defined Air unit, and you should not see any glue residue or paint smudges. Fake versions may have a foggy or nonexistent Air unit.
Analyzing the Materials and Craftsmanship
Authentic Jordan 4s should feel premium to the touch. The nubuck or leather used should be of high quality, and the plastic eyestays and wings should be evenly shaped and neatly attached. If the materials feel cheap or subpar, that’s a red flag.
Review the Stitching Detail
Verify the quality of the stitching. It should be even, straight, and without visible flaws. Jordan 4s are manufactured with precision, and messy stitching is often a sign of a counterfeit.
Comparing the Shoes with Official Images
It’s advisable to compare the sneakers with official images from Nike’s website. Pay attention to the colorway, the placement of logos, and the design details. Replicas will often get some of these details wrong.
Utilizing Online Authentication Services
If you’re still unsure, consider using online sneaker authentication services. These services specialize in determining the authenticity of high-end footwear like Jordans.
Consult the QR Code or Tag
Newer Jordan models come with a QR code that you can scan to verify the authenticity. Check for a QR code on the size tag, and use your phone to scan it. Fake Jordans might have a non-functional QR code or none at all.
Verifying the Smell
This might sound odd, but authentic Jordans will have a certain “new shoe” smell free of chemical or plastic odors. Counterfeit shoes may have a strong glue or chemical smell due to the inferior materials used in production.
Remember, always purchase Jordans from reputable retailers or directly from Nike to reduce the chances of encountering counterfeit products. When in doubt, it’s worth seeking advice from an experienced sneakerhead or an authentication service.