The Air Jordan 4 is one of the most iconic sneakers in history. It was first released in 1989 and has been a best-seller ever since. However, with its popularity comes a problem: counterfeits. Fake Air Jordan 4s are everywhere, and they can be hard to spot. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll show you how to spot fake Air Jordan 4s so you can avoid getting ripped off. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re trying to spot fake Air Jordan 4s:
First, take a look at the overall shape of the shoe. Fake Air Jordan 4s often have a different shape than authentic ones. The toe box may be too wide or too narrow, and the heel may be too high or too low. Additionally, the stitching on fake Air Jordan 4s is often sloppy and uneven. Authentic Air Jordan 4s have clean, precise stitching.
Next, take a look at the materials used in the shoe. Fake Air Jordan 4s are often made with cheap materials that don’t look or feel like the real thing. The leather may be stiff and unnatural, and the mesh may be thin and flimsy. Authentic Air Jordan 4s are made with high-quality materials that are both durable and comfortable. Finally, take a look at the price of the shoe. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Air Jordan 4s are expensive shoes, and you should be suspicious of any pair that is being sold for a significantly lower price. By following these tips, you can avoid getting ripped off by fake Air Jordan 4s. Just remember to be careful when you’re buying sneakers online, and always do your research before you make a purchase.
Examine the Upper Material and Stitching
When inspecting the upper of an Air Jordan 4, meticulous attention should be paid to both the material and stitching quality. The genuine article boasts a sturdy nubuck or leather upper, characterized by a rich, textured finish that exudes durability. The nubuck used on authentic pairs possesses a soft, velvety texture, while the leather exhibits a supple, smooth texture. Replicas, on the other hand, often employ inferior materials, resulting in a cheap and plasticky feel.
The stitching plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and aesthetics of the shoe. Authentic Air Jordan 4s feature precise, consistent stitching throughout, with each stitch firmly securing the upper components. The thread used is usually tonal, blending seamlessly with the upper material. Conversely, fake pairs frequently exhibit sloppy or uneven stitching, with loose or frayed threads that compromise the shoe’s structural integrity and detract from its overall appearance.
| Authentic Air Jordan 4 | Fake Air Jordan 4 |
|---|---|
| – Sturdy nubuck or leather upper with a rich, textured finish | – Inferior materials with a cheap and plasticky feel |
| – Precise, consistent stitching throughout | – Sloppy or uneven stitching with loose or frayed threads |
| – Tonal thread that blends seamlessly with the upper material | – Mismatched or contrasting thread that stands out |
Check the Tongue and Heel Tags
The tongue tag is a small, rectangular tag sewn into the inside of the tongue. It should have the following information:
* The Jordan Brand logo
* The style number
* The size
* The colorway
* The date of manufacture
The heel tag is a small, rectangular tag sewn into the back of the heel. It should have the following information:
* The Jordan Brand logo
* The style number
* The size
* The colorway
* The date of manufacture
| AUTHENTIC | FAKE |
|---|---|
| Tongue tag is sewn into the tongue securely, with no loose threads. | Tongue tag is glued or stapled into the tongue, with loose threads or uneven stitching. |
| Heel tag is sewn into the heel securely, with no loose threads. | Heel tag is glued or stapled into the heel, with loose threads or uneven stitching. |
| Tongue tag has the correct style number, size, colorway, and date of manufacture. | Tongue tag may have the incorrect style number, size, colorway, or date of manufacture. |
| Heel tag has the correct style number, size, colorway, and date of manufacture. | Heel tag may have the incorrect style number, size, colorway, or date of manufacture. |
If the tongue tag or heel tag is missing or has any of the above errors, it is likely that the shoes are fake.
Inspect the Midsole and Air Sole Unit
The midsole of a genuine Jordan 4 is made of polyurethane (PU) foam, which is lightweight and provides excellent shock absorption. It should be firm and supportive, with a slight bounce when pressed. The Air Sole unit, located in the heel, should be visible through a transparent window in the outsole. It should be filled with pressurized air and should provide a noticeable cushioning effect.
Midsole Construction
The midsole of a real Jordan 4 has a distinctive construction that sets it apart from counterfeits. It features a dual-density PU foam design, with a softer foam on the inside for comfort and a firmer foam on the outside for stability. The midsole should also have a visible arch support, which helps to reduce foot fatigue. Counterfeit Jordan 4s often have a single-density foam midsole that lacks these features, resulting in a less supportive and comfortable fit.
Air Sole Unit
The Air Sole unit in a genuine Jordan 4 is one of its most iconic features. It is a sealed, pressurized air cushion that provides exceptional impact absorption and energy return. The Air Sole unit should be clearly visible through the transparent window in the outsole. It should be free of any cracks or leaks, and should compress and rebound smoothly when pressed. Counterfeit Jordan 4s often have fake or poorly manufactured Air Sole units that do not provide the same level of cushioning and support.
| Genuine Jordan 4 | Counterfeit Jordan 4 |
|---|---|
| Dual-density PU foam midsole | Single-density foam midsole |
| Visible arch support | No visible arch support |
| Pressurized Air Sole unit | Fake or poorly manufactured Air Sole unit |
Verify the Jumpman Logo
The Jumpman logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, and it’s also one of the easiest ways to spot fake Jordan 4s. Here are some things to look for:
- The shape of the logo: The real Jumpman logo is a silhouette of Michael Jordan dunking a basketball. The fake logo is often misshapen or distorted.
- The size of the logo: The real Jumpman logo is about 1 inch tall. The fake logo is often larger or smaller.
- The color of the logo: The real Jumpman logo is black. The fake logo is often a different color, such as white or gray.
- The stitching of the logo: The real Jumpman logo is stitched onto the shoe with black thread. The fake logo is often glued on or sewn with a different color thread.
The Air Unit
The Air unit is another important feature to look for when spotting fake Jordan 4s. Here are some things to look for:
- The size of the Air unit: The real Air unit is about 1 inch tall. The fake Air unit is often smaller or larger.
- The shape of the Air unit: The real Air unit is a rectangle. The fake Air unit is often a different shape, such as a circle or a square.
- The color of the Air unit: The real Air unit is white. The fake Air unit is often a different color, such as black or gray.
|Feature|Real Jordan 4|Fake Jordan 4|
|—|—|—|
|Jumpman Logo|Black, 1 inch tall, stitched on with black thread|Misshapen, larger or smaller, glued on or sewn with a different color thread|
|Air Unit|1 inch tall, rectangular, white|Smaller or larger, different shape, different color|
Analyze the Toebox Shape
The toebox on authentic Jordan 4s has a distinct shape. It should be boxy and wide, with a rounded appearance at the corners. Fake pairs often have a misshapen toebox, which can be longer or narrower, or have sharp corners.
Specific Points to Check:
Toebox Height:
Authentic Jordan 4s have a taller toebox compared to fakes. The height should be consistent from the front to the side of the shoe.
Toebox Shape:
The toebox should be boxy and wide, with slightly rounded corners. Avoid pairs with a long, narrow, or pointy toebox.
Toebox Angle:
The toebox should have a slight upward angle. Fake pairs may have a flatter or downward-sloping toebox.
| Toebox Feature | Authentic | Fake |
|---|---|---|
| Toebox Height | Taller | Shorter |
| Toebox Shape | Boxy, wide, rounded | Long, narrow, pointy |
| Toebox Angle | Slightly upward | Flat or downward |
Examine the Eyestays and Laces
The eyestays and laces are crucial components for identifying fake Jordan 4s. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for:
Eyestays
| Authentic | Fake |
|---|---|
| – Evenly spaced, with consistent size and shape | – Uneven spacing, variations in size or shape |
| – Smooth, clean edges | – Rough, jagged edges |
Laces
| Authentic | Fake |
|---|---|
| – Oval-shaped lace tips | – Round or pointed lace tips |
| – Even thickness throughout the lace | – Uneven thickness or bumps along the lace |
| – Branded with the Jumpman logo | – Non-branded laces or incorrect Jumpman logo placement |
Remember, slight variations in the eyestays and laces may occur between different colorways and release dates. However, significant inconsistencies or deviations from the described characteristics are strong indicators of a counterfeit.
Pay Attention to the Lining and Sockliner
### Lining
In genuine Jordan 4s, the lining is made from a soft, plush material and is stitched securely to the shoe’s upper. It should also be free from any wrinkles or creases. Fake Jordan 4s often have a lining that is made from a cheap, thin material and is not stitched securely. It may also have wrinkles or creases.
### Sockliner
The sockliner is the removable insole of the shoe. In genuine Jordan 4s, the sockliner is made from a thick, durable foam and is covered with a soft, fabric-like material. It should also be free from any wrinkles or creases. Fake Jordan 4s often have a sockliner that is made from a thin, cheap foam and is not covered with a soft material. It may also have wrinkles or creases.
How to Check the Lining and Sockliner
1. Inspect the lining for any wrinkles or creases.
2. Feel the lining to see if it is soft and plush.
3. Inspect the sockliner for any wrinkles or creases.
4. Feel the sockliner to see if it is thick and durable.
5. Check to see if the sockliner is covered with a soft, fabric-like material.
6. Compare the sockliner to the sockliner in a genuine Jordan 4.
7. If the sockliner is different in any way, the shoes are likely fake.
Consider the Seller and Price
Reputable sellers, such as authorized retailers or verified platforms like Amazon or eBay, are less likely to offer counterfeit products. Be wary of unknown sellers on suspicious websites or social media platforms. Additionally, if the price seems significantly lower than the market value, it could be a sign of a fake.
Examine the Materials and Construction
Authentic Jordan 4s are made with high-quality materials, such as genuine leather or suede. Replicas often use cheaper substitutes that may feel stiffer or have a different texture. Inspect the stitching for precision and consistency; sloppy or uneven stitches may indicate a fake.
Check the Tongue Tag
The tongue tag of a genuine Jordan 4 should be made of thick, durable material. It should feature the “Air Jordan” logo in bold font, with the “Air” in red and “Jordan” in black. The font and spacing should be consistent and precise.
AIR UNIT |
FAKES |
||
 |
 |
||
| Only visible from the back, clear rectangle visible in the heel | Visible from both sides, air unit see-through |
