How to spot fake Air Jordans before you pay
Rare Jordan colourways are among the most counterfeited shoes in the world. No single check proves a pair is real, but a short checklist catches most fakes before money changes hands.
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Check the style code first
Every genuine Jordan has a style code on the box label and inside the shoe — a format like 555088-101. Search that code: it should return the exact model and colourway on the box. A code that matches a different shoe, or no shoe at all, is the strongest single warning sign.
Look at the build, not the logo
Fakes usually get the logo roughly right and the construction wrong. Check even, tight stitching with no loose threads, consistent midsole paint edges, a firm heel cup, and correct proportions of the Swoosh and toe box. Compare against official product photos of the same colourway, not another listing.
- Style code on box and shoe match, and match the colourway
- Even stitching, no glue marks, firm heel structure
- Correct box, paper, and label for that release year
- A price far below every other listing is a warning, not a win
Price is a check too
If a hyped pair is listed well under every other seller, assume there is a reason. Search the exact model and colourway on Ninth Corner to see the live price range across sellers — a real pair rarely sits far outside it.