Spotting Fakes: The Ultimate Guide to Authenticating Your Air Jordan 4s

The Air Jordan 4, a classic silhouette beloved by sneakerheads worldwide, is unfortunately also a prime target for counterfeiters. With their intricate design and high demand, fakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to discern a real pair from a convincing copy. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently authenticate your Jordan 4s, helping you avoid the disappointment of purchasing a fake.

Why is Authenticating Jordan 4s So Important?

Purchasing fake sneakers isn’t just about losing money. It’s also about supporting unethical practices that often involve exploitation and low-quality manufacturing. Beyond the moral implications, fake sneakers often lack the comfort, durability, and performance of genuine pairs. They might fall apart quickly, not fit properly, and ultimately leave you with a disappointing experience. Knowing how to spot fakes protects your investment and ensures you’re getting the quality and experience you expect from a genuine Jordan product.

The Key Areas to Examine When Authenticating Jordan 4s

Authenticating Jordan 4s requires a meticulous approach, examining several key areas of the shoe. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for, step-by-step:

1. The Overall Shape and Silhouette

Genuine Jordan 4s have a distinct shape and silhouette. Pay close attention to the following:

• Toe Box: The toe box should be slightly raised and rounded, not flat or overly pointed. Fake Jordan 4s often have a too-sharp or too-flat toe box.
• Side Panels: The side panels should have a smooth, slightly curved line. The shape of the netting on the side panels should be consistent and well-defined. Fake pairs might have irregular or poorly shaped side panels.
• Heel Shape: The heel should have a subtle curve, not be overly boxy or flat. The overall shape should flow seamlessly from the upper.

2. The Materials and Construction

Jordan 4s are constructed using high-quality materials. Here’s what to scrutinize:

• Leather Quality: Genuine Jordan 4s use supple, premium leather. It should feel smooth and luxurious to the touch. Fake leather often feels stiff, plastic-like, or has an artificial grain. Pay attention to the texture and overall quality.
• Suede (if applicable): Many Jordan 4 colorways feature suede. The suede should have a consistent nap and should feel soft and velvety. Fake suede may appear rough or have an inconsistent texture. Brush your finger across the suede and see if the color changes slightly, this is a good indication of quality suede.
• Mesh Netting: The mesh netting on the sides and tongue should be finely woven and have a consistent pattern. The holes should be evenly spaced and the netting should lay flat. Fake pairs might have inconsistent netting with visible gaps, loose weaves, or a flimsy feel.
• Stitching: Examine the stitching throughout the shoe. It should be clean, even, and consistent, with no loose threads or uneven spacing. Fake pairs often have sloppy, inconsistent stitching. Look closely at where the leather panels join together and around the midsole.
• Paint Application: The paint on the midsole and other areas should be clean, consistent, and free of smudges or imperfections. Fake paint application might be uneven, have excess paint, or look rushed. Pay close attention to the paint on the “Air” tab on the heel, it should be clean and well-defined.

3. The Wings (Lace Cage)

The wings, also known as the lace cage, are a defining feature of the Jordan 4. Here’s what to check:

• Material and Texture: The wings are typically made of a rigid plastic material. They should feel solid and durable, not flimsy or flexible. Check to see if the plastic is smooth and does not feel oily or have a strange texture.
• Shape and Size: The wings should be symmetrical and have a consistent shape and size on both shoes. Compare both of them closely to see if the angles and curves match on both sides of the shoe.
• Attachment: The wings should be securely attached to the shoe and should not wiggle or feel loose. They should lay smoothly against the leather.

4. The Tongue

The tongue is another critical area for authentication:

• Shape and Thickness: The tongue should have a defined shape and a moderate thickness. Fake tongues may be too thin, too thick, or have an odd shape. Check the side of the tongue for any inconsistencies or odd shapes.
• Jumpman Logo: The Jumpman logo on the tongue should be clearly embroidered and have sharp, well-defined lines. The embroidery should not look blurry, rushed, or misshaped. Ensure the Jumpman is the correct size and the proportions are consistent with the original.
• Text (if applicable): Some Jordan 4 colorways have text on the tongue tag. Make sure the text is correctly aligned and the font is the correct typeface and size. Fake pairs will often have the text misspelled, crooked, or use a different font.
• Material: The material of the tongue should be consistent with the rest of the shoe. It should be well-padded and comfortable. Check the backing of the tongue, it should have a smooth and seamless finish.

5. The Heel Tab

The heel tab is a crucial spot for identifying fakes:

• Shape: The heel tab should have a distinct shape with a consistent curve. Compare both heel tabs and make sure the edges are well-defined and the proportions are correct.
• Jumpman Logo (if applicable): Many Jordan 4s feature the Jumpman logo on the heel tab. The logo should be cleanly embossed or embroidered, and have sharp, well-defined lines. The logo should be of the correct size and proportion, matching the original designs.
• Text (if applicable): Some Jordan 4s have Nike Air branding on the heel tab. Check the font, size, and spacing of the text. Make sure it is correctly positioned and aligned. Fake pairs often have errors in the text or an incorrect font type.
• Material: The material of the heel tab should match the rest of the shoe and should be sturdy.
• “Air” logo: The “Air” logo, if present, should be sharply printed with clean lines and consistent sizing. Fake pairs might have smudged or uneven printing. Make sure the lettering is the correct size and spacing from each other.

6. The Insole

The insole is often overlooked, but it’s an essential element for authentication:

• Jumpman Logo: The Jumpman logo should be clearly printed on the insole with a crisp, well-defined design. The size, shape, and positioning of the logo should be accurate. Fake insoles often have blurry, faded or incorrect logos.
• Material: The insole should be made of a comfortable, durable material. Fake insoles can feel thin or flimsy and lack cushioning.
• Stitching: Inspect the stitching around the insole. It should be neat and even, with no loose threads.
• Glue Residue: There should not be any excessive glue residue on the insole. The insole should be securely glued in place.
• Printing: The printing should be clear, and not smudged or faded.

7. The Outsole

The outsole is another key area to inspect:

• Material: The outsole should be made of a durable, high-quality rubber that provides good traction. It should be consistent and not feel too soft or too hard.
• Pattern: The outsole pattern should be clear and well-defined. The grooves should be deep enough to provide proper traction. Fake outsoles often have shallow grooves or an inconsistent pattern.
• Jumpman Logo (if applicable): The Jumpman logo on the outsole should be well-defined and accurate. Ensure the size and position is correct.
• Color Consistency: Ensure the colors of the outsole match the original design and are not faded or off-color.

8. The Box and Packaging

The box and packaging can often provide clues about the authenticity of the sneakers:

• Box Quality: The box should be made of sturdy cardboard and should have a crisp, well-defined print. Fake boxes often have flimsy cardboard and blurry or misaligned prints.
• Label: The box label should have all the correct details, including the style code, size, colorway, and country of origin. Make sure these details match the details on the tag inside the sneaker. Fake boxes may have errors in these details, such as a misspelled style code or incorrect size.
• Wrapping Paper: The wrapping paper inside the box should be thin and have the Jumpman logo or Nike logo printed on it. Fake pairs often use plain, unmarked wrapping paper.
• Accessories: Check for any included accessories, such as extra laces or tags. Ensure these accessories are of good quality and match the original packaging.

9. The SKU and Style Code

The SKU and style code are crucial identifiers. Here’s what to do:

• Check the Label: Locate the style code on the label inside the shoe (often located under the tongue) and on the box label. Verify that both match.
• Online Verification: Search online using the style code to confirm the sneaker’s details, colorway, and release date. You can use reputable sneaker databases or resale sites. If the results don’t match what you have, it’s a red flag.
• Font and Spacing: Pay close attention to the font and spacing of the numbers and letters of the style code. Fake pairs may use a different font or have incorrect spacing.

10. Use Your Senses

• Smell: Genuine sneakers have a distinct smell of quality leather, rubber, and adhesives. Fake sneakers often have a strong chemical or plastic odor.
• Feel: Run your hand over the shoe. Genuine materials feel premium, soft, and durable. Fake sneakers often feel stiff, rough, or plastic-like.
• Weight: Genuine sneakers often have a specific weight due to the quality of the materials. Compare the weight of your sneakers with a known authentic pair or information online. Fake sneakers might feel too light or too heavy.

Tips to Avoid Buying Fake Jordan 4s

Preventing yourself from buying fake sneakers is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase Jordan 4s from authorized retailers, well-known sneaker stores, or verified sellers on reputable marketplaces. Avoid unknown or unverified sellers, especially those on social media or online marketplaces that aren’t established.
• Beware of “Too Good to be True” Deals: If a deal seems unbelievably cheap, it’s likely a red flag. Genuine Jordan 4s rarely go on sale for significantly lower prices.
• Ask for Detailed Photos: If buying online, request detailed photos from the seller, including pictures of the box, tags, and multiple angles of the shoes. If the seller hesitates to provide detailed photos, it’s a sign that they may be hiding something.
• Check Seller Reviews: Look at the seller’s reviews and ratings before making a purchase. Avoid sellers with a history of negative reviews or complaints about fake products.
• Use a Trusted Authenticator: If you are unsure about the authenticity of a pair, use a professional authentication service. There are various reputable companies that provide this service for a fee.
• Stay Updated on New Releases: Keep track of new Jordan 4 releases and familiarize yourself with the authentic design. This will make it easier to identify any discrepancies.
• Be Patient: Avoid rushing into a purchase. Take your time to thoroughly research and authenticate the pair before committing.

Conclusion

Authenticating Jordan 4s can be challenging, but by paying attention to these details and using the tips above, you can protect yourself from buying counterfeit sneakers. Remember to take your time, be meticulous in your examination, and trust your instincts. With vigilance and knowledge, you can confidently add genuine Jordan 4s to your collection.