How to spot fake Air Jordan sneakers

Air Jordans, and Jordan 1s above all, are among the most faked shoes ever made. Even high-tier replicas struggle with these points.

What to look for

6 tells

Toe cap perforations (Jordan 1)
Photo: Toe box
Genuine Jordan 1 toe caps have 3 rows of 12 round perforations, evenly spaced. Count them. Fakes often have the wrong count, uneven spacing or slightly oval holes.
Jumpman proportions
Photo: Tongue label
The Jumpman silhouette has very specific proportions. On fakes the head, arms or legs are often slightly too large, too small or at the wrong angle.
Wings logo stitching
Photo: Lateral side
The Wings logo on Jordan 1 Mid and High should have tight, even stitching. Fakes often look loose or uneven up close.
NIKE AIR on the insole
Photo: Top down
The NIKE AIR text on the insole should be a bold block font, centred, with sharp edges. Thin, off-centre or bleeding print is a common tell.
Heel counter stiffness
Check: In hand
Genuine Jordans have a firm heel counter that holds its shape. Fakes use softer material that collapses easily when you squeeze the heel.
Patent leather (Jordan 11)
Photo: Lateral side
Jordan 11 patent leather should have a deep, mirror-like gloss. Fakes use thinner plastic sheeting that looks shinier but flat.

The chip shows which photo in the check captures each tell. SneakerAuth runs 93 checks on every Air Jordan pair, these included.

Photograph your pair from guided angles. Our AI runs 93 checks, these included, in about 30 to 60 seconds. AI analysis, not a human guarantee.