How to Spot Fake Jordan 11 Retro

The Air Jordan 11 Retro is one of the most iconic sneakers in history, and it’s no surprise that it’s also a popular target for counterfeiters. If you’re looking to buy a pair of Jordan 11s, it’s important to know how to spot a fake. There are a number of telltale signs to look for, and we’ll go through them in detail in this article. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about spotting fake Jordan 11s.

What are the most common signs of fake Jordan 11s?

There are a number of common signs that can indicate that a pair of Jordan 11s is fake. Some of the most common signs include:

• Poor stitching: The stitching on fake Jordan 11s is often uneven, loose, or otherwise poorly done. Pay close attention to the stitching around the patent leather, the Jumpman logo, and the tongue.
• Incorrect materials: Fake Jordan 11s are often made with inferior materials. The patent leather may be too shiny or too dull, the mesh may be too thin or too thick, and the soles may be made of a cheap, hard plastic.
• Incorrect logo placement: The Jumpman logo on fake Jordan 11s is often misplaced or poorly aligned. The logo should be centered on the heel tab and should have a distinct “Nike Air” inscription below it.
• Incorrect shape: The overall shape of fake Jordan 11s is often off. The toe box may be too pointed, the heel may be too wide, or the silhouette may be too boxy.
• Mismatched sizes: Sometimes, counterfeiters will mislabel the size of the shoe. Be sure to check the size tag inside the shoe and the label on the box to make sure they match.
• Suspiciously low price: If the price of a pair of Jordan 11s is significantly lower than the retail price, it’s likely that they’re fake. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

By looking for these common signs, you can increase your chances of spotting a fake pair of Jordan 11s. However, it’s always best to buy your Jordan 11s from a reputable retailer.

What are the most common fake Jordan 11 colorways?

The most common fake Jordan 11 colorways are those that are the most popular and sought-after. Some of the most commonly counterfeited colorways include:

• Concord: This classic black and white colorway is a perennial favorite and is often targeted by counterfeiters.
• Bred: Another iconic colorway, the Bred features a black upper with red accents.
• Space Jam: This black and blue colorway was made famous by the 1996 movie “Space Jam” starring Michael Jordan.
• Columbia: This white and blue colorway is a popular choice for spring and summer.
• Cool Grey: This gray and silver colorway is a versatile option for any season.

These are just a few of the most common fake Jordan 11 colorways. If you’re looking to buy a pair of Jordan 11s in one of these colorways, be extra careful and make sure you’re buying from a reputable source.

How can I tell if the patent leather is real or fake?

The patent leather on authentic Jordan 11s is a key feature. Here are some tips to help you distinguish real patent leather from fake:

• The shine: Authentic patent leather has a deep, glossy shine. It should not be too shiny or too dull. Fake patent leather often has a plastic-like shine that’s too bright or too matte.
• The texture: Authentic patent leather is smooth and supple. It should not be rough or feel like plastic. Fake patent leather is often stiff and can have a textured surface.
• The crease lines: Authentic patent leather develops natural creases when the shoe is worn. Fake patent leather may have creases that look unnatural or are too deep.

If you’re unsure about the patent leather, it’s always best to consult with an expert. You can also look for other signs of a fake shoe, such as poor stitching or incorrect logo placement.

What about the Jumpman logo?

The Jumpman logo on Jordan 11s is a key feature that counterfeiters often try to imitate. Here are a few things to look for:

• The stitching: The stitching around the Jumpman logo should be clean and even. It should not be loose or uneven.
• The “Nike Air” inscription: The “Nike Air” inscription below the Jumpman logo should be clear and legible. It should not be blurry or faded.
• The shape: The Jumpman logo should be the correct shape. It should be proportional and have a smooth, curved outline.

If you notice any imperfections in the Jumpman logo, it’s a good indication that the shoe is fake. It’s also worth noting that some counterfeiters use very high-quality materials and techniques, so it can be difficult to spot a fake logo.

What about the sole unit?

The sole unit of the Jordan 11 is another key feature that counterfeiters often get wrong. Here are a few things to look for:

• The carbon fiber plate: Authentic Jordan 11s have a carbon fiber plate in the midsole that adds stiffness and support. This plate is visible through a translucent window in the sole.
• The outsole pattern: The outsole pattern on authentic Jordan 11s is distinct and intricate. The pattern on fake Jordan 11s is often poorly done or incorrect.
• The “Nike Air” inscription: The “Nike Air” inscription on the sole should be clear and legible. It should not be blurry or faded.

If you notice any inconsistencies in the sole unit, it’s a good indication that the shoe is fake.

How can I check the box and the paper tags?

The box and paper tags that come with Jordan 11s can also provide clues about authenticity.

• The box: The box should be sturdy and have a high-quality finish. The “Air Jordan” logo should be printed clearly on the box, and the shoe size should be printed on the label on the side of the box.
• The paper tags: The paper tags should be made of high-quality paper and have a smooth finish. The “Air Jordan” logo should be printed clearly on the tags, and the shoe size and colorway should be printed correctly.

If the box or paper tags look flimsy or have any printing errors, it’s a good indication that the shoe is fake.

Are there any other things I should look for?

In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things to look for when spotting fake Jordan 11s:

• The smell: Authentic Jordan 11s have a distinct smell of leather and rubber. Fake Jordan 11s often have a chemical smell that’s indicative of inferior materials.
• The feel: Authentic Jordan 11s have a high-quality feel. The leather should be soft and supple, the mesh should be breathable, and the sole should be firm and supportive.
• The price: If the price of a pair of Jordan 11s is significantly lower than the retail price, it’s likely that they’re fake. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

By checking for all of these signs, you can significantly reduce your chances of buying a fake pair of Jordan 11s.

How can I get my Jordan 11s authenticated?

If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a pair of Jordan 11s, you can have them authenticated by a professional. There are a number of authentication services available, such as:

• StockX: StockX is a popular online marketplace for buying and selling sneakers and streetwear. They offer an authentication service that verifies the authenticity of sneakers before they are shipped to the buyer.
• GOAT: GOAT is another online marketplace for buying and selling sneakers and streetwear. They also offer an authentication service that verifies the authenticity of sneakers before they are shipped to the buyer.
• Legit Check App: The Legit Check app is a mobile app that allows you to submit photos of sneakers for authentication. The app uses AI to analyze the photos and identify potential signs of counterfeiting.

These authentication services are a good option if you want to be sure that you’re buying a genuine pair of Jordan 11s. However, it’s important to note that even authentication services are not foolproof. Some counterfeiters are so good at replicating sneakers that even the most experienced authenticators can be fooled.

What are the risks of buying fake Jordan 11s?

There are a number of risks associated with buying fake Jordan 11s. Some of the risks include:

• Wasting your money: Fake Jordan 11s are often made with inferior materials and may not last as long as genuine sneakers. You could end up wasting your money on a pair of shoes that quickly fall apart.
• Getting scammed: There are many dishonest sellers who will try to sell you fake Jordan 11s. You could end up losing your money if you’re not careful.
• Supporting illegal activities: Counterfeiters often operate illegally and may be involved in other criminal activities. By buying fake Jordan 11s, you could be supporting illegal activities.

It’s important to be aware of these risks before buying Jordan 11s. It’s always best to buy from a reputable source and to take the time to inspect the shoes carefully before you buy them.

Where can I buy genuine Jordan 11s?

If you want to be sure that you’re buying a genuine pair of Jordan 11s, it’s best to buy from a reputable retailer. Here are a few places where you can buy genuine Jordan 11s:

• Nike.com: The official Nike website is a great place to buy genuine Jordan 11s.
• Foot Locker: Foot Locker is a popular retailer that carries a wide selection of Jordan 11s.
• Finish Line: Finish Line is another popular retailer that carries a wide selection of Jordan 11s.
• JD Sports: JD Sports is a popular retailer in the UK that carries a wide selection of Jordan 11s.
• Resale marketplaces: Resale marketplaces like StockX and GOAT are good options if you’re looking for rare or hard-to-find Jordan 11s.

When buying from a resale marketplace, it’s important to make sure that the seller is reputable and that the shoes have been authenticated. You can also check the seller’s reviews to see what other buyers have said about their experiences.

Table Summarizing the Article:

Feature	Authentic Jordan 11	Fake Jordan 11
Stitching	Clean and even	Uneven, loose, or poorly done
Materials	High-quality materials	Inferior materials
Logo placement	Correct placement and alignment	Misplaced or poorly aligned
Shape	Correct shape and silhouette	Incorrect shape or silhouette
Size	Correct size label on the shoe and box	Mismatched sizes
Patent leather	Deep, glossy shine, smooth and supple texture, natural crease lines	Plastic-like shine, stiff texture, unnatural crease lines
Jumpman logo	Clean stitching, clear and legible “Nike Air” inscription, correct shape	Uneven stitching, blurry or faded “Nike Air” inscription, incorrect shape
Sole unit	Visible carbon fiber plate, distinct and intricate outsole pattern, clear “Nike Air” inscription	Incorrect sole unit features
Box and paper tags	Sturdy box, high-quality paper tags, clear printing	Flimsy box, low-quality paper tags, printing errors
Smell	Distinct smell of leather and rubber	Chemical smell
Feel	High-quality feel	Cheap feel
Price	Retail price or close to it	Suspiciously low price

FAQ:

Here are some frequently asked questions about spotting fake Jordan 11s.

How can I tell if a pair of Jordan 11s is fake?

There are a number of ways to tell if a pair of Jordan 11s is fake. Some of the most common signs include poor stitching, incorrect materials, incorrect logo placement, incorrect shape, mismatched sizes, and a suspiciously low price.

What are some of the most common fake Jordan 11 colorways?

Some of the most common fake Jordan 11 colorways include the Concord, Bred, Space Jam, Columbia, and Cool Grey colorways.

How can I tell if the patent leather on a pair of Jordan 11s is real?

Authentic patent leather has a deep, glossy shine, a smooth and supple texture, and natural crease lines. Fake patent leather often has a plastic-like shine, a stiff texture, and unnatural crease lines.

What should I look for when inspecting the Jumpman logo?

The stitching around the Jumpman logo should be clean and even, the “Nike Air” inscription should be clear and legible, and the logo should be the correct shape.

What about the sole unit?

Authentic Jordan 11s have a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, a distinct and intricate outsole pattern, and a clear “Nike Air” inscription. Counterfeiters often get these features wrong.

What should I look for when inspecting the box and paper tags?

The box should be sturdy and have a high-quality finish. The “Air Jordan” logo should be printed clearly on the box, and the shoe size should be printed on the label on the side of the box. The paper tags should be made of high-quality paper and have a smooth finish. The “Air Jordan” logo should be printed clearly on the tags, and the shoe size and colorway should be printed correctly.

Where can I buy genuine Jordan 11s?

You can buy genuine Jordan 11s from reputable retailers like Nike.com, Foot Locker, Finish Line, and JD Sports. You can also buy from resale marketplaces like StockX and GOAT, but make sure the seller is reputable and that the shoes have been authenticated.