Nike shoes are so popular that they are prime targets for counterfeiters. If you cannot spot original Nike shoes, you might end up buying the counterfeit product for the price of an original one.
Thankfully, there are a number of tell-tale signs you can look for to prevent yourself from getting scammed.
1. Check out the seller
Before committing to buy any Nike shoes check out the seller. Always take time to read feedback and reviews about the online seller if you are not buying from an authorised store. The best option, of course, is to buy from authorised Nike retailers or directly on the Nike store or website.
2. Examine the packaging
Most fake Nike shoes do not come in an original Nike box. Instead, they are shrink-wrapped in clear plastic or are not even packaged. Most of the boxes for fake Nikes are hastily glued together and therefore not as sturdy as true Nike boxes.
The box colour and print will differ depending on the style you purchase, but the most common boxes used are orange, brown and red. The side of the box should display important information including style, size, SKU number and barcode.
3. Examine the SKU number on the box and the labels inside of the shoes
Every pair of authentic Nike shoes comes with an SKU number which is 9 digits long. The SKU on the shoes should be identical to the SKU number on the box. If the numbers are missing or do not match, they are likely fakes.
4. The price tag
One of the tell-tale signs of a fake pair of Nike is the ridiculously low prices. If the shoes seem ridiculously low-priced, they’re most likely not authentic. However, this does not mean that all discounted Nikes are fakes. Although some sellers could actually sell fake pairs for the price of originals that is why we have other things to consider.
6. Check the tongue
The tongue on the upper should display the brand name and the swoosh, sometimes with the style or model name. The inside part of the tongue should have a tag printed with information; including size, country of manufacture and the SKU number.
Check the tongue label. Often, fake Nike manufacturers put outdated sizing labels on the inside of the shoe. For example, a fake label may tell you the shoe was designed in 2008 when in fact Nike first manufactured that item in 2010.
7. Check the weight
Fake Nikes do not just look different, they also feel different. Because cheap materials are used to make fake products, these counterfeiters have a hard time imitating the real feel of Nikes. Most of the time, fakes will feel heavier and more rigid than authentic ones. Authentic Nike shoes should be lightweight so that you do not feel any dragging while moving around in them.
8. Check the midsoles
The midsoles of authentic Nike training and running shoes are typically glued and not stitched. They are made from ultralight advanced foam that provides arch support and cushioning. On most new models, the brand name — along with the swoosh and sometimes the model name — are also printed on the insoles.
9. Check for tiny details
Other telltale signs of imitations can be seen on the small details of the shoe. The font on the prints should match and the font size should also be even. Lookout for bad or crooked stitching details on the uppers, which can indicate fake shoes. Additionally, counterfeit Nike shoes can have misspellings and swoosh logos that are too big or facing the wrong side.
11 thoughts on “Fake alert! How to spot fake Nike”