The fastest way to spot fake Jordans is to check five things in order: the box label against the size tag inside the shoe, the heel shape, the logos, the stitching and the seller. Fakes have got very good, so no single detail proves a pair is real, but a pair that fails two or more of these checks is one to walk away from.

Below is the checklist we use when we look at a pair, written for NZ buyers shopping on Marketplace, Trade Me, Instagram or anywhere else a pair turns up second hand.

Why are fake Jordans so hard to spot now?

A decade ago a fake Jordan gave itself away from across the room: the wrong shape, a shiny plastic upper, a Jumpman with the wrong proportions. Today's replicas are built from photos of real pairs, and some even come in genuine Nike boxes. That is why legit checking is about patterns, not one magic tell. You are looking for a run of small mistakes that a factory cutting corners keeps making.

The models most often copied are the ones everyone wants: the Jordan 1 High, the Jordan 1 Low and the Jordan 4. If you are buying one of those privately, take your time.

Quick legit check table

Does the box label match the shoe?

Start with the paperwork. Every genuine Jordan has a size tag sewn inside the tongue or on the inner lining, and it carries the same style code and size as the label on the end of the box. If the box says one code and the tag says another, or the sizes disagree, something has been swapped.

Look at the label itself too. Fake labels often have fonts that are slightly too big, text that sits off-centre, or spacing that wanders. Then type the style code into a search engine: it should bring up exactly the colourway in your hands. Remember the box alone proves nothing, because counterfeiters sometimes ship fakes in real boxes.

What should the heel of a Jordan 1 look like?

Stand the shoe on a table and look at it straight from behind. A genuine Jordan 1 High has an hourglass shape: wider at the top collar, pinched in through the middle and flaring out again towards the sole. Fakes tend to run straight up and down, or look chunky and boxy.

If you are comparing, pull up official photos of the same colourway, such as our Jordan 1 High '85 Georgetown or Jordan 1 High Royal Toe listings, and line up the heel.

How do I check the Wings logo and Jumpman?

On a Jordan 1, the Wings logo on the ankle flap should be pressed deep into the leather with crisp, evenly spaced letters. On fakes it often looks shallow, smudged or almost painted on, and the feathers of the wings can sit too far apart.

The Jumpman, whether it is on a Jordan 1 tongue tag or the heel tab of a Jordan 4, should have clean edges and natural proportions. Arms and legs that look too thick or too thin, or messy embroidery around the outline, are classic replica mistakes. Check the tongue tag text as well: it should be sharp, with tidy stitching around the edge.

What does good stitching look like?

Nike's stitching is straight and evenly spaced, especially around the Swoosh, the heel and the ankle collar. Run your eye along each panel. Lines that wobble, stitches that cross over each other or bunch up, and loose threads are all warning signs.

The Swoosh deserves its own look. A genuine Swoosh has a smooth curve and a sharp tip, and it sits in the right spot relative to the lace panels. On fakes it is often a touch too big, too small or blunt at the end. On the toe box, real perforations are small, neat and tightly spaced, while fakes tend to have bigger holes spread further apart.

What about the inside and the sole?

Pull the insole out. A real one fits snugly, has clear printed branding and feels firm but cushioned. Thin foam, a rough cut edge or faded print points to a fake. Inside the shoe, genuine pairs have clean lining with no obvious glue marks; sloppy glue stains and loose finishing are common on replicas.

Flip the shoe over. Genuine outsoles are solid, well moulded and symmetrical, with sharp traction patterns. Soft, rubbery soles with blurry patterns are another strike.

Can the seller tell me more than the shoe?

Often, yes. Be wary of listings that only use stock photos, sellers who won't send tagged photos of the box label and size tag, and deals that look too good to be true for a pair that is hard to get. Ask for close-ups of the heel, tongue tag, size tag and insole. A genuine seller will happily send them.

The safest option is buying from a store that checks every pair before it ships, so you are not the one doing the detective work.

Where to buy authentic Jordans in NZ

Every pair at Im Your Wardrobe is authentic and inspected before it is sent, with tracked delivery NZ-wide, free NZ shipping on every order and Afterpay at checkout. Browse the full Jordan collection, or start with a few pairs our customers keep coming back for: the Jordan 1 Low OG Rookie of the Year, the Jordan 4 Bred Reimagined and the Jordan 11 Concord. Not sure on fit? Our Air Jordan 4 size guide and Jordan 1 Low picks will help.

FAQ

What is the quickest way to tell if Jordans are fake?

Compare the style code and size on the box label with the size tag inside the shoe, then search the style code online. If they don't match, or the code brings up a different shoe, treat the pair as fake.

Is the box enough to prove Jordans are real?

No. Counterfeiters sometimes use genuine Nike boxes, so check the shoe itself: heel shape, logos, stitching, insole and size tag.

How can I tell if Jordan 1s are fake from the back?

Look at the heel from directly behind. Real Jordan 1 Highs have an hourglass shape that pinches in through the middle, while fakes usually look straight or bulky.

Where can I buy authentic Jordans in NZ?

Im Your Wardrobe sells authentic, inspected Jordans with free NZ shipping on every order, tracked delivery NZ-wide and Afterpay.