First off, and this is kinda duh, but check the price. If it’s too good to be true, it probably IS. Like, a brand new pair of Jordans for 50 bucks? C’mon, you’re being punked. Nobody’s that generous. Unless, like, your grandma works at Nike or something. Then maybe. But probably not.
And the quality, yo. This is HUGE. Run your fingers over the material. Does it feel cheap? Are there, like, loose threads everywhere? Stitching all wonky? Real Nikes are usually pretty darn good quality. They ain’t perfect, no company is, but they’re usually consistent. Fakes often cut corners, ya know? I saw a pair once, the swoosh was, like, peeling off right out of the box! That’s a major red flag, dude.
Then there’s the details. This is where it gets tricky, cause the counterfeiters are getting good. But look CLOSELY at the Nike logo. Is it the right shape? Is it printed clearly? Look for any weird inconsistencies. They might be subtle, but they’re usually there. Also, check the SKU number. It’s usually on the box and inside the shoe. Google it! Does it match the shoe you have? If not, uh oh. Big problem.
Also, this might sound weird, but smell ’em! Real leather has a specific smell. Cheap synthetics have a different smell, kinda like plastic-y. Not always a foolproof method, I admit, but it can be a clue.
Okay, so here’s my personal, super important tip: research the seller! Where did you buy them? Was it some random website that looks like it was built in 1998? That’s a huge no-no. Stick to reputable retailers, like, you know, the actual Nike store, or Foot Locker, stuff like that. Or, like, a trusted reseller, but do your homework on them too! Read reviews, check their social media, make sure they seem legit.
Finally, and this is the best way to be 100% sure: If you can, compare them to a pair you KNOW are real. Go to a store, find the same shoe, and compare every little detail. It’s kinda a pain, I know, but it’s worth it if you’re worried about getting ripped off.
