How to Spot Fake Nike Air Max Sneakers
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Fake Nike Air Maxes are less common than fake Air Jordans and fake Nike Dunks, but that doesn’t mean they’re not being manufactured. Any time money can be made from a highly-coveted release or a significant collaboration, there’s someone looking to to take advantage — particularly in markets such as the UK, where Air Maxes are vastly popular.
Fortunately, the overall quality of fake Air Maxes doesn’t match that of other fake sneaker lines, simplifying the process of distinguishing between real and fake pairs. Below is a guide outlining how to determine if your Air Max 1s, Air Max 90s, and Air Max 95s are real.
Nike Air Max 1 ‘86 OG “University Red”
Pair Checked: Nike Air Max 1 ‘86 OG “University Red”
Side-by-Side Check
The overall shape of the fake Air Max 1 is clunky and looks its stuffed, particular toward the midfoot.
Swoosh is too short, the stitching is shoddy, and the panel cuts are inaccurate.
The “Big Bubble” version of the Air Max appears to be giving fake manufacturers trouble, as this fake pair features an abnormally large Air unit.
Box Check
The authentic box for the Air Max 1 ’86 OG typically features a heavier scratch print throughout.
On the box label, the font differs, and it lacks the unisex sizing information found on fake versions.
The label tends to be glossier on authentic boxes compared to fake ones.
The real box is larger than the fake box and includes a longer Swoosh window on the lid.
Tissue Paper Check
The stripe print on the real tissue paper is lighter than the fake tissue paper.
Tongue Tag Check
The tongue of the real Air Max 1 ’86 OG typically displays a deeper color bleed compared to the fake versions.
Embroidery on the tongue tag is a lighter shade of red on real pairs.
The logo appears more compact, and the ‘AIR MAX’ lettering is spaced out more on the real tag.
The fabric lace loop is wider and has a different texture than the real Air Maxes.
Size Print Check
The size print on the real pair is less bold and positioned much lower along the collar.
Lining Check
The Swoosh on the real pair is much cleaner, smoother around the corner, comes to more of a point, and has a cleaner stitch.
Heel Check
The red heel overlay is rounded on the fake pair, while it’s flatter on the real pair.
Air Bubble Check
The Air bubble on the real pair has more of a milky, off-white look to it.
The columns within extend further than they do on the fake pair.
Medial Quarter Check
More mesh is visible between the grey and red suede overlays on the real pair.
Check the Eyestay
The double-stitching is wider and cleaner on the real pair.
Heel Check
The logo embroidery is larger and cleaner on the real pair.
Less of the neoprene collar is visible on the real pair because the grey suede panel extends further up.
The red suede overlay is shorter on the real pair and forms a wider ‘U’ shape beneath the logo than it does on the fake pair.
Lateral Side Check
The Swoosh is positioned higher on the real pair. It’s also smoother, more rounded, and comes to a point at the tip.
The height of the mudguard is slightly shorter on the real pair and the flow of the lines are smoother.
There’s more mesh visible between the mudguard and eyestay on the real pair.
Outsole Check
The Nike logo is straighter on the real pair. Also, the traction pods are shaped differently.
Insole Check
They’re counting on you never pulling these out, so the bottom of the fake insoles aren’t even the correct color.
Nike Air Max 90 (III) OG “Infrared”
Side-by-Side Check
The real pair has a much more sleek silhouette, with a rounded heel and down-sloped toebox.
The toe of the fake pair curves up, while the real pair’s toe sits low to the ground.
A much darker shade of grey is used on the fake pair. The infrared is also brighter on the real pair.
Tongue Tag Check
The font and logo are larger on the real tongue tag.
The registered trademark symbols are slightly more bold on the fake tag.
Toebox Check
In addition to the color difference, the stitching is tonal on the real pair and contrasting white on the fair pair. Also, the stitching at the bottom of the eyestay doesn’t match.
Air Bubble Check
The fake Air bubble is too clear and the columns don’t match the real pair.
Fakes doesn’t have a hint of white visible around the inside of the Air bubble window.
The shape of the Air Max logo is off and the lettering is too high on the fake pair.
Mudguard Check
Swoosh Check
The Swoosh on the fake pair, seen here from the medial side, is crooked and poorly stitched.
Similarly, the cut of the suede overlay is inaccurate.
Heel Check
The size of the infrared heel tab is larger on the real pair.
Logo and font protrude more on the heel of the fake pair.
There’s more of a curved ‘U’ shape to the back of the mudguard and the midsole on the real pair.
The real pair has less visible mesh between the heel tab and mudguard.
Outsole Check
The outsole of the real shoe features more defined traction, deeper grooves, and a more prominent Nike logo.
Size Tag Check
The size tag, particularly on this 30th Anniversary Air Max 90, is located along the lining along with a stamped size number on real pairs. Also, the font is larger and different on the real tag.
Nike Air Max 95 OG “Neon”
Side-by-Side Check
The shape of the fake Air Max 95 doesn’t match the real pair, particularly evident in the abnormal height of the heel.
Gradient fades along the sides are much more subtle on the real pair.
The neon color tends to lean closer to yellow rather than green on the real pair.
Bottom overlay appears too thick, altering the appearance of the upper.
Tongue Check
The tongue of the fake Air Max 95 doesn’t match the tongue of the real pair.
The Air Max logo embroidery is different, the reflective panel is too dark on the fake pair, and the materials aren’t the same.
Toebox Check
The real pair features noticeably smaller mesh holes.
On the fake pair, the point of the toe overlay appears too rounded, and the stitching is incorrectly white.
The grey color is darker on the authentic pair.
Bubble Check
The positioning of the Swoosh is off-center on the fake pair.
Air bubble is too large and does not align with the authentic Air bubble.
Heel Check
Distinguishing between real and fake Air Max 95s can be done by comparing the shape of the heel panel, which varies between the two.
The logo appears bolder on the fake pair, and the stitching on the fake pair looks cheaply done.
Outsole Check
The outsole colors differ between the authentic and counterfeit pairs, with the fake pair also displaying distinct fonts and typographical errors.
Additional Tips to Ensure That You’re Not Scammed When Buying Nike Air Maxes Online
Buy your Nike Air Maxes from reputable retailers as often as possible.
If the price seems too good to be true, you’re likely dealing with fake Nike Air Maxes.
Exercise caution with alternative terms used for fake sneakers, such as Factory Variant, Replica, Reps, UA (Unauthorized real), and Unauthorized. Regardless of the labels these sellers use, they all refer to fake products.
Verify the legitimacy of the seller by checking their rating or searching for them online. Often, entering a seller’s name in a search engine will yield feedback, good or bad, from individuals who have previously purchased products from them.
Reach out to the seller and request additional photos of the Nike Air Maxes. A reputable seller should have no issue with transparency and will readily comply with your request when approached respectfully. Having photos may also be helpful in the event that you need to file a claim if the seller sends sneakers that are different from the supplied pictures.
Use secure payment methods such as PayPal or credit cards that offer buyer protection. Avoid wire transfers or payment methods that offer no recourse for fraud.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off or if the seller is pressuring you to make a quick decision, it’s best to walk away and find another seller.
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