Logo for obvy's consumer magazine

Advice and tips on buying and selling between private individuals

Air Jordan 4: How to Spot a Fake Pair of Trainers?

An iconic pair of basketball shoes, the Air Jordan 4 is one of the most-worn by the world-famous player Michael Jordan. Available in a range of colours, this pair of trainers has won over many a sneaker addict. It is now one of the most popular pairs of shoes of its time. However, given the success of this model, counterfeiters have been quick to replicate the pair with the sole aim of making a profit. They put them up for sale on unofficial websites or second-hand product resale platforms, making you believe that they are authentic models. That's why, in this article, we give you our advice on how to recognise a fake pair of trainers from the real thing.

Size label :

Start by paying particular attention to the size label on the bottom of the trainer's tongue, which tells you a lot about the trainer's authenticity. It tells you a lot about the authenticity of the Air Jordan 4. The font used by crooks is different from that used by Jordan.

The letters on the size label of fake Air Jordan 4s are too thick and greasy. On real trainers, the font is much thinner, cleaner and more legible.

On the left, a real Jordan label, on the right, a replica label

Sewing under the cage :

Now let's analyse the seam under the trainer cage. This detail is very often overlooked by counterfeiters, who attach less importance to it. It is therefore all the more interesting to observe it in order to identify a counterfeit.

The seams under the cage of the fake pair have too much space between each thread, making the stitching inconsistent on replicas. In contrast, on a real pair, the seams are placed closer together.

Tight seams help the shoe to stand the test of time, so they're not to be underestimated.

On the left, a real pair of Air Jordan 4 shoes, on the right, a replica of this pair of shoes.

The back of the trainer :

Also check the back of the shoe carefully, and more specifically the seams in this area. The back of the Air Jordan 4 may change depending on the model, you may have the text "Nike Air" or the Jumpman logo. Regardless of the model, it's all about analysing the seams.

The seams on an authentic pair of Jordan sneakers should be tight, thick and even. If this isn't the case on the trainers you want to buy, you're beginning to doubt their authenticity.

If you have a model with the Jumpman logo on it, also look at the stitching around the logo, on real pairs it's thicker and more deeply set into the shoe than pairs from replica factories.

Curious to find out more about counterfeit trainers? Check out our articles on Day trainers by Hermès, Chain Reaction trainers by Versace and Air Force one trainers by Nike.

The Air Jordan label:

The last point to pay particular attention to is the Air Jordan label on the inside of the shoes. The size and thickness of the brand inscription are not respected by counterfeit manufacturers.

The "Air Jordan" text on the fake pair is too small. The letters on the label of a counterfeit are also too thin and narrow.

On the left, a real Jordan label, on the right, a fake Jordan label.

Secure the purchase of your used Air Jordan 4 with Obvy :

If you want to buy your pair of Air Jordan 4 on resale platforms between private individuals, we advise you to use Obvy to secure your transaction.

Obvy is a secure payment platform that helps you avoid the scams that are common in transactions between private individuals. When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies that the goods purchased are in order. If this is not the case, you are automatically refunded and the item is returned to the seller.

By using Obvy to carry out transactions between private individuals, you can also benefit from payment in several instalments.