Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail: how to spot fakes

Last summer, the world of sneaker addicts was marked by the release of Virgil Abloh's collaboration with the Off White brand and the famous Air Jordan 4. This collaboration gave birth to the Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail. This cream-coloured leather set, contrasted with black details, was a big hit with everyone. The Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail went on sale when it was officially released on 25 July 2020 for €200, but is now only available from retailers, most of whom are charging in excess of €1,000.

Here are 4 tips for recognising fake Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail.

1 - Seams

Outer seams

The seams on an authentic pair of Air Jordan 4 Off-White Sail are perfectly executed and parallel to each other. The slightest flaw proves that you are in possession of a fake Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail.

Above, a real pair of Air Jordan Off-White Sail, below a fake AJ4 Off-White Sail.

Back seams

Let's take a look at the stitching on the back of your Air Jordan Off-White Sail. Here again, on authentic AJ4s, they are perfectly executed, without the slightest flaw. On Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail replicas, they are not of good quality and are often too thick and too deep in the shoe.

On the left, a real AJ4 Off-White Sail, on the right, a counterfeit AJ4 Off-White Sail.

2 - The text "AIR" on the midsole

Now take a look at the midsole of your AJ4 Off-White Sail and, in particular, the text 'AIR', the legendary Off-White inscription. Take a close look at the thickness and size of the text - it's often too thin or far too thick on a fake Off-White. Also look at its position on the midsole of your Off-White, it's often placed too high on a fake pair of Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail.

Above, a genuine AJ4 Off-White, below, a fake AJ4 Off-White

3 - The plastic cage

Observe the exterior and interior details of the plastic cage. The impression of the text on a replica is never identical to that on a genuine Off-White Sail, often too thick, often too thin - don't hesitate to compare this detail with official images. Also look at the shape of this plastic cage, it looks much rounder on a replica than on a real pair of Off-White AJ4s.

Left: a real AJ4 Off-White Sail, right: a fake AJ4 Off-White Sail

4 - The flying label

We'll end this guide with an inspection of the hang tag on your AJ4 Off-White Sail at the laces. Look at this label in minute detail, counterfeiters don't pay enough attention to these little details and that's where you can tell whether it's a real or fake Off-White. Look at the shape of the Jumpman logo and the size and thickness of the "AIR" text.

Left: an authentic AJ4 Off-White Sail, right: an AJ4 Off-White Sail replica.

Buy your pair of Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail with Obvy

To avoid being ripped off by dishonest resellers, use Obvy for transactions between private individuals.

Obvy is the benchmark payment method for purchases and sales between private individuals. You'll benefit from a host of features that will help you avoid scams between private individuals. In particular, if you use our tips to realise that you've bought a fake Air Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail, you can send it back to the seller without any problem and get your money back.

With Obvy, you can pay for all your sneaker collections by paying in instalments between private individuals.

We've also written an article that will help you spot counterfeits of the Air Jordan 1 Dior, another must-have collaboration.