Q&A for How to Spot Fake Nikes

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  • Question
    What side is the Nike tick on?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It depends on the shoe. Various Nike shoes can have the tick on either the left or right side, both sides, or have stylized versions of the tick in other positions as well.
  • Question
    Where are Nike shoes manufactured? If the tag says "made in China" are the shoes fake?
    Community Answer
    No. The vast majority of real Nike shoes are made in factories in China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. The tag is only one indicator; check for the others as explained in the article.
  • Question
    My Nikes say they are manufactured in India. Does that mean they are fake?
    Community Answer
    No, India actually has a lot of places that manufacture all types of Nike products.
  • Question
    Can the tongue of a Nike shoe indicate if it is real or fake?
    Community Answer
    Yes, examine the symbol on the tongue for the symbol. If it is not lined up with the middle, it is likely a fake.
  • Question
    If the shoes are made in Vietnam, does this mean that they are fake?
    Community Answer
    No, they are not necessarily fake, since Nike makes some shoes in Vietnam. Check other identifying features before assuming the worst.
  • Question
    Are all Nike shoes sold in orange boxes?
    Community Answer
    Most of them are, but there are various special products that ship in boxes with other colors and designs, including green, black, and pink.
  • Question
    My Nikes came in plain white box. Are they fake?
    Community Answer
    Yes. A pair of Nikes should come in an orange box, with a white tick logo (the Nike logo). The packaging is probably the biggest giveaway to be honest.
  • Question
    Do real Nikes have a triangle at the end of the check?
    Community Answer
    No, Nike shoes should not have a triangle at the end. If you spot that, they are most likely fake.
  • Question
    On the tongue there's the jumpman with "AIR" written underneath. Are they fake?
    Community Answer
    They're not fake, they're genuine Nike Jordans.
  • Question
    If the label that is supposed to be on the tongue is not on the tongue but more towards the side, is the shoe fake?
    Community Answer
    No, many shoes that are special (exp. Lebrons kyries and others) have it on the side.
  • Question
    If you can visibly see glue where the trainer has been put together, is it likely to be a fake?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. Sometimes authentic Nikes have some minor flaws. If the material quality is poor and branded as new they're probably fake
  • Question
    Do Nike shoes have their name on the shoes, or only the logo?
    Community Answer
    Mostly the logo, but sometimes both.
  • Question
    Can I check the bar code to determine if the shoes are authentic?
    Community Answer
    You may check it through serial numbers. Type it in Google to match it to your shoes.
  • Question
    Could I tell a fake by the swoosh?
    Community Answer
    Yes, some swooshes are different color than the original shoe or some are even off balance.
  • Question
    Does the Nike Mercurial's color come a little bit off after washing it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this does seem to occur, from a light orange to a light peach, for example. If possible, keep washing to a minimum or expect the lightening to occur after washes.
  • Question
    How can I tell if a Nike shoe is made of leather or a synthetic?
    Community Answer
    Feel it, smell it, or ask someone who knows their leather. Compare it to real Nikes.
  • Question
    How can I check the SKU number?
    Community Answer
    The SKU number is on the inside of the shoe, on the bottom of the tongue.
  • Question
    What happens if I customize my shoes on Nike.com? Are they fake then?
    Community Answer
    No, it's still original but it's up to you if you want it to look fake by customizing the colors. Original Nike shoes typically have either a black or a white swoosh, and the rest is up to you.
  • Question
    Is my shoe a fake if it breaks right away?
    Community Answer
    No. It depends on how you treat the shoe but also consider that like most things in life, occasionally something goes wrong and quality control slips up. Take it back to the retailer for an exchange or refund.
  • Question
    Do all Nike shoes come with a sticker on the box?
    Community Answer
    Many stores don't put the Nike sticker on the box, and some fake Nikes do. It's not a reliable indicator one way or the other.
  • Question
    Is that piece of cotton on the end of the tick supposed to be on the real Nikes?
    Community Answer
    No, but it depends what type of shoe you are talking about. If its on a football boot, then it shouldn't be there.
  • Question
    Is a shoe fake Nike if it has a red box and no printing on the inside of the shoe?
    Community Answer
    Check behind the tongue. Real Nikes have the website printed below the swoosh on the tongue.
  • Question
    If the paint is peeling on my Nike Air Max Tns, does this mean they are fake?
    Community Answer
    Most likely, but it depends on how old they are. If they're extremely worn, of course the paint is going to wear. If new though, or hardly worn, be suspicious.
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