Top 5 Ways to Spot Fake Nikes

When purchasing Nike shoes you are always going to run the chance of buying fake merchandise at any given time. There are those out there that have made an industry out of it and they are getting very good at fooling people just long enough till its too late. Counterfeit Nikes, in particular, have become more and more difficult to spot as their manufacturers have gotten much better at making them “look” real. The result in the end is always the same though; cheap materials and poor engineering that result in the footwear falling apart in a matter of days.

You save a few bucks but was it really worth it?

Here are 5 tips for spotting fake Nike merchandise. Some are more subtle than others but the main point is to check so you aren’t unpleasantly surprised.

1. If the shoes came plastic or shrink wrapped that’s not a good sign. Legitimately made Nikes come wrapped in tissue paper.
2. If you’re buying from eBay, make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller who has high feedback, a good seller reputation, and has been selling on the site for a while. This will ensure they have a good track record. Most fake Nikes will come from new sellers who are trying to make a quick buck and get kicked off the site.
3. The sole material is a major giveaway. True Nike soles are made of BRS 1000 rubber so it should feel like rubber. Fake Nikes soles are usually made of plastic and are extremely slippery when you wear them in slick areas. This is especially dangerous when you’re using them for heavy physical activity.
4. If you’re buying them through eBay or an online vendor and they are being drop-shipped from China, Hong Kong or the Philippines, chances are they’re fake. These two countries have the majority of fake merchandise manufacturers.
5. Finally, check the SKU Number. Real Nikes have unique matching SKU numbers on the box and inside tag of the shoe.