The Air Jordan 1 is subject to intense competition among collectors and enthusiasts. Purchasing from primary retail channels is ideal, but popular models often become unavailable through official channels.

However, the secondary market carries inherent risks of counterfeit products. Professional authenticators from SNKRDUNK have shared comprehensive guidance on identifying authentic Air Jordan 1 sneakers versus counterfeits.

Air Jordan 1: A High-Value Target for Counterfeiters

The Air Jordan 1 is Michael Jordan’s eponymous signature shoe, its origin story depicted in the 2023 film AIR directed by Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon. The model comes in three main variations: High, Mid, and Low. The High version is the undisputed favorite, while Mid and Low versions appeal to broader audiences.

Models that follow the original 1985 colorways are designated as “OG” and continue to be re-released periodically. Many items sell out immediately and command premium prices. Collaboration models are particularly sought after, with partnerships involving Travis Scott and fragment design sometimes trading at over ten times retail price.

Due to overwhelming demand, the Air Jordan 1 market is flooded with counterfeits across all models, not just collaborations and limited editions. The quality of counterfeits continues to improve, making visual authentication extremely difficult. However, since these sneakers feature distinctive Air units, X-ray authentication provides an effective verification method.

Universal Authentication Points for Air Jordan 1

X-Ray Internal Air Unit Verification

X-ray examination reveals that many counterfeits contain dummy air units that differ in size and position compared to authentic pairs. Some counterfeits lack air units entirely.

UV Light Response Testing

Under ultraviolet light, many counterfeits display dotted lines that do not appear on authentic pairs. Even counterfeits without visible dotted patterns often exhibit different color reactions compared to genuine products.

Model-Specific Authentication Points

Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Black Toe Reimagined”

UV Response (Upper)

Under UV light, counterfeits fail to show the “AIR JORDAN” text reaction and display unauthorized dotted lines.

Logo (Insole)

Authentic pairs feature black logos, while counterfeits typically show navy coloring.

Shoelaces

Color differences are evident in shoelaces, particularly with red laces appearing dull and dark on counterfeits.

Air Jordan 1 High OG “Lost & Found/Chicago”

Tongue (Front)

Authentic pairs feature white stitching connecting the “E” in “NIKE” to the swoosh, which is absent on counterfeits.

Tongue (Back)

Text comparison reveals different pitch counts for letters “M” and “N” between authentic and counterfeit pairs.

Insole (Back)

Authentic insoles have thin text with coarse material texture and subtle surface irregularities. Counterfeits display thick text with smooth, fine-textured surfaces.

Invoice

Authentic invoices use deep yellow paper with text showing bleeding edges, while counterfeits use lighter colored paper without bleeding.

Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG TS SP “Sail/Dark Mocha”

Box Material

Authentic boxes use fade-resistant materials, while counterfeit boxes fade under indoor lighting.

Wrapping Paper (Front)

Authentic wrapping paper shows consistent quality with clean printing without bleeding or unevenness. Counterfeits have pale pink coloring and may show logo bleeding.

Wrapping Paper (Back)

While authentic paper has some transparency, counterfeits use significantly thinner paper with strong pink tinting and clear logo transparency.

Upper (Nubuck) Texture

Authentic pairs may show color variation in nubuck grain patterns. Counterfeits have shorter pile and less variation.

Logo (Insole)

Authentic insoles feature bright red coloring with logos appearing to “sit” on the surface. Counterfeits use darker colors with logos appearing “pressed” into the insole.

Union x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG NRG “Storm Blue/Varsity Red”

Box Coloring

Authentic boxes feature vibrant colors, while counterfeits appear dull with poor color saturation.

Insole

Different font styles are used, with counterfeits showing stronger bleeding in text.

UV Response (Tongue)

Under UV light, authentic tongue logos appear bright red, while counterfeits appear dull.

Infrared (IR) Response

Using infrared technology, authentic pairs appear entirely gray, while counterfeits show black sections.

SNKRDUNK’s Professional Authentication Service

Comprehensive Professional Authentication and Inspection

All listed products undergo authentication and inspection by experienced professional authenticators. The team examines brand characteristics, manufacturing era specifications, and individual variations based on extensive databases and years of experience.

Cutting-Edge Authentication Technology

Beyond visual inspection, SNKRDUNK employs Japan’s only X-ray transmission equipment, digital microscopes used by specialized institutions, and infrared cameras. These advanced tools detect minute font differences in internal tags, unauthorized adhesive reactions, and internal structural differences invisible to the naked eye.

Exceptional 99.96% Authentication Accuracy

Through rigorous processes, SNKRDUNK achieves 99.96% authentication accuracy (calculated from transactions between 1 November 2023, and 31 October 2024). Products failing authentication standards or identified as counterfeits are cancelled before reaching buyers.

SNKRDUNK’s Transaction Process and Security

SNKRDUNK operates differently from typical marketplace apps, following a seller → SNKRDUNK authentication/inspection → buyer flow.

This eliminates direct communication between parties, protecting personal information and preventing “swap return” fraud common on marketplace platforms. Products undergo expert authentication and inspection before delivery, ensuring transaction security throughout the process.

The platform provides full compensation and dedicated customer support for any issues with authenticated products or shipping problems, maintaining comprehensive protection for customers.

Conclusion

The authentication points discussed represent only a portion of SNKRDUNK’s comprehensive evaluation criteria. Counterfeit manufacturing techniques improve daily, making self-authentication extremely challenging for non-experts. Professional authentication services with high accuracy rates provide the most reliable protection against counterfeits.

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Alternatively, you can also head to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and browse the latest and greatest in sneakers, streetwear, and TCG.

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