How To Tell the Difference Between a Fake and a Genuine Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low “Matcha”?
With fake pairs on the rise, here's how to spot the real "Matcha" SB Dunk and protect your sneaker collection.
Japanese Olympic skateboarding champion Yuto Horigome is a huge name in the sneaker world, and his collaborations with Nike SB are especially sought after. His latest sneaker, the Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low “Matcha”, has become so popular that counterfeit versions are quickly appearing on the market. If you’re hoping to buy a pair, it’s essential to know how to spot the fakes. Sneaker authentication service SNKRDUNK has shared tips from its experts on how to distinguish real pairs from fakes.
What is the Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low “Matcha”
Released in April 2025, this “Matcha” Dunk is Horigome’s second collaboration with Nike SB, following his highly successful “Horigome Dunk” from 2023. The new shoe features a speckled pattern and Horigome’s family crest on the heel, giving it a distinct Japanese aesthetic. Given its popularity, it consistently ranks as one of the most traded sneakers on SNKRDUNK’s platform.

Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk Low “Matcha”
According to SNKRDUNK’s expert authenticators, here is a breakdown of some key differences between the real and fake versions.
Insole and Outsole Details

- • Insole: On an authentic pair, the size markings on the back of the insole are shallow and consistently positioned. On a fake, these markings are often deep and at inconsistent heights.

- • Outsole: Examine the “NIKE SB” logo. The logo on a fake is frequently blurry, and the font on the “S” is misshapen. In contrast, the logo on a genuine pair is sharp and clear.
Hidden UV and Infrared Markers

- • Infrared (IR) Test: When placed under infrared light, the Nike Swoosh on a real shoe will appear white, and the patterns on the shoe’s upper will show up as black. On a fake, the Swoosh turns black, and the upper patterns show almost no reaction.

- • UV Light Test (Heel & Lining): The suede on the heel logo of an authentic pair glows brightly under UV light, whereas a fake shows little to no glow. Additionally, the orange embroidery on the fake “NIKE” logo on the heel will react with an orange glow, while the real one does not. This orange reaction is also present on the suede lining of genuine shoes but is absent on fakes.

- • UV Light Test (Tongue): On a real pair, the entire tongue label and the area around the brand logo glow brightly under UV light. A fake pair shows no special reaction at all.
Conclusion
While these are just a few of the many details that professional authenticators inspect, they highlight how difficult it can be for the average person to spot high-quality fakes. This is why services like SNKRDUNK are so valuable, as the detailed checks ensure buyers are getting the genuine article.
What is SNKRDUNK Lab?
As a leader in the industry, our lab is dedicated to tackling the social and economic problems caused by counterfeit goods. We aim to improve authentication technology and raise awareness about fakes by strengthening our partnerships with domestic and international experts and research institutions. By combining technology, data, and human expertise, we are creating the future standard for what is authentic.
Our Main Activities
Investigating and Researching Counterfeit Goods
SNKRDUNK currently maintains an authentication accuracy rate of 99.97%. We will continue to conduct research and investigations, utilizing Japan’s largest database of counterfeit products to stay ahead of the curve.
Improving Our Authentication Technology
By introducing and researching various tools, including X-ray, infrared, and microscopes, we are enhancing our technology to ensure we can authenticate every single item.
Communicating for Public Awareness
We will regularly publish market reports based on our partnerships with external organizations and experts, as well as on insights and research findings gathered from the field.
Read more about SNKRDUNK Lab here.
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