Real vs. Fake: Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP “Navy” Authentication Guide

6th August 2025 EDT FEATURES

Real vs. Fake: Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP “Navy” Authentication Guide

Key points to distinguish the real from the fake, according to our professional SNKRDUNK authenticators.

Real vs. Fake: Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP “Navy” Authentication Guide

Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP "Navy" Retail US$

Nike SB has established a solid position in Nike’s skateboarding line. Of course, the SB Dunk remains the flagship model, but the Air Jordan 4 releases from the SB line have gained significant popularity in recent years.

However, this popularity has led to a proliferation of counterfeit products in the secondary market, making it essential to exercise caution when purchasing.

This article focuses on the Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP “Navy” and examines how professional authenticators determine legitimacy. The information presented here represents only a portion of the authentication methods used, but it serves as a valuable reference for those hesitant about purchasing from secondary markets.

About the Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP “Summit White/Navy”

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The Nike SB Air Jordan 4 “Summit White/Navy” was released by Nike SB in March 2025. Coming approximately two years after the previous “Pine Green” release. The shoe maintains the classic details and colorway of the AJ4 while incorporating SB-specific updates, making it appealing to both basketball and skateboarding fans.

Authentication Point: Box Label

The first authentication point to examine is the box label. The primary difference lies in the font styling, with authentic pairs featuring thinner fonts overall. Counterfeit versions tend to reproduce outdated font styles that differ from current authentic labeling.

Authentication Point: Upper Side (IR Camera)

When examining the upper side using an IR (infrared) camera, authentic pairs appear whitish throughout the entire shoe, while counterfeit versions show darker areas, particularly in the heel section and other specific components.

Authentication Point: Upper Toe Box (UV Reaction)

Under UV light examination of the upper toe box area, counterfeit pairs reveal distinctive dotted lines that are not present on authentic shoes. This UV reaction serves as a reliable indicator for authentication purposes.

Authentication Point: Insole Interior

The font on the insole interior differs between authentic and counterfeit pairs. Authentic versions feature rounded fonts, while counterfeits use more angular font styling. Additionally, authentic pairs exhibit deeper embossing compared to their counterfeit counterparts.

Authentication Point: X-Ray Comparison

X-ray analysis reveals significant differences in the Air unit construction. Authentic pairs contain thick, well-formed Air units with consistent structure, while counterfeit versions show variations in thickness and overall shape throughout different areas of the Air cushioning system.

Conclusion

The authentication points highlighted in this guide represent only a portion of the comprehensive evaluation process used by professional authenticators. Counterfeit manufacturing techniques continue to advance daily, making it increasingly difficult for non-experts to identify fake products through self-assessment methods.

Professional authentication services provide extremely high accuracy in determining authenticity through comprehensive evaluation of multiple authentication points.

This article focused specifically on the Nike SB Air Jordan 4 Retro SP “Navy”, but similar detailed authentication guides will be provided for other models to assist buyers in making informed purchasing decisions in the secondary market.

The combination of advanced authentication techniques, including UV light testing, IR camera analysis, X-ray examination, and detailed physical inspection, ensures the highest level of accuracy in distinguishing authentic products from increasingly sophisticated counterfeits.

What is SNKRDUNK Lab?

At SNKRDUNK Lab, we’re dedicated to combating the social and economic issues caused by counterfeit goods. We’re doing this by improving our authentication technology and raising public awareness about fakes.

By strengthening our partnerships with local and global experts and research institutions, we’re combining technology, data, and human expertise to set the new standard for authentication.

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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