Real vs. Fake: Nike SB Dunk Low “Los Angeles Dodgers” Authentication Guide

7th August 2025 EDT RELEASES

Real vs. Fake: Nike SB Dunk Low “Los Angeles Dodgers” Authentication Guide

How SNKRDUNK's professional authenticators distinguish between an original "Dodgers" SB Dunk and a replica.

Real vs. Fake: Nike SB Dunk Low “Los Angeles Dodgers” Authentication Guide

Nike SB Dunk Low "Los Angeles Dodgers" (Deep Royal Blue) Retail US$

The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro SB has been a cornerstone model since Nike SB’s establishment in 2002. Beyond collaborations with popular brands and skaters, even inline colorways often become highly contested releases, establishing it as one of Nike SB’s most coveted silhouettes.

However, this popularity has led to widespread circulation of counterfeit versions in the resale market, making careful authentication essential for potential buyers.

This comprehensive guide focuses specifically on the Nike SB Dunk Low “Los Angeles Dodgers” (Deep Royal Blue) and examines the authentication methods used by professional sneaker authenticators. While these represent only a portion of the complete authentication process, they provide valuable insights for anyone hesitant about purchasing from the secondary market.

About the Nike SB Dunk Low “Los Angeles Dodgers”

Released in 2022, this Nike SB Dunk features the team colors of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers. The shoe generated initial buzz upon release, and it experienced renewed popularity in Japan following Shohei Ohtani’s signing with the Dodgers in December 2023.

The pair has since developed a unique market phenomenon where trading activity increases following Ohtani’s on-field performances, extending interest beyond traditional Dodgers fans.

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Authentication Points

▪︎Box Label

The box label serves as a primary authentication checkpoint. Authentic and counterfeit versions display distinct differences in font weight for model names and colorway descriptions. Although subtle in photographs, authentic labels exhibit different color tones compared to their counterfeit counterparts.

▪︎UV Light (Toe Section)

Under UV light examination of the upper’s toe section, counterfeit versions reveal distinctive dotted lines beneath the front eyelet area that do not appear on authentic pairs. This UV-reactive marking is a common characteristic of fake versions.

▪︎UV Light (Heel Embroidery)

When UV light is applied to the heel logo embroidery, authentic pairs display a red fluorescent reaction, while counterfeit versions show no UV response. This differential reaction provides a reliable authentication method.

▪︎Interior Tag

The interior tag displays notable font differences between authentic and counterfeit versions. Fake pairs typically feature uniformly bolder font weight throughout the tag text.

▪︎Insole

Although they appear similar at first glance, a close examination of the insole reveals differences in logo shape and overall color tone between authentic and counterfeit versions. These subtle variations become apparent under magnified inspection.

▪︎Point: IR (Outsole)

Infrared (IR) examination of the outsole reveals differences in logo area reactions between authentic and counterfeit pairs. Although it may be challenging to detect in static images, the infrared response patterns offer an additional authentication verification method.

Professional Authentication Standards

These authentication points represent only a subset of the comprehensive verification process used by professional authenticators. Counterfeit manufacturing techniques continue advancing rapidly, making self-authentication increasingly difficult for non-specialists. Professional authentication services employ multiple verification points and utilize specialized equipment to achieve high-accuracy authentication results.

The sophisticated nature of modern counterfeits underscores the importance of purchasing through platforms that offer professional authentication services with trained specialists. As counterfeit production methods become more refined, the expertise required for accurate authentication extends beyond casual observation to technical analysis using specialized tools and extensive knowledge of authentic construction details.

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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