Real vs. Fake: The Nike Air Max DN8 “Triple Black” Authentication Guide

8th August 2025 EDT FEATURES

Real vs. Fake: The Nike Air Max DN8 “Triple Black” Authentication Guide

Don't get scammed! Learn how to spot fake Nike Air Max DN8 "Triple Black" sneakers with our expert authentication guide.

Real vs. Fake: The Nike Air Max DN8 “Triple Black” Authentication Guide

Nike Air Max DN8 "Triple Black" Retail US$

Nike’s Air Max series is one of the most popular and iconic sneaker lines in the world. With a constant stream of new releases, reissues, and collaborations, it’s no surprise that some colorways, like the Air Max DN8 “Triple Black,” sell out almost instantly. However, this popularity also attracts counterfeiters, flooding the secondary market with fake sneakers.

This guide, based on insights from professional appraisers at SNKRDUNK, will walk you through the key points of authentication for the Nike Air Max DN8 “Triple Black.” While these details represent only a fraction of our comprehensive appraisal process, they are essential for anyone looking to make an informed purchase on the secondary market.

What is the Nike Air Max DN8 “Triple Black”?

The Air Max DN8 debuted in 2025 as the successor to the Air Max DN, continuing the legacy of the Air Max series. It builds on the innovative Dynamic Air system from its predecessor, but with a significant upgrade: the number of pressurized Air tubes has been doubled to eight. This provides superior responsiveness and cushioning with every step.

Released on March 6th, just ahead of Air Max Day, the “Triple Black” colorway is particularly popular for its sleek, monochromatic aesthetic. It’s cool, all-black design makes it a versatile and sought-after sneaker.

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Authentication Points: A Visual and Technical Breakdown

1. The Upper

The upper is one of the first and most critical areas to inspect. While it may be subtle in a photo, the genuine version has a lighter black hue, while the counterfeit version appears as a much darker, almost charcoal black. The materials and texture on the real pair are also of a higher quality.

2. Visible Air

The “Visible Air” unit is the signature feature of the DN8. When you shine a light on the real sneaker, the Air unit has a translucent, bluish tint. In contrast, the fake Air unit is typically a completely clear and colorless transparent material.

3. The Heel Logo

The heel logo on the authentic model is meticulously finished with fewer air bubbles in the plastic. Additionally, the font used for the logo on the genuine pair is rounded, whereas the counterfeit version uses a more angular, less refined font.

4. The Insole

The differences in the insoles are notable. The real insole is three-dimensional and molded to the shape of the foot, offering ergonomic support. The fake insole, however, is often flat and lacks this shaping.

Furthermore, when viewed from the side, you’ll notice a color difference on the underside of the real insole.

The logo print on the fake insole is also often inconsistent in size and has a thinner font compared to the authentic version.

5. IR Camera (Infrared)

Using an IR (infrared) camera reveals a significant difference in how the shoes react to heat. The upper of the genuine sneaker will appear white, indicating a specific material composition. The fake version, however, remains black and shows no change in color, revealing a cheaper material that does not respond to infrared light in the same way.

6. X-Ray Analysis

For a truly definitive check, an X-ray comparison reveals internal structural differences.

Forefoot: Only the fake sneaker will show a long hole inside the sole of the forefoot.
Rearfoot: The real sneaker has a forked plastic part in the heel, which is a key structural component. The counterfeit version lacks this separate, crucial plastic part.

Why Authentication is More Important Than Ever

The authentication points covered here are just a small part of a comprehensive appraisal. As counterfeiters become more sophisticated, it’s increasingly difficult for the average person to spot a fake with the naked eye. This is why we highly recommend purchasing from a trusted marketplace like SNKRDUNK, where every item undergoes extremely accurate authentication by professional appraisers.

We hope this guide provides a useful reference for anyone looking to buy or sell sneakers on the secondary market. We will continue to share authentication tips for other models in the future, so stay tuned!

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.

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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