The collaboration between popular American select shop UNION and Nike has produced numerous masterpieces over the years. However, due to their immense popularity, the secondary market is flooded with counterfeit products, making it crucial for buyers to exercise caution when making purchases.

This guide focuses on the UNION x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Chicago/Shadow” released on 18 March 2025, examining how professional authenticators at SNKRDUNK identify real versus fake products. While this article covers only a portion of the authentication methods, it serves as a valuable reference for those hesitant about purchasing items in the secondary market.

About the UNION x Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG “Chicago/Shadow”

This Air Jordan 1 represents one of the finest works in the UNION x Nike collaboration series, featuring a distinctive docking design. As Air Jordan celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, this highly anticipated new colorway has finally been released. The model combines the popular “Chicago” and “Shadow” colorways in a docking design that has captured the attention of the community, making it arguably one of the most coveted releases of the year.

Authentication Points

▪︎Box Design

The authentication process begins with examining the box design. This release features a special box design, and comparison reveals subtle differences in coloring. The fake version has noticeably darker printing compared to the authentic version.

▪︎Main Body (Light Blue Stitching)

Next, examine one of the model’s signature details: the light blue stitching. The authentic version features pale light blue thread, while the fake version uses darker blue thread.

▪︎Tongue Tag

The tongue tag shows differences in font characteristics, with the fake version displaying an overall thicker font compared to the authentic version.

▪︎Inner Tag

While subtle in images, the inner tag reveals differences in font styles between authentic and fake versions upon close examination.

▪︎Keychain

The included keychain shows variations in the shape of both the Jumpman logo and the UNION logo. Additionally, due to material differences, the fake version displays a more prominently visible UNION logo transparency.

▪︎X-Ray Analysis

Finally, X-ray examination of the internal structure reveals significant differences. In the fake version, the AIR positioning is misaligned, and the shape differs from the authentic version.

Conclusion

The authentication points outlined above represent only a fraction of the comprehensive evaluation process. SNKRDUNK conducts holistic authentication by examining multiple additional points beyond those mentioned. As counterfeit manufacturing techniques become increasingly sophisticated, it has become extremely difficult for non-experts to identify fake products through self-assessment methods.

This is precisely why purchasing through SNKRDUNK, which employs professional authenticators with exceptionally high-precision authentication standards, is highly recommended.

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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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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!

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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