Designer sneakers are like designer handbags. Once you have one, it becomes an obsession. While sneakers are now some of the most sought-after designer items, they didn’t always have a cult following.
The Birth of Sneaker Culture: How Air Jordans Sparked a Movement
The phenomenon of ‘sneakerheads’ who battle it out to buy the season’s must-have sneakers can be traced back to the original cult-favorite sneakers: the Air Jordans.
The Nike Air Jordan shoes are the original cult favorite and are considered the biggest catalyst for sneaker culture
These iconic sneakers are still going strong today. It is one of the most successful celebrity collaborations of all time. The Nike x Jordan partnership would start the trend of celebrities collaborating with athleisure brands and fashion labels.
No sneaker collection is complete without a pair of Air Jordans, and we’re diving deep into their world.
How do you spot fake Air Jordans? How much can you expect to pay for them? Read on to learn everything you need about Air Jordan sneakers.
Why the Air Jordan Logo Became a Cultural Icon
Air Jordan was launched in 1985 as a collaboration between Nike and the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. The silhouette used for Air Jordan is inspired by Michael Jordan’s iconic ‘Jumpman’ stance.
The Air Jordan logo is as recognizable and iconic as the Nike logo. It’s become a legendary symbol within the streetwear community.
The Air Jordan logo is reportedly inspired by a ballet move where Michael Jordan jumped and spread his legs while holding a ball in his left hand
Nike designed the original Air Jordan sneakers for Jordan’s 1985 season with the Chicago Bulls. This style has been reintroduced several times, including this year with the upcoming ‘Chicago Jordan 1’ design.
How to Spot Fake Air Jordans: A Sneakerhead’s Guide
Air Jordans’ popularity means it’s not uncommon to spot fakes. The best way to avoid fake Air Jordan sneakers is to buy your shoes directly from Nike or an authorized retailer.
A Hotukdeals report highlights the top 10 counterfeited sneakers under the Nike umbrella, with Air Jordan and Travis Scott collaborations dominating the list.
The Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Dark Mocha’ ranks the most counterfeited, followed by other popular models like the Travis Scott x Fragment Air Jordan 1 Low and the Nike Dunk Low “Panda.” The findings underscore the high demand for these limited-edition releases, driving counterfeit markets worldwide.
If you’re buying on the resale market, you must know how to spot a replica pair of Air Jordans. There are several things you should be looking out for:
1. Check the Logo Embossing
Air Jordans will usually feature the iconic ‘Jumpman’ logo. Some designs also incorporate the wings and basketball logo. Regardless of the logo features on the shoes, the embossing should be deep into the leather.
The Swoosh on authentic pairs is precisely placed, neither too high nor too low, and maintains appropriate distance from the lace holes. Misplacement is a common flaw in replicas.
Aside from the iconic Jumpman logo, Air Jordans also incorporate the wings and basketball logo deeply embossed on the heel strap
2. Inspect the Stitching Quality
Nike is one of the world’s most reliable activewear brands and is famous for its quality. You can spot fake Air Jordans by their poor stitching.
A genuine Swoosh features a thin stem, smooth curve, and sharp tip, with consistent and even stitching. Counterfeits often have uneven stitching and incorrect Swoosh shapes.
Air Jordan shoes should have neat stitching, with two lines of stitching on the heel straps
One area you want to pay attention to is the heel strap stitching. You should see two lines of stitching across the tab, while fake Air Jordans typically only use one.
3. Analyze the Interior Tongue Label
You always want to check the labels when authenticating Air Jordan sneakers. The inner tongue label will help you determine if a pair is fake. Genuine Air Jordans will use a slim text style evenly spread across the label. Fake styles will use a more compressed font.
The interior tongue of Air Jordan shoes should feature a ‘made in’ label done in a slim text style
The ‘ made in China ‘ text is another common error on the interior tongue label. It should also read ‘Fabrique En Chine’ below the English. If the ‘en’ is lowercase, it’s usually a sign of a fake.
Where Are Air Jordans Made? Debunking Manufacturing Myths
While a ‘made in China’ label often raises concerns about authenticity, this isn’t the case for Air Jordans.
Unlike luxury fashion houses, Nike manufactures Air Jordans in Asia, with most production taking place in China and Vietnam. The majority of Air Jordans on the market today are legitimately made in China.
Air Jordan Prices: What They Cost and Why They’re Worth It
Most Air Jordan sneakers retail between $135 – $200, depending on the style. The popularity of Air Jordan sneakers means they make up a sizable portion of Nike’s footwear collection for men, women, and children.
It means that Air Jordan sneakers are only marginally more expensive than what you would pay for other streetwear sneakers. Most Nike shoes retail for roughly $110, making Air Jordans only a little more expensive.
The Air Jordan 1 Zoom Comfort in Stadium Green (left) retails for just $115, while the Air Jordan x Off-White collaboration (right) sells for $2,500
You can expect to pay more for designer collaborations, particularly with luxury fashion houses. Virgil Abloh was deeply involved in several collaborations with Supreme and Off-White.
It’s worth noting that Air Jordans do depreciate. It’s common to see rare Air Jordan sneakers go for thousands of dollars on the resale market. You can build your collection with more affordable new releases before hunting down older styles.
Top 4 Air Jordan Styles Every Sneakerhead Should Know
There are dozens of Air Jordan styles to choose from. If you’re buying your first pair, you’ll likely pick up a new style directly from Nike. We’re rounding up some of the most popular Air Jordan styles, from new releases to cult favorites.
1. Air Jordan 1 Mid: The Perfect Blend of Retro and Modern
The Air Jordan 1 Mid is the most common style and is often re-released each season in a new colorway. These sneakers are inspired by the original AJ1 sneakers and blend contemporary trends with their classic design.
The Air Jordan 1 Mid features the original ’80s Air Jordan 1 DNA blended with contemporary elements
You can find Air Jordan 1 Mid sneakers in various colors, from subtle neutrals to bold neons. These sneakers retail between $135 – $500, making them a great first pair of Air Jordans.
2. Air Jordan 1 Chicago: The Ultimate Collectible Sneaker
The most sought-after style is the Air Jordan 1 Chicago. These sneakers are being re-released in October for the first time since 2015. You’ll want to grab these shoes in the iconic red and white colorway.
The most iconic Air Jordans of all time, the Chicago colorway is the cornerstone of any sneaker collection
3. Air Jordan 11 CMFT Low: A Minimalist’s Dream Sneaker
If you want a more understated look for your Air Jordans, try the 11 CMFT style. This style takes a more contemporary approach with a traditional gym sneaker silhouette.
Inspired by the classic Air Jordan, the Air Jordan 11 CMFT has a patent leather toe, webbing lace loops for quick lacing, and the signature Jumpman logo
4. Jordan II Concord: A Timeless Basketball Legend
These sneakers are just as legendary as the plane they’re named after. The Jordan II Concord sneakers were launched in 1995 as a revolutionary new sneaker silhouette. Although they were last released in 2018, they’re a style that collectors still fight over.
A remastered version of the Air Jordan 11 worn by Michael Jordan in 1995 and 1996, the Air Jordan 11 Concord features the number 45 — the uniform number Jordan initially wore when he returned from his first retirement in 1995 — replacing the traditional 23 on the heels
The Everlasting Appeal of Air Jordans: A Must-Have in Any Collection
Air Jordans are designer sneakers that everyone should have in their closet. The Nike collaboration has been going strong since 1985 – with no sign of slowing down. These sneakers sit at an attainable price point, making them an ideal addition to any collection.
Start your collection by exploring the latest Air Jordan styles at Nike.
Further Reading: Explore More About Nike Sneakers
If you’re a sneaker enthusiast or looking to expand your knowledge of Nike’s iconic footwear, check out these articles for more in-depth insights:
- Discover the Most Popular Nike Shoes: Learn about Nike’s most iconic designs that have shaped sneaker culture over the decades.
- Customize Your Perfect Pair: Explore how Nike By You allows you to design and personalize your own sneakers.
- Become a Nike Product Tester: Find out how you can join the Nike Voice of the Athlete Program and help test the latest innovations.
- Spot Authentic Nike Shoes: Check out our guide on how to identify fake Nike sneakers to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
These resources will help you stay updated on Nike trends, innovations, and tips for growing your sneaker collection!