Before clicking that purchase button online, it’s crucial to understand that Nike is one of the most counterfeited brands globally, according to the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC).
This issue is so pervasive that, as reported by Fashion Dive in November 2024, Nike escalated its legal battle against StockX, a prominent resale marketplace, by seeking a partial summary judgment. Nike accused StockX of false advertising with slogans like “100% Authentic” and “Always Authentic. Never Fake,” following the discovery of counterfeit Nike products on the platform. StockX, however, defended its verification process, emphasizing its commitment to authenticity.
Nike has accused StockX of selling counterfeit products, challenging the platform’s “100% Authentic” guarantee for sneakers like those featured here
Follow our short guide below to learn how to spot fake Nikes and avoid falling victim to scams.
1. Research the Seller: Ensure Credibility Before You Buy
Before buying Nike shoes online, the first step is to check the seller or the store you are buying from. If you are not buying from authorized stores, always take time to read feedback and reviews of the online seller.
Nike does not allow other stores to use its trademark in the domain name. For example, the website Nikebetterworld.com was quickly shut down and now redirects to Nike’s official store.
2. Watch for Unrealistic Discounts: Spot Fake Deals
A drastically low price is often a clear indicator of counterfeit Nikes. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. That said, not all discounted Nikes are fake.
Be cautious of discounts exceeding 50% of the original price, as such steep markdowns are uncommon for authentic Nike products outside official sales or clearance events.
Fake or possibly stolen Nike and Adidas sneakers sold for €10 (approximately $10) in Side, a city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Turkey (Credit: ad-foto / Shutterstock)
Unless you buy from an authorized Nike store and there’s a clearance sale like Black Friday, big markdowns on Nike are not common. Compare the seller’s prices with those posted on authorized stores or the Nike website.
If you want to buy Nike shoes on sale, the best websites to browse are Nordstrom Rack and Amazon. Be particularly careful when buying shoes on eBay.
3. Examine the Shoebox: Look for Authentic Details
All Nike shoes come in a box that is labeled and tagged correctly. The box color and print will differ depending on the style you purchase, but the most common boxes used are orange, brown, and red.
The side of the box should display important information, including style, size, SKU and serial number, and barcode. Counterfeiters try to imitate these boxes but lack the essential prints on the side. Some online sellers ship fake Nikes in plastic bags without the box.
4. Compare Shoe Styles: Spot Fake Colorways and Models
Doing a little research first helps familiarize yourself with the details of the style you are looking for.
Explore the latest Nike sneakers and customize your own designs by visiting Nike’s official website
Visit the Nike website and browse product photos. Check the color combinations available for the specific product you want. Many counterfeiters sell popular Nike sneakers, but the colors and shades of the originals are very different.
5. Inspect the Uppers: Check for Quality and Craftsmanship
Authentic Nike shoes boast quality design and production. In addition to high-quality materials, Nike uses advanced technology to craft stylish and comfortable shoes.
Regardless of the style you purchase, your Nikes should look and feel like good-quality shoes.
Counterfeit Nikes and knockoffs might look authentic from afar, but if you inspect them closely, the design will have inconsistencies and flaws. Watch out for uneven stitching, overlapping colors, and stiff uppers.
6. Inspect the Tongue Label: Verify SKU and Details
The tongue on the upper should display the brand name and the swoosh, sometimes with the style or model name.
The inside part of the tongue should have a tag printed with information, including size, country of manufacture, and the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) or serial number.
The tongue tag on authentic Nike shoes displays essential details like the brand name, model, and SKU, helping you verify their authenticity
This unique alphanumeric code, typically nine digits long, should match the number printed on the side of the box. Fake Nikes will usually display random numbers on the tag, but they won’t match the ones on the box.
7. Feel the Weight: Authentic Nikes Should Be Lightweight
Fake Nikes look and feel different. Because cheap materials are used to make fake products, counterfeiters have a hard time imitating the natural feel of Nikes.
Most of the time, fakes will feel heavier and more rigid than authentic ones. Real Nike shoes should be lightweight, so you do not feel any dragging while moving around.
8. Examine the Midsoles: Look for Advanced Foam and Precision
The midsoles of authentic Nike training and running shoes are typically glued and not stitched. They are made from ultralight advanced foam that provides arch support and cushioning.
Authentic Nike midsoles are crafted with precision, featuring lightweight foam and proper branding for support and comfort
On most new models, the brand name — along with the swoosh and sometimes the model name — is also printed on the insoles.
9. Inspect the Outsoles: Authentic Rubber for Traction and Flexibility
The outsoles of authentic Nike shoes provide traction and support because they are made with high-grade rubber. Imitations have cheap rubber that feels very plasticky and heavy on the foot.
Authentic Nike outsoles feature high-quality rubber with evenly spaced tread patterns for durability and traction
The ridges and patterns on the soles should be uniform and evenly spaced. Fakes typically have badly spaced patterns and stiff soles that are not flexible.
10. Check the Logo and Stitching: Spot Crooked or Mismatched Details
Other telltale signs of imitations can be seen in the small details of the shoe. The font on the prints should match, and the font size should also be even.
Look out for bad or crooked stitching details on the uppers, indicating fake shoes.
Authentic Nike shoes feature precise stitching and a cleanly embossed logo
Additionally, counterfeit Nike shoes can have misspellings and swoosh logos that are too big or facing the wrong side.
Where Are Nikes Manufactured? Authentic vs. Fake Origins
The company has contracted with more than 700 stores worldwide and has offices in almost 50 countries.
Most of Nike’s shoe factories are in Asia, including Indonesia, China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The most recent manufacturing map provides an updated list of where Nike shoes are manufactured.
Nike Boycotts: Controversies and Consumer Sentiment
Protesters started burning their Nike shoes, and some investors sold shares after Nike launched an advertising campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick.
The controversial NFL quarterback sparked a national controversy by kneeling during the national anthem to protest multiple police shootings of unarmed black men.
Many Americans called for a boycott of Nike after the company included controversial NFL player Colin Kaepernick in its 30th-anniversary campaign
In 2014, Colin Kaepernick was investigated for sexual assault by Miami police about an incident involving a woman at the Viceroy Hotel in downtown Miami. Hopefully, that helps explain why “everyone” is mad at Nike.
If you’re planning to boycott Nike to protest the company’s support of player Colin Kaepernick, instead of burning your shoes, why don’t you donate them to people in need?
Investing in Nike: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Stock
You can easily buy shares through a brokerage account. Once you’ve deposited money into your investment account, you can use that money to buy Nike stock. Some popular online brokers include Merrill Edge, Ally, and E-Trade.
The Meaning Behind Nike: Victory, Speed, and the Swoosh
The company was named after the ancient Greek goddess of victory, Nike, pronounced ni-key. Her Roman equivalent was Victoria. The brand’s mythological associations are flight, victory, and speed.
Nike is named after the ancient Greek goddess of victory, which is pictured on the cover of Nike: The Origins and History of the Greek Goddess of Victory by Charles River Editors and Andrew Scott
Names stemming from Nike include, among others, Nikolaos, Nicholas, Nicola, Nick, Nicolai, Niccolò, Nikolai, Nicolae, Nils, Klaas, Nicole, Ike, Niki, Nikita, Nikitas, Nika, Nieke, Naike, Niketas, Nikki, Nico, and Veronica.
Nike’s Subsidiaries: Brands Owned by the Sportswear Giant
Its subsidiaries include Brand Jordan, Hurley International, and Converse. Previously, Nike also owned the shoe brands Cole Haan and Umbro.
Nike is among the leading names in the industry for lifestyle and athletic shoes. Its sporty shoes are built with the best support and cushioning technology. Nike also offers trendy styles, making it an easy choice of casual footwear for fashionistas, athletes, and celebrities.
Kelly Brook, Paloma Mami, and LeBron James showcase the versatility of Nike shoes, from casual streetwear to bold red carpet statements and athletic performance (Credit: WENN)
Because they’re so popular, Nikes are some of the most counterfeited products in the whole world.
In October 2019, CNN reported that US Customs and Border Protection officers seized 14,806 pairs of fake Nike shoes at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. If authentic, they would’ve been worth more than $2 million!
Serena Williams, a long-time Nike ambassador, radiates confidence at the ‘Queens of Tennis’ experience hosted by Nike on August 20, 2019, in New York City (Credit: WENN)
Just two years earlier, CNBC reported that Nike had agreed to start selling shoes on Amazon in exchange for stricter policing of counterfeits and restrictions on unsanctioned sales of its products. However, the two companies ended their relationship in November 2019.
Where to Buy Authentic Nikes: Avoiding Counterfeit Scams
Arm yourself with the proper knowledge to protect your hard-earned money from scammers who sell substandard imitations and cheap knockoffs.
Buying Nike products from authorized retailers like Foot Locker and Nordstrom is arguably the simplest way to ensure you get the real thing.
You can also purchase authentic Nike shoes at the official Nike website and Farfetch. Authentic discounted clothing and shoes can be purchased at Nordstrom Rack.
Lucy Hale leaving the gym wearing Nike sneakers in Los Angeles on September 11, 2015 (Credit: WENN)
Nike continues to dominate sneaker culture with iconic designs that have shaped fashion and athletics. If you’re curious about the most legendary Nike shoes, check out our guide on the best-selling and most influential Nike sneakers of all time, which includes fan favorites like the Air Force 1 and Air Max 90. For those fascinated by the premium appeal of Jordans, our article on why the Air Jordan 4s remain one of the most popular and expensive models provides insights into their enduring legacy.
Looking to add a personal touch to your collection? Explore how to create custom Nike sneakers and express your unique style. Lastly, ensure you’re shopping smart with our list of top online stores for buying authentic Nike shoes and apparel. These resources will help you stay ahead in the world of Nike footwear.