Nike Air Jordans

In order to keep their shoes in demand and command a high dollar the Air Jordan brand only releases shoes once a year. With a low supply and a high demand Nike ensures their shoes become collectors items. Air Jordans are still as popular now as they were when its namesake - Michael Jordan - played basketball. His shoes are rare and they are definitely collectors items which has caused the inevitable - people are creating cheap fakes in order to sell knock offs of the famous running shoe.

There are a number of ways to spot a cheap imitation Air Jordan - let's take a look at them;

The Shoe Materials

The most noticeable difference between authentic Air Jordans and the imitation Air Jordan sneakers is the plastic used. If you are buying a pair of Nike sneakers notice that the imitations use cheap plastic which is not as hard and durable as the one used in the original version. The imitation's plastic will come apart after a short period of time and even faster if you use them to play basketball. When you play a fast paced game like basketball you will test the workmanship and durability of the sneakers. Nike sneakers where specifically manufactured for Michael Jordan to use and they had to perform at his level - a level much greater than any one else.

Air Jordan Availability and Price

As mentioned the Nike Air Jordan division only releases the sneakers on a specific date of the year thus keeping a low supply in high demand. Therefor the amount of Air Jordans available will not be great and if you find a site online offering thousands of these shoes then you know you are dealing with replicas. Especially if they are selling them at a very low price. When these sneakers go on sale their prices range between $50 and $70 but can be as high as $300 like the Air Jordan III.

Photo: Air Jordan Miro

Of course the easiest way to spot a fake is when they use the term replica in the sales copy. If you have bought shoes online then you have probably come across fakes at one time or another. It is common to hear about replicas in the handbag and purse industry and it is now becoming the norm in the footwear industry.

As the saying goes - buyer beware.