Hey sneakerheads! Getting your hands on a pair of Jordan 4 Infrareds is a big deal, but with so many fakes floating around, how do you make sure you're getting the real deal? Don't worry, guys, I’m here to break down all the key differences between real and fake Jordan 4 Infrareds. Let's dive in!

1. Overall Look and Shape

At first glance, the overall look and shape can tell you a lot. Real Jordan 4s have a very specific silhouette that counterfeiters often struggle to replicate accurately. Pay close attention to the following:

• The Toe Box: The toe box on an authentic pair is usually more streamlined and has a gentle curve. Fake pairs often have a bulkier, more rounded toe box that looks a bit off.
• The Side Profile: Check the side profile carefully. Real Jordan 4s have a distinctive shape, with the heel area curving nicely into the rest of the shoe. Fakes might have a flatter or more awkward-looking profile.
• The General Proportions: Authentic Jordan 4s have well-balanced proportions. If something looks too big, too small, or just out of place, it's a red flag.

Counterfeiters sometimes miss these subtle details, focusing more on getting the basic colors and logos right. However, the overall shape and proportions are critical indicators of authenticity. Take your time to compare the shoes with official images or pictures of known authentic pairs to get a feel for the correct shape. This initial step can often help you quickly identify a fake.

Also, remember that minor variations can occur even in authentic pairs due to manufacturing differences, but these should be minimal. Major discrepancies in shape and proportion are almost always a sign of a fake. Being meticulous in this step can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

2. Color Accuracy

One of the most obvious ways to spot a fake is by checking the color accuracy. The 'Infrared' colorway is iconic, and any deviation from the authentic shade is a major red flag. Here's what to look for:

• The Right Shade of Infrared: The infrared color should be a vibrant, almost neon-like red. Fakes often get this wrong, using a shade that's either too dull, too orange, or too pink. Compare the color to official images or pictures of authentic pairs to get a good sense of what it should look like. Slight variations can occur due to lighting, but significant differences are a clear sign of a fake.
• Consistency Across Materials: The infrared color should be consistent across all materials on the shoe, including the plastic wings, the midsole accents, and any other parts that feature the color. If you notice that the color varies significantly from one part to another, it's likely a fake. Counterfeiters often struggle to maintain color consistency due to the use of different materials and dyes.
• Color Bleeding or Inconsistencies: Check for any signs of color bleeding or inconsistent application, especially around the edges of the infrared sections. Authentic sneakers have clean, crisp lines, while fakes may have messy or uneven coloring.

Remember, color accuracy is crucial, and even a slight difference can indicate a counterfeit. Take your time to examine the colors closely and compare them to reliable sources to ensure you're getting the real deal. High-quality images and videos can be beneficial, but nothing beats seeing an authentic pair in person to get a true sense of the correct colors.

3. Material Quality

Material quality is a huge giveaway when distinguishing between real and fake Jordan 4 Infrareds. Authentic Jordan 4s use premium materials that not only look great but also feel durable and high-quality. Here’s what to inspect:

• The Leather: Real Jordan 4s feature high-quality leather. It should feel supple, smooth, and have a premium texture. Fake pairs often use cheaper, synthetic leather that feels stiff, plastic-like, or even rough to the touch. Examine the grain of the leather closely. Authentic leather has a natural grain pattern, while synthetic leather may have an artificial or overly uniform texture.
• The Mesh: The mesh on the side panels and tongue should be tightly woven and feel substantial. Fake pairs often use a looser, cheaper mesh that feels flimsy and may even have visible gaps. Check the uniformity of the mesh pattern. Authentic sneakers have a consistent and even mesh pattern, while fakes may have irregularities or inconsistencies.
• The Plastics: The plastic wings and heel tab should be made from durable, high-quality plastic. They should feel solid and not easily bend or flex. Fake pairs often use cheaper, more brittle plastic that feels flimsy and may be prone to breaking. Examine the finish of the plastic. Authentic plastic components have a smooth, even finish, while fakes may have a rough or uneven texture.

Don't underestimate the importance of feeling the materials. If possible, compare the feel of the shoes to other authentic Jordan 4s you may have handled before. The difference in material quality is often immediately noticeable and can be a reliable indicator of authenticity.

4. Stitching and Construction

Another critical area to examine is the stitching and overall construction of the shoe. Authentic Jordan 4s are meticulously crafted, with precise stitching and attention to detail. Here’s what to look for:

• Clean and Consistent Stitching: The stitching should be clean, uniform, and consistent throughout the shoe. There should be no loose threads, uneven spacing, or crooked lines. Fake pairs often have sloppy stitching, with noticeable errors and inconsistencies.
• Stitch Density: Check the stitch density. Authentic sneakers typically have a higher stitch density, meaning there are more stitches per inch. This contributes to the shoe's durability and overall quality. Fakes often have a lower stitch density, which can make the shoe feel less sturdy.
• Proper Alignment: Ensure that all panels and components are properly aligned. The different parts of the shoe should fit together seamlessly, with no gaps or overlaps. Fake pairs may have misaligned panels, which can be a sign of poor construction.

Pay close attention to areas where different materials meet, such as the edges of the leather panels and the seams of the mesh. These are often areas where counterfeiters cut corners, resulting in noticeable flaws. Remember, authentic sneakers are made with precision and care, so any signs of sloppy construction should raise a red flag.

5. Details: Laces, Tongue Tag, and Heel Tab

Digging into the details like the laces, tongue tag, and heel tab can reveal a lot about the authenticity of your Jordan 4 Infrareds. Counterfeiters often overlook these smaller elements, making them great indicators.

• Laces: Authentic Jordan 4 laces should feel substantial and well-made. They should have the correct length and a consistent texture. Fake laces often feel thin, cheap, or too long/short. Check the aglets (the plastic tips at the end of the laces). They should be securely attached and have a clean finish. Fakes may have poorly attached or finished aglets.
• Tongue Tag: The tongue tag is a crucial detail. Check the font, spacing, and overall clarity of the text and logos. Authentic tongue tags have crisp, well-defined graphics, while fakes may have blurry or poorly printed details. Also, examine the stitching around the tag. It should be clean and consistent, with no loose threads or uneven spacing.
• Heel Tab: The heel tab is another important area to inspect. The Jumpman logo should be clean, well-proportioned, and accurately positioned. Fakes often have misshapen or poorly defined Jumpman logos. Check the texture and finish of the heel tab. It should feel smooth and have a consistent color. Fakes may have a rough or uneven texture.

Don't underestimate the power of these small details. They can often be the key to distinguishing between a real and fake pair of Jordan 4 Infrareds. Take your time to examine each element carefully, and compare them to images of authentic pairs.

6. The Smell Test

Yep, you read that right! The smell test can actually be a surprisingly effective way to spot a fake. Authentic sneakers made with high-quality materials often have a distinct, pleasant smell. Fake sneakers, on the other hand, often have a strong chemical odor due to the use of cheap materials and glues.

• Authentic Smell: Real Jordan 4s should have a subtle, leathery smell. It shouldn't be overpowering or offensive. The smell should be indicative of high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
• Fake Smell: Fake Jordan 4s often have a strong, chemical smell that can be quite unpleasant. This odor is typically caused by the use of cheap synthetic materials and harsh adhesives. The smell may be reminiscent of plastic, rubber, or other industrial chemicals.

Of course, relying solely on the smell test isn't foolproof, as scents can dissipate over time or be masked by other factors. However, if you notice a strong, chemical odor, it's definitely a red flag and warrants further investigation.

7. Box and Packaging

The box and packaging are often overlooked, but they can provide valuable clues about the authenticity of your Jordan 4 Infrareds. Counterfeiters sometimes neglect the details of the packaging, making it an easy way to spot a fake.

• Box Quality: The box should be made from sturdy, high-quality cardboard. It should have a clean, crisp finish and no signs of damage or wear. Fake boxes often use cheaper cardboard that feels flimsy and may have printing errors or inconsistencies.
• Label Details: Check the label on the box carefully. The font, spacing, and overall clarity of the text should be consistent with authentic Nike boxes. The label should include information such as the shoe's style code, size, and colorway. Verify that this information matches the details on the shoe itself. Fakes often have errors or inconsistencies in the label details.
• Packaging Inserts: Authentic sneakers typically come with packaging inserts, such as tissue paper and cardboard shoe trees. These inserts help to protect the shoes during shipping and storage. Check the quality of these inserts. They should be made from decent materials and fit properly inside the box. Fakes may omit these inserts or use cheaper, lower-quality versions.

Don't dismiss the importance of the box and packaging. They can provide valuable insights into the authenticity of your sneakers. Compare the box to images of authentic boxes and pay attention to the details. Any discrepancies should raise suspicion and prompt further investigation.

8. Price Too Good to Be True?

Let's be real, guys. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Jordan 4 Infrareds are a highly sought-after sneaker, and authentic pairs typically fetch a premium price. Be wary of sellers offering these shoes at significantly below market value.

• Market Value: Research the current market value of Jordan 4 Infrareds. Check reputable sneaker marketplaces and resale sites to get an idea of the going rate. This will give you a baseline for what you can expect to pay for an authentic pair.
• Unrealistic Discounts: Be cautious of sellers offering these shoes at deep discounts, especially if the price is far below market value. While it's possible to find deals on occasion, it's rare to find authentic Jordan 4 Infrareds being sold for significantly less than their usual price.
• Questionable Sources: Be wary of purchasing from unverified sources or sellers with little to no reputation. Stick to reputable retailers, authorized dealers, or established sneaker marketplaces with buyer protection policies.

Remember, it's better to pay a bit more for an authentic pair from a trusted source than to risk getting scammed with a fake. If a deal seems too good to be true, exercise caution and do your due diligence before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

Spotting fake Jordan 4 Infrareds can be tricky, but by paying attention to these key details – the overall look, color accuracy, material quality, stitching, details, smell, packaging, and price – you'll be well-equipped to protect yourself from getting scammed. Stay vigilant, do your research, and trust your gut! Happy sneaker hunting!