How To Spot Fake Jordan 1 Shadow (1.0 & 2.0)

Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by Ch David

You can spot a fake Jordan 1 Shadow by checking the interior tongue label. However, there are 7 other tells to ensure the authenticity of your pair. Let’s check them out!

If you want to learn how to spot fake Air Jordan 1 Shadow, then you are in the best place to do so.

In this guide, we’ll teach you everything about legit checking Shadow 1s in no more than 5 minutes.

Not what you’re looking for? We’ve got other guides you might need:

• Air Jordan 1 High — works for any colorway.
• Air Jordan 1 Mid.
• Air Jordan 1 Low.

If you’re looking to spot fake Jordan 1 High Shadow (1.0 and 2.0), keep reading this.

How to tell if Jordan 1 Shadow are real

You can tell if your Jordan 1 Shadow are real by checking the interior side of the tongue. That label always has thicker letters on fake Shadow Jordan 1s.

Authentic pairs are always flawless, no matter what.

Let’s check it out!

1. Interior tongue label

• The “SWOOSH ®” text is too thin on the fake Jordan 1s.
• The letter “S” in “SWOOSH ®” is placed lower than the rest.
• The next “SWOOSH” text is too small and thin.
• The “W” in the same “SWOOSH’ print is bigger than the rest of the letters.
• The “VOTRE” text has crooked letters as well. It is also smaller than the original.
• The word “QUALITE” presents the very same flaws as the “VOTRE” print.

An authentic label has the same font weight and placement for all of its symbols.

2. Hourglass shape

From the back, genuine Air Jordan 1 Shadow must look:

• Curvy on the upper and lower sides.
• Narrow in the middle.
• Hence, getting the form of an hourglass ⏳.

However, fakes never get the right form.

• The hourglass shape is missing.
• Fake Jordan 1s commonly have their shape looking straight and less curvy.
• They tend to look like a straight tube when compared to authentic sneakers.
• Fake Jordan 1 Shadow pairs never look bumpy enough.

Let’s look at another comparison for your reference:

• We drew a cover around the authentic and the fake Shadow 1s.
• These show you how the fake shoes do not curve as much as the originals.

3. Air Jordan logo text

On the fake shoes:

• The “AIR” text is too thick. Most noticeable in the letter “A”.
• The “JO” in “JORDAN” is too thin.
• Also, “RDAN” looks too thick.
• The “TM” text is too thick and big.

4. Air Jordan logo wings

• The wings are placed too far away on the fake Jordan 1 Shadow.
• The fake shoes’ wings have too much distance from each other.

The wings seen on the authentic Air Jordan 1 Shadow have the same amount of space between each other.

A quick mention:

• The steps we’ve written so far are the BEST ways to authenticate this item
• The next few steps are still reliable methods…
• … but they apply to non-top-versions of replicas available for this item

If in doubt, we recommend double-checking the steps we’ve explained above this line.

5. Toe box

5.1. Perforations

• The perforations look too small on the fake shoes.
• There is also too much space between each hole.

The holes are bigger on the authentic Air Jordan 1 Shadows, hence why they’re closer to each other.

5.2. Shape

• The toe box is over-inflated. It has a thicker and more massive appearance.

The genuine Jordan 1 Shadows have their toe box looking thinner and deflated when compared to the fake shoes.

6. Swoosh

• The Swoosh is placed too low. Hence, it is too close to the midsole.
• The gray stitching is too thin and less dense on the fake Jordan 1s.

7. Rear patch

• The patch on the fake shoes is too tall and not wide enough.

The original Air Jordan 1 Shadow sneakers have their patch smaller in height and larger in width.

8. Cross stitching

• The fake shoes have their cross-stitching looking curvy and bumpier than the legit shoes’ stitching.
• The authentic lines are straight and sharp, without any curves.

The lines seen on the authentic Air Jordan 1 Shadow shoes appear to be more defined.

Shortlist: Authenticate your pair

1. Tongue Label Examination: Inspect the tongue label with multiple lines of text. Counterfeit Air Jordan 1 Shadow often display misaligned text with incorrect font-weight.
2. Hourglass Shape Check: View your shoes from the back, ensuring they possess the signature hourglass shape. Many replica AJ1 sneakers lack this distinct shape found on genuine pairs.
3. Air Jordan Logo Lettering: Assess the lettering of the Air Jordan logo. Counterfeit versions often have letters that appear too thin and spread out.
4. Wings Placement in Logo: Take note of the wings’ positioning within the classic Air Jordan logo. Fake pairs often position the wings too closely together.
5. Toe Box Inspection: Observe your AJ1 Shadow’s toe box. Fake Air Jordan 1 Bred Toe versions typically feature perforation holes that are too large, giving the toe box an over-inflated appearance.
6. Nike Swoosh Logo Position: Ensure the correct placement of the Nike Swoosh logo. Counterfeit versions usually position the logo too low on the shoe’s side.
7. Rear Patch Review: Look at the patch on the shoe’s rear. Fake versions often showcase a patch that’s overly large and broad.
8. Cross-stitching Examination: Examine the side cross-stitching on your AJ1 Shadow. Fakes tend to have curved stitching, while genuine AJ1 Shadows feature stitching that is straight and precise.

The 8 steps provided above can be somewhat extensive, especially if you’re short on time or considering an online purchase.

For such instances, we’ve crafted a concise 60-second guide for verifying your sneakers.

Above are the top 8 pointers to swiftly ascertain the authenticity of your Air Jordan 1 Shadow.

Expert Air Jordan 1 Shadow authentication

Should you require assistance in verifying the authenticity of your Air Jordan 1 Shadow, we’re here to assist.

Just forward clear, high-resolution images of your Air Jordan 1 Shadow to us, and we’ll respond within 24 to 48 hours. Our feedback will include a comprehensive report detailing our reasons for categorizing your sneakers as genuine or counterfeit.

Thank you for perusing our guide on distinguishing genuine Air Jordan 1 Shadow from replicas. Stay tuned as we consistently update our content with the latest comparisons and insights.

Need our opinion on your item’s authenticity? It’s a service we provide.

Get a fully-detailed report for why you have a real or fake item. Takes less than 48 hours!

Alternatively, use our free resources: written guides and video tutorials.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch Daniel and Ch David