And a shortlist with all the steps you need to take
How to tell if Jordan 4 University Blue are fake
You can tell if Jordan 4 University Blue are fake if their size tag presents very thick inscriptions. Bolded text always indicates a fake pair.
1. Size tag
1.1. The factory inscription: VW1
The fake text is too big.
The same inscriptions are too thick
On the other hand, the retail AJ4 University blues have the same text looking thinner and narrower than the fake “VW1” print.
Note: The “VW1” text stands for the factory assigned to manufacture the authentic UNC 4s.
1.2. The style code: CT8527-400
The fake pair’s text is too thick.
The fake style code uses a different font from the real pair’s text.
Most noticeable in the “CT” text: fake pair’s letters are improperly shaped since they don’t make contact one with another.
Looking at the genuine shoes, it is noticeable how the style code’s print is thicker and how the “CT” text is in contact, unlike the fake pair’s prints.
Worth mentioning is that this code is unique to this colourway of the AJ4s.
1.3. The UPC code (text + numbers)
The fake pair’s text is too thin.
Looking at the real pair’s text, it is visible that it is thicker than the fake pair’s text.
Expert Legit Check - Let our team look at your Jordans:
3. Double stitching
Below the triangle-shaped cages, you are going to find those rectangle-shaped stitches on all profile sides of the UNC 4s.
In the image with the real vs replica Air Jordan 4 University Blue sneakers above:
The fake pair has too much empty space inside the rectangle.
The fake pair’s rectangle is too wide on the inside.
As picky as this may seem, this is what an authentic pair should look like – it is mandatory that the rectangle has to be narrow on the real UNC 4s.
3. Tongue
The fake pair’s threads look too thin and too long, therefore being less dense than the real ones.
Speaking of which, the authentic Air Jordan 4 University Blue pair’s stitching on the tongue is thicker and shorter, as there are more stitches on the real tongue’s badge than on the fake one.
4. Toe box
The fake pair’s toe box is too flat and how it is too little curvy.
The replica toe box is too small and it is arched too little, as it is too far away from the ground.
On the other hand, you can notice how the genuine Air Jordan 4 UNC pair’s toe box is bigger and curvier than the fake one since the real toe box’s tip is further away from the ground than its replica’s.
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. Interior tongue
The fake pair’s “AIR JORDAN” text is too tiny.
You can notice the size of the text if you look at how further away from the edges of the badge the text is.
The fake pair’s upside-down “AIR JORDAN” text is placed too far away from each side of the badge.
At the same time, you can also notice how the real AJ4s have their text placed closer to each edge of the badge since the text is bigger on the real label.
6. Rear details
The fake pair’s stitching all around the patch is improperly done.
The fake pair’s threads have different weights: some of the threads on the left side of the patch are too thin, and most of the threads on the right side are too thick.
Looking at the real pair’s stitches, you can notice how they all have the same thickness.
7. Sole
The fake pair’s Jumpman has its outline too deep and too thick.
The fake Jumpman looks too wide due to this big outline.
The real pair’s Jumpman looks thinner because its outline isn’t as wide as the fake one.
Shortlist: Jordan 4 UNC Legit Check
Check the size tag of your AJ4 UNC. Mostly, the fake AJ4 pairs have their text looking too thick or too thin
Look at the stitching rectangle below the cage on the profile side of the shoes. Most of the fake pairs have a gap too large inside the rectangle
Check the tongue stitching of your Air Jordan 4. The fake Air Jordan 4 pairs are common have the stitching on the tongue looking too thin and too long
Examine the toe box area of your Air Jordan 4. Mostly, the fake sneakers have their toe box looking too little curvy and
Inspect the interior tongue “AIR JORDAN” labels. Usually, the counterfeit Air Jordan 4 have their text looking too small
Analyze the rear side’s details, as the fake pairs tend to have their stitching at the wrong thickness
Look at the little Jumpman on the sole of your shoes. The fake pairs usually have an outline that’s too thick all around the logo
The 7 detailed steps outlined above might not be so practical when you are in a hurry or when you want to buy sneakers online.
That is why we have compiled this quick 60-second solution to authenticating your sneakers.
Expert Air Jordan 4 University Blue Authentication
If you need help with the authentication of your Air Jordan 4, we’ve got you covered.
All you have to do is send us good-quality pictures of your sneakers and we will get back to you with the results within 24 to 48 hours. The results will also come with a report on why we believe your sneakers are fake or authentic.
That brings us to the end of our real vs fake Air Jordan 4 guide. We will continue to update this article as better and newer comparisons are put out.
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About the Author
David is the co-founder and co-CEO of Legit Check By Ch. David's experience: 5+ years of creating educational content in the fashion industry. 6+ years of authenticating luxury items. Currently, David is the Head Editor of the LCBC Library, where 1,000,000+ words have been published, in free guides, for over 1,000 items.
