If you are here because you want to learn how to spot fake Nike Air Max 90 sneakers, then you are in the right place.
By reading this article, you will easily learn the main ways to spot fake Nike Air Max 90, with the help of our reference fake vs real Air Max 90 images.
Before we begin the real vs fake Nike Air Max 90 legit check guide, we’d like to mention that this guide applies all of the colourways of the Air Max 90s.
We consider the size tag that can be found inside the shoes as the most reliable sign of authenticity. The fake sneakers always have their size tag’s text improperly font-weighted, as there are letters and numbers with different font-weights, while the legit shoes always have the same thickness for their characters on the size tag.
As we’ve previously mentioned, we consider the size tag as the most reliable sign of authenticity when speaking of the Air Max 90s, and this is why we started this real vs fake Nike AM90 legit check guide with the size tag.
Now, as promised in the introduction of this guide, we are first going to have a look at the reference Nike Air Max 90 fake vs real image below, and then, we are going to explain the flaws of the fake shoes.
In the real vs fake Nike AM90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake size tag has its text badly font-weighted, as there are numerous different thicknesses for the characters.
First of all, looking in the middle of the size tag, you will find the printing with the product ID code, which is different for each Air Max 90 colourway.
In the real vs fake Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake item has its printing with the product ID code looking too thin.
On the other hand, the authentic Air Max 90’s product ID code is thicker than the fake shoes’ text.
Then, on the right side of the ID code, you’ll see the date of manufacturing the sneakers.
Once again, the authentic shoes have their text looking thicker than the fake shoes’ text with the date of manufacturing.
In fact, the fake shoes have different font weights for this text as well, as you can see how the “20/18” text is thicker than the “07” text, and how the authentic shoes remain the same thickness for each symbol on the date print.
Lastly, looking at the “MADE IN VIETNAM” and at the “FABRIQUE EN VIETNAM” text below the product ID code, we have pointed out in the fake vs real Air Max 90 image above how the fake shoes have their two lines of text looking thinner and less defined than the ones on the legit shoes.
By that, we mean that the text on the authentic shoes is thicker and also more defined, printed in a better manner than the fake shoes’ text.
With this being said for the first step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 90, let’s proceed to the next step of the guide.
For the second step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 90 Nikes, we are going to flip the shoes to the rear side, and check out the details on the rear side of the Air Max 90s.
First, let’s give a look at the reference fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 image below.
In the real vs fake Nike AM90 image above, we have pointed out how, first of all, the fake shoes have their “NIKE” text a bit thicker than the legit shoes’ text, while the text on the authentic sneakers is thinner.
Then, looking at the “A I R” text, we noticed how the counterfeit Nike Air Max 90s have their text looking too thick and a bit too curvy, and how the authentic sneakers have their text thinner and less curvy.
Lastly, one of the most lethal spots to check when you are in the back of the Air Max 90s is the stitching.
In the fake vs real Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their stitching looking too short and thin.
On the other hand, the retail shoes have their stitching on the back of the shoes looking longer and thicker than the fake shoes’ stitching.
🚀 Buy your favourite items online safely.
We have compiled an ultimate list with over 80 places online where you can buy genuine items. Streetwear, designer, bags, watches, you name it!
As for the third step of the guide on how to authenticate Nike Air Max 90 sneakers, we are going to have a look at the real vs fake Air Max 90s on the inside, specifically on the print visible on the insole.
Looking at the Air Max 90 fake vs real image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their “A I R” text looking too thin.
On the other hand, the authentic shoes have their text looking thicker than what it looks like on the fake pair.
Moving on to the fourth step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 90s, we are going to check the fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 pairs for the text on the side.
In the fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their text looking noticeably thicker than the one on the authentic shoes.
Therefore, the authentic shoes have their “AIR MAX” text looking thinner when compared to the replica shoes’ text.
The steps we’ve written so far are the best ways to authenticate this item.
The next few steps are still reliable signs of authenticity but are for non-top-versions of replicas available for this item. We recommend sticking to the steps we’ve explained above to make sure you’re not drawing the wrong conclusions.
Proceeding to the fifth step of the guide on how to authenticate Air Max 90s, we are going to verify the real vs fake Nike AM90 sneakers for the tongue’s label.
As you may know already, we are first going to have a quick look at the fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 image below.
In the fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out three main flaws visible on the replica 90s.
First of all, the upmost hand-emoji pointer in the fake vs real Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their stitching looking too thin and kerned with too much empty space between.
On the other hand, the authentic shoes have their stitching thicker and with less space between the stitches, as all of the stitches are placed close to each other, so as to not leave any blank space between them.
Then, the registered trademark “®” symbols on the fake shoes are too thick, while the ones on the authentic shoes are thinner.
At the same time, the “NIKE” text on the fake shoes’ tongue label is thicker and boxier than the text visible on the legit shoes.
As for the sixth way on how to spot fake Nike Air Max 90 sneakers, we are going to have a look at the real vs fake Air Max 90s for the Nike Swoosh logo on the side of the shoes.
In the real vs fake Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their top sharp tip of the Nike Swoosh logo looking too curvy, while the authentic shoes have their logo less curvy.
At the same time, you can see how the authentic shoes have their top sharp tip looking glued to the shoes, while the fake shoes have their Nike Swoosh logo coming out of the shoes a bit, as it is not glued properly.
You might also like to learn how to spot fake Nike Air Force 1 and Nike Air Max 97.
Going to the seventh step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 90s, we are going to have a quick look at the real vs fake Air Max 90 sneakers for the curviness of the holes visible on the midsole.
In the Nike AM90 fake vs real image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their holes on the midsole looking too curvy, while the holes on the authentic shoes’ midsole are narrower.
As for the eighth and the last way how to spot fake Nike Air Max 90, we are going to check the fake vs real Nike AM90 sneakers for the toe box’s inflation level.
In the real vs fake Nike Air Max 90 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their toe box looking over-inflated, as it has a chunkier and thicker look when compared toe box of the legit shoes.
🚀 Buy your favourite items online safely.
We have compiled an ultimate list with over 80 places online where you can buy genuine items. Streetwear, designer, bags, watches, you name it!
There are situations where you may be unable to go through each detailed step explained above when you need to authenticate your Nike Air Max 90.
That is why we have compiled this quick 60 seconds solution to authenticating your sneakers. Below are the top 8 indicators that can help you determine if you have a fake pair of sneakers or an original Nike-manufactured Air Max 90.
If you need help with the authentication of your Nike Air Max 90, we’ve got you covered.
All you have to do is send us good-quality pictures of your Nike Air Max 90 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 fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 guide. We will continue to update this article as better and newer comparisons are put out.
Need our opinion over your item’s authenticity? It’s a service we provide.
Make sure you follow our Instagram, our YouTube Channel, or our other socials (check out the footer).
Thank you for reading this,
Ch Daniel and Ch David