How To Spot Fake Nike Air Max 90 (Any)

Ch David
nike am90 fake vs real
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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.

How to spot fake Nike Air Max 90

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.

Step 1: Fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 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.

real vs fake air max 90

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.

Step 2: Real vs fake Nike Air Max 90 rear details

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.

nike air max 90 authenticity check guide

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.

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Step 3: Check the print on the insole of your Air Max 90s

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.

fake air max 90

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.

Step 4: Look at the “AIR MAX” text on the side of the shoes

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.

fake vs real air max 90

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.

Step 5: Verify the tongue label of your Nike Air Max 90

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.

real vs fake nike am90

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.

Step 6: Examine the Nike Swoosh logo on the side of your 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.

how to spot fake air max 90

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.

Step 7: Authenticate the curviness of the holes on the midsole of your shoes

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.

air max 90 legit check guide

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.

Step 8: Fake vs real Nike Air Max 90 toe box

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.

fake vs real nike air max 90

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!

How can I spot fake Nike Air Max 90 in 60 seconds?

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.

  1. Scan the size tag for any font-weight flaws. Mostly, the counterfeit Nike AM90 sneakers have their size tag’s text improperly font-weighted, as some of the letters are either thicker or thinner than what they should actually look like
  2. Verify the shoes for the rear details. Usually, the fake shoes have their text looking too thick and curvy, and the stitching on the rear side is commonly looking too short and thick as well
  3. Look at the insole of your Air Max 90s. Most of the time, the replica Nike AM90 sneakers have their “A I R” text on the insole looking too thin
  4. Inspect the “AIR MAX” text on the side of your shoes. Mostly, the replica Nike AM90 sneakers have their text on the side of the shoes looking too thin
  5. Verify the text on the tongue’s badge of your shoes. Usually, the fake pairs have their text looking too thick and boxy
  6. Keep an eye out for the quality of the Nike Swoosh logo, as the fake shoes commonly have their Swoosh poorly glued at the top sharp tip, and not only that but also look too curvy
  7. Check the holes in the midsole of your Nike AM90 sneakers. The replica pairs usually have their holes on the midsole looking too curvy
  8. Analyze the toe box of your shoes. Most of the time, the fake shoes have their toe box looking over-inflated, too thick and too chunky

Where can I get my Nike Air Max 90 authenticated? The Nike legit check service

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.

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Thank you for reading this,

Ch Daniel and Ch David

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About the Author

Ch David is the co-founder and CEO of Legit Check By Ch. Ch David is in charge of the Legit Check By Ch Library of real vs fake authentication guides, where hundreds (soon thousands!) of free guides on how to authenticate various items are published under his supervision.
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