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If you are here because you want to learn how to spot fake Nike Air Max 97 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 97, with the help of our reference fake vs real Air Max 97 images.
Before we begin the real vs fake Nike Air Max 97 legit check guide, we’d like to mention that this guide applies all of the colourways of the Air Max 97s.
The fastest way to spot fake Nike Air Max 97 sneakers is to check the size tag inside each shoe. The counterfeit-produced Air Max 97s never have their text on the size tag at the correct font weight, as there are many differences in terms of thickness for the inscriptions.
As we’ve previously mentioned, we consider the size tag as the most reliable sign of authenticity when speaking of the Air Max 97, and this is why we are starting this fake vs real Air Max 97 general legit check guide with this step.
Therefore, whenever you have to legit check the Air Max 97 Nikes, we recommend that you make sure to check the size tag first.
With this being said, let’s first have a look at the real vs fake Nike Air Max 97 reference image below. After this, we are going to explain the flaws of the fake sneakers.
Now that you’ve had a look at the reference real vs fake Air Max 97 image above, let’s move on to the flaws visible on the replica 97s.
First of all, looking at the product ID number, which can be found on the middle side of the size tag, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their product ID number look too thick and small.
On the other hand, the authentic sneakers have their text at a lower font weight, as the ID code on the legit shoes is thinner.
Then, looking at the date of manufacturing of the shoes on the left side, you can see how the fake shoes have their “04/05/17” date print improperly font-weighted, as the font-weights differ on that line of text.
In fact, the fake shoes have their “04” text looking too thick, and the rest of the numbers are thinner than what they are supposed to look.
The legitimate Air Max 97s have their whole printing with the date of manufacturing of the shoes at the same font-weight, without varying between the prints.
Lastly, looking at the “MADE IN VIETNAM” and the “FABRIQUE EN VIETNAM” printing below the product ID code, you can see how the fake shoes have their letters with varying font-weight, once again.
The fake shoes have their first two words on both of the two rows of text looking too thin, and the last words are thicker than supposed to be.
Speaking of the authentic shoes, you can see in the real vs fake Nike Air Max 97 image above how they have their two lines of text at the same font weight.
With this being said for the size tag of the real vs fake Air Max 97 Nikes, let’s move on to the second step of the guide on how to spot fake Nike AM97 sneakers.
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Moving on to the second step of the guide on how to spot fake Nike Air Max 97 sneakers, we are going to have a look at the Nike Swoosh logo on the side of the shoes.
In order to properly analyze each detail on both the fake vs real Nike AM97s, let’s have a quick look at the image below.
In the fake vs real Air Max 97 image above, we have pointed out two main flaws visible on the fake shoes’ Nike Swoosh logo.
First of all, the fake shoes have their Nike Swoosh logo looking too thick, which is the first and easily noticeable flaw.
On the other hand, the Nike Swoosh logo on the legit Nike AM97s is thinner and “slimmer” than the logo visible on the replica pair.
Then, the second thing which is often encountered on the fake Air Max 97s is the size of the logo.
The fake Nike sneakers have their Swoosh logo too short and boxy, while the logo on the authentic shoes appears to be bigger.
Check out these legit check guides: Air Force 1, Air Max 90.
Proceeding to the third way on how to spot fake Nike Air Max 97 sneakers, we are going to have a look at the real vs fake Nike AM97 sneakers for the logo on the tongue’s badge.
As you may be used to already, we will first give a quick look at the reference real vs fake Nike AM97 image below, and then, we’ll proceed to the flaws of the fake shoes.
Looking at the fake vs real Air Max 97 image above, you can see how the counterfeit Nike Air Max 97s have their tongue Swoosh looking too thin, while the legit shoes have their logo looking thicker.
Moreover, the fake shoes also have their stitching all around the badge on the tongue lacking quality.
That’s caused by the fact that the fake shoes’ stitching is too short and improperly weighted on the sides.
By that, we mean that the fake shoes have their stitching on the tongue looking too thick at the top, and on the sides, it narrows as it gets thinner.
On the other hand, the authentic Air Max 97s have their stitching on the tongue looking longer than the fake shoes’ stitching, and on top of that, it also has the same weight on each side.
As for the fourth way on how to spot fake Air Max 97 Nikes, we are going to check the real vs fake Nike Air Max 97s for the text on the rear heel tab.
In the real vs fake Nike Air Max 97 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their text on the rear tab improperly positioned, kerned, and font-weighted.
First, the fake shoes have their text on the rear tab improperly positioned because it is not centred – by that, we mean that the fake shoes don’t have their text placed in the middle of the tab.
The genuine Nike Air Max 97s have their text placed in the middle of the tab, having the same amount of space from the text and to the left and right sides of the tab.
Once again, the fake shoes have their text placed too close to the left edge of the tab, therefore leaving too much empty space to the right edge of the tab.
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.
Moving on to the sixth step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 97s, we are going to have a look at the full shoes from the side.
As you may know, we will first give a quick look at the real vs fake Nike Air Max 97 image below.
In the real vs fake Air Max 97 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their toe box over-inflated, while the legit shoes have their toe box looking deflated.
By that, we mean that the fake shoes have their toe box looking too bulky and thick, while the legit shoes have their toe box looking smaller and thinner than the fake shoes’ toe box.
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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 sixth step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 97 sneakers, we are going to flip the fake vs real Nike AM97 pairs upside down, and check out the Nike Swoosh logos on the bubble on the sole.
In the real vs fake AM97 Nike image above, you can see how the fake shoes have their Swoosh improperly positioned.
The authentic shoes have their Swoosh placed in the precise middle of the bubble, while the fake shoes have their logo misplaced.
In fact, the fake shoes have their Swoosh placed too low, as it is too far away from the top of the bubble.
For the seventh and the last step of the guide on how to spot fake Air Max 97s, we are going to check the real vs fake Air Max 97s for the 3M Reflective material.
In order to do so, we are going to switch the lights off and turn the flashing on. Let’s have a look at the reference fake vs real Nike Air Max 97 image below.
In the real vs fake Air Max 97 image above, we have pointed out how the fake shoes have their 3M Reflective material shining poorly when they are compared to how the authentic shoes shine.
On the other hand, the authentic 97s shine in a better way than the fake shoes.
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 97.
That is why we have compiled this quick 60 seconds solution to authenticating your sneakers. Below are the top 7 indicators that can help you determine if you have a fake pair of sneakers or an original Nike-manufactured Air Max 97.
If you need help with the authentication of your Nike Air Max 97, we’ve got you covered.
All you have to do is send us good-quality pictures of your Nike Air Max 97 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 97 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
