How To Spot Fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon (Real Vs Fake)

Ch Daniel
Nike Air Max 1/97 SW Authentication Guide
Proven expertise, not self-claimed. Get checked by the industry's top experts.
Get Authenticated
NEW!

The ultimate answer on how to legit check the Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon is to closely look at the bump of the heel because replica manufacturers usually miss this detail (scroll down to see the full explanation of this spot). Another really important tell for the fake vs real AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers is the tongue badge. The replica sneakers never manage to fix this little detail, and so, the quality of the fake shoes does not compare to the legit shoes.

Looking to learn how to spot fake Nike Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers? Then no wonder, you are in the right place to learn how to differentiate between the fake vs real Nike AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pairs.

First of all, let’s being with a little information about this pair of Nike Air Max 97.

So, the back story of this pair of sneakers starts like this: Sean Wotherspoon was the luckiest and the most creative person out of the 12 participants in the Nike contest to submit a new design for the Nike Air Max.

His idea was to combine the upper part of the sneaker taken from the famous Nike Air Max 97 and the midsole from the Air Max 1 models.

In fact, Nike decided this was the best model out of the contest, and here we are with this beautiful shoe.

Without any further ado, let’s jump into the Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon legit check guide!

How to spot fake Nike Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon

Step 1: Fake vs real Air Max 1/97 SW tongue badge

As for the first step of the guide on how to spot the fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers we are going to analyze the badge on the tongue.

Since we consider this as the most reliable sign of the authenticity of the AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers, we are going to compare the real vs fake Air Max 1/97 SW sneakers to the top three quality replicas on the market.

The best replica comparison

We are first going to have a look at the reference fake vs real AM 1/97 SW image in order to understand the flaws on the fake shoes easier.

air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon fake vs real tongue badge

In the fake vs real Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon image above, we have pointed out the fact that on the fake sneakers, the stitching all around the fake shoes’ tongue is thinner than the stitching on the authentic sneakers, which is thicker.

Not only that but if you analyze the distance from the top and to the wave on the tongue, you can see how the fake shoes have their wave placed higher than the wave on the authentic sneakers.

The second best quality replica

Moving on, we are now going to show you the comparison of the mid-tier replica of the Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon.

real vs fake air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon tongue

As you can see in the fake vs real Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon image above, we have pointed out at the replica sneakers how they have their wave improperly shaped, as it is taller and less wide than the one met on the retail Sean Wotherspoon 1/97’s.

On the other hand, the retail Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers have their wave on the tongue looking wider and less tall than the fake shoes.

The inferior quality replica

For the third comparison of the real vs fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers, we are going to analyze the replica shoes that have an inferior quality from the ones illustrated in the fake vs real AM 1/97 SW images above.

how to spot fake air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon

In the fake vs real Air Max 1/97 SW image above, we have placed the hand-emoji pointers which show you how the fake shoes have extra threads hanging on the edges of the tongue badge, while on the authentic sneakers, you can see no stitching hanging because it’s all set perfectly.

On top of that, looking at the wave, you can see how the fake shoes do not have their wave correctly centred, as it is placed too high on the badge.

The legit Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers have their wave placed correctly, having less distance on the bottom, unlike the fake shoes, which have too much distance from the badge to the bottom of the label.

🚀 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!

Step 2: Look out for the shape of the heel bump

The main flaw of the replica Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon is the shape. More specifically, the replica AM 1/97 SW pairs miss the bump in the heel.

As we said previously, this is another one of the most reliable signs of authenticity when speaking of the real vs fake Air Max 1/97 SW sneakers, and that’s why we have this as the second step of the Air Max 1/97 SW legit check guide.

air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon legit check guide

In fact, the replica AM 1/97 SW pairs have that area too straight. See the photos below for a better explanation.

Here’s another view from the back of the real vs fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon sneakers, in order for you to understand the flaws on the fake Air Max 1/97’s easier.

how to legit check air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon

As you can see, the replica Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pair does not have the heel bump.

Also, the fake Air Max 1/97 SW pair looks bulkier and thicker on every side of the shoe, while the legit pair is thicker just on the rear part of the heel, where the heel bump should be.

Check out these legit check guides: Union Air Jordan 1, Yeezy Zebra.

Step 3: Check out the interior lining of the Air Max 1/97

As for the second step of our real vs fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon legit check guide, we’ve prepared the interior lining of these sneakers.

First, let’s have a quick look at the reference real vs fake Air Max 1/97 Sw picture in order to understand the flaws in the fake shoes easier.

air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon legit check guide

The ankle lining of the fake AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon is different coloured, since it looks a lot shinier than the interior lining of the legit pair.

Besides the colour, you can see how the material of the fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon interior lining is different.

In order for a pair to be authentic, the colour should look just like in the picture with the authentic Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon represented above, looking golden and nappy.

Step 4: Verify the stitching of the Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon

We have highlighted how there is a wrong colour for the blue stitching on the front and the back of the replica AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon.

The replica pair has a darker blue than the legit one. Also, the pink looks dirtier than the authentic.

fake air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon

Also, we also want you to pay attention to the overall stitching, and compare the pair you’re analyzing with a real one, or if it is easier, with our real vs fake AM 1/97 SW pictures, to make sure that there aren’t any inconsistencies.

You can notice with the naked eye how, on the fake AM 1/97 SW pair, the blue line is a lot shorter than the legit one, in some angles, and in fact, it makes the pink look line bigger.

Again, here we have another angle for the stitching on the Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon.

air max 1/97 sean wotherspoon real vs fake

As you can see in the fake vs real Air Max 1/97 SW picture above, the same problem is visible from this angle too.

Step 5: Authenticate the Swoosh patch found on the side of the sneaker

Now, let’s also analyze the Swoosh logo that can be found on the side of your Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pair.

air max 1/97 sw real vs fake

The Sean Wotherspoon 1/97 brown swoosh patch has the wrong shape on the fake pair.

As visible in the pictures above, the fake AM 1/97 SW Swoosh looks less sharp than the authentic one, and it has poorer stitching. Also, at the top of the Swoosh, it looks too thick on the fake pair.

Then, pay attention to the placement of the golden Swoosh and the stitching that’s outlining the patch.

how to spot fake air max 1/97 sw

You can easily notice in the real vs fake AM 1/97 SW pictures above, how the fake Swoosh is placed too much to the left side of the brown patch.

Besides, you can see how the fake Air Max 1/97 SW pair has the whole Swoosh looking too thick and big compared to the retail logo.

🚀 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!

Step 6: Watch out for any glue stains on the Air Max 1/97

A general thing to look out for in every fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon in fact, the glue stains are more common to appear on this shoe as there are several materials overlapping here.

am 1/97 sean wotherspoon real vs fake

On the fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pair, you can notice how, on the purple area, there are white parts of glue covering the purple colour, and they seem to come from the black part above them.

Step 7: Check the insole of the AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon

As for the sixth step of our real vs fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon legit check guide, we’ve prepared the insoles.

how to tell fake am 1/97 sean wotherspoon

The insole on the fake AM 1/97 pair is different coloured, as it looks darker and more concentrated.

Also, the replica Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon insoles look less reflective and shiny than the ones on the authentic AM 1/97 SW pair.

How can I spot fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pairs in 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 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon.

That is why we have compiled this quick 60 seconds solution to authenticating your AM 197 SW.

  1. Verify the tongue badge. Most commonly, the fake Air Max 1/97 SW sneakers will have their tongue wave placed higher than the wave of the legit sneakers, and the stitching around the badge is thinner on the fake shoes
  2. Analyze the heel bump. The legit AM 1/97 SW pairs have a bump on the heel site, while the fake pairs usually miss it
  3. Check the interior lining of your Nike AM 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pair. The authentic AM 1/97 SW pairs have the interior lining looking golden and nappy
  4. Inspect the stitching on your Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pair. The replica pairs usually don’t have the coloured stitching lines equal to the legit ones, as they seem deformed
  5. Check the golden Swoosh that can be found on the brown patch of your Air Max 1/9 Sean Wotherspoon. The fake Swoosh looks, most of the time, bigger and thicker than the legit Swoosh logo
  6. Analyze your Sean Wotherspoon 1/97 Air Max pair for any glue stains. The replica AM 1/97 SW pairs usually have visible glue at the surface of the coloured lines on the toe box
  7. Authenticate the insoles of your Air Max 1/97 SW. Most of the time, the fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pairs have the insoles looking less bright and shiny

Where can I get my Nike Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon authenticated? The AM 1/97 SW authentication service

If you need help with the authentication of your Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon, we’ve got you covered.

All you have to do is send us good-quality pictures of your Air Max 1/97 SW 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 guide on how to spot fake Air Max 1/97 Sean Wotherspoon pairs. 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.

Get our opinion

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

Did our guide help you?

If you add your email below, we'll be able to send you more useful stuff in the future.
Hey! Thanks for telling us that! We'll keep you updated!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

About the Author

Ch Daniel is the co-founder and chairman of Legit Check By Ch. Daniel is leading the development of new products of Legit Check By Ch, as well as strategising how else the company can reach its main mission: building the infrastructure for safely buying luxury items.
Feel like our guide was helpful? Is what we're creating helping you?

Great 🥳

We can keep you updated with what other offers and new stuff we'll put out (no spam, we promise)